Best jobs for CPAs

The best jobs for certified public accountants (CPAs) include compliance auditors, corporate accountants, and anti-money laundering managers. Being a CPA requires getting a certification to prove that you're knowledgeable and trustworthy. Accounting is a business that requires a head for numbers, attention to detail, and honesty. If you're a CPA or are planning to become a CPA, here are ten of the best jobs you can get:

1. Compliance Auditor

   Average Salary: $64,606

   A compliance auditor is responsible for reviewing the company's policies and procedures, ensuring the organization's adherence to state and federal regulations. Compliance auditors inspect the operations of each department, adjusting internal guidelines as needed. They also inspect the condition of all facilities, including tools and equipment, network systems, and business operations. A compliance auditor mitigates risks by analyzing the operational processes and conducting a risk assessment study to prevent compliance issues that may pose a negative effect on the company's performance and stability.

2. Corporate Accountant

   Average Salary: $64,300

   A corporate accountant is a professional who prepares financial statements and maintains financial records of an organization to ensure that they comply with laws, regulations, and the organization's policies. Corporate accountants are required to analyze financial statements to help executives make financial decisions for the organization. They must collect ledgers and financial reports from divisional offices and prepare corporate financial statements for executives. Corporate accountants must also prepare budgets to allocate funds for spending for each department.

3. Anti-Money Laundering Manager

4. Financial Advisor

5. Cost Estimator

   Average Salary: $69,727

   A cost estimator is responsible for conducting data and statistical analysis and cost forecasting to determine the duration, budget limitations, and required resources for project construction and development. Cost estimators identify possible cost-reduction techniques by researching the market and negotiating with suppliers and vendors with high-quality deliverables. They also review project plans and blueprints to provide accurate estimation reports for reference. A cost estimator must have excellent communication and analytical skills, documenting every progress, and adjust estimation plans as needed.

6. Forensic Account

7. Budget Analyst

   Average Salary: $56,598

   A budget analyst supports organizations and businesses by organizing their financial resources to develop and execute budgets for them. A budget analyst is also responsible for evaluating budget proposals, analyzing data, extra funds redistribution, recommending spending cuts, preparing reports annually, and estimating spending requirements in the future. A budget analyst explores alternative funding methods and uses cost-benefit analyses. In addition, budget analysts also look at past budgets and research any financial developments that could affect income and expenditures.

8. Treasury Analyst

   Average Salary: $72,667

   A treasury analyst is a professional who manages and analyses the financial activities of an organization that can include cash flows, liability obligations, and assets. Treasury analysts are required to execute the daily cash management of the organization such as cash forecasting, investing of excess cash, and running a hedging program in interest rates. They must present monthly reports and daily briefings on cash flows to senior management and provide advice on the financial operations of the movement of cash. Treasury analysts also update treasury policies and procedures for the organization to comply.

9. Tax Accountant

   Average Salary: $62,142

   A tax accountant is a professional who works with clients to produce tax return documents that follow tax laws and regulations while keeping them updated on their return information. Tax accountants must determine tax strategies for their clients that may minimize or eliminate tax payments while arranging audits with taxation authorities. They prepare tax documents for different clients, including private companies, non-profit organizations, and private individuals. Tax accountants are also required to obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting and should understand business concepts.

10. Finance Director

    Average Salary: $118,518

    A finance director's role is to oversee all financial activities and aspects of a company or organization. One of their duties is to gather necessary financial data and cultivate reports on essential matters such as revenue and budget, provide risk assessments and estimates, implement vital policies, and allocate funds within the company. Furthermore, a finance director must also devise strategies and recommend innovative methods for financial gains, while in adherence to the organization's policies and regulations.