A Handy Guide on the Careers in Accounting and Finance You Can Pursue

A Handy Guide on the Careers in Accounting and Finance You Can Pursue

In the dynamic landscape of today’s professional world, a degree in accounting and financial management can serve as a passport to a plethora of exciting careers. It covers a broad and diverse field that offers many opportunities for graduates with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the global business environment. Whether you want to work in the public or private sector, in a large corporation or a small start-up, in a local or international market, there’s a sure career path for you.

Keep on reading as we explore possible careers you can pursue with a degree in accounting and financial management. We will also show you how to achieve your career goals and prepare for professional qualifications.

The Accounting Manager is working in the office, reviewing financial data and market report

5 Careers You Can Take with an Accounting and Financial Management Degree

1. Credit Manager

For those leaning towards risk management and strategic planning, a credit manager role might be the perfect fit. This line of work involves overseeing an organisation’s credit policies and procedures. Here, you’ll assess the creditworthiness of customers, suppliers, and partners and determine the terms and conditions of credit transactions. You’ll also monitor and collect payments, manage bad debts, and minimise credit risks.

To become a credit manager, you’ll need good analytical and communication skills and a keen eye for details. You must also be ready to thrive under pressure and juggle multiple tasks—it’s all part of the game.

2. Account Executive

Venturing into the corporate world, an account executive plays a pivotal role between an organisation and its clients. This includes managing client relationships and ensuring their needs and expectations are met. In this role, you’ll also identify new business opportunities, generate sales leads, and negotiate contracts and deals.

To thrive in this dynamic position, you’ll need top-notch interpersonal and presentation skills, plus a customer-focused mindset. Being proactive and creative is key, as tackling problems and overcoming challenges is all in a day’s work.

Successful businessmen handshaking after a good deal.

3. Financial Analyst

One of the exciting career paths for graduates is stepping into the shoes of a financial analyst. This role involves behind-the-scenes work, providing financial information and advice to an organisation or an individual. You’ll analyse financial data, such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, and use various tools and models to evaluate the financial performance and potential of a business, project, or investment.

From budgeting and forecasting to financial reporting, a financial analyst must have a meticulous and strategic mindset. You’ll need not just numerical and analytical skills but a genuine passion for all things finance and investment, as you’ll be working with large amounts of data and complex calculations daily.

Asian female banker talking and planning an investment plan with a client.

4. Financial Risk Manager

If you have a penchant for strategic planning and risk management, the title of a financial risk manager might be your calling. In this role, you’ll be tasked to identify, measure, and manage an organisation’s financial risks. This means using different techniques and tools, like risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk reporting, to minimise the impact and likelihood of adverse events, including market fluctuations, credit defaults, operational failures, and regulatory changes.

In this career path, you’ll need solid mathematical and statistical skills and a good understanding of finance and risk. Critical thinking and strategic prowess are your trusted companions in becoming a financial risk manager who can cope with uncertainty and volatility in the industry.

The businessman's hand stops the descending block on the table.

5. Corporate Controller

The summit of financial careers lies in the position of a corporate controller. Being the chief accounting officer of an organisation, a corporate controller oversees all accounting and financial functions, such as financial reporting, budgeting, auditing, taxation, and compliance. But it’s not just about numbers, as you’ll also provide financial guidance and support to the senior management and the board of directors, ensuring that the business follows the accounting principles and standards.

To take the lead as a corporate controller, you’ll need more than just extensive accounting and financial knowledge; strong leadership and management skills are necessary. You’ll also need to communicate effectively and persuasively and be able to collaborate with different stakeholders and departments without a hitch.

Investment in innovative financial services leveraging big data technology in the digital world.

Kickstart Your Career in Accounting and Finance with Sunderland HK

The opportunities are endless in the thriving accounting and finance space. Whether you’re crunching numbers as a financial analyst, navigating risks as a credit manager, fostering relationships as an account executive, strategising as a financial risk manager, or leading the financial front as a corporate controller, the journey promises growth, challenge, and success. And a degree from the University of Sunderland HK can be your ticket to these exciting careers!

Our Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Accounting and Financial Management programme, designed for flexibility and affordability, allows you to balance work with your studies. With experienced lecturers and the University of Sunderland’s renowned reputation, you’ll gain the skills employers seek to kickstart your accounting and finance career.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join our programme and begin your journey with the University of Sunderland HK. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more.