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Job outlook for corporate accounting managers in the United States
Corporate accounting manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected corporate accounting manager job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 123,100 new jobs for corporate accounting managers are projected over the next decade.
Corporate accounting manager salaries have increased 10% for corporate accounting managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 93,437 corporate accounting managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 84,977 active corporate accounting manager job openings in the US.
The average corporate accounting manager salary is $97,024.
Are corporate accounting manager jobs in demand?
Corporate accounting manager job and salary trends over time
Corporate accounting manager jobs over time
Corporate accounting manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93,437 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 89,717 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 89,984 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 84,397 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 79,739 | 0.02% |
Average corporate accounting manager salary over time
Corporate accounting manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,024 | $46.65 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $93,922 | $45.15 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $92,548 | $44.49 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $90,444 | $43.48 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $88,036 | $42.32 | +3.2% |
Corporate accounting manager jobs by state
Most common states for corporate accounting managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 372 | 54% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 187 | 19% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,246 | 18% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,105 | 15% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 834 | 15% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,171 | 14% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 757 | 14% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 425 | 14% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 143 | 14% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,723 | 13% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 544 | 13% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 455 | 13% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,694 | 12% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 740 | 12% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 162 | 12% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 132 | 12% |
| 17 | New York | 19,849,399 | 2,220 | 11% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,293 | 10% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 938 | 10% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 63 | 10% |
Most common cities for corporate accounting managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $77,159 |
| 2 | Rockville | 2 | 3% | $91,469 |
| 3 | Foster City | 1 | 3% | $117,545 |
| 4 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $102,468 |
| 5 | Menlo Park | 1 | 3% | $117,399 |
| 6 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $95,274 |
| 7 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $85,971 |
| 8 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $89,704 |
| 9 | Boca Raton | 1 | 1% | $84,747 |
| 10 | Greenville | 1 | 1% | $85,680 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $85,991 |
| 12 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $93,155 |
| 13 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $89,258 |
| 14 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $83,542 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $81,315 |
| 16 | Irving | 1 | 0% | $89,231 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $103,853 |
Corporate Accounting Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of corporate accounting manager experts
Manhattan College
Lynn University
University of Akron
University of Oregon
Stonehill College
King's College
American University
Cedar Falls
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Lawrence Technological University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Arkansas
The University of Scranton
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University
DePaul University
Keith Kerr Prof.
What general advice would you give to a Corporate Accounting Manager?
Keith Kerr Prof.: There are two approaches to maximizing your salary potential, but only one approach that is completely under our control. While we can learn the best ways to approach employers to advocate for raises and promotions, the outcome of this is dependent on many external factors. What you can control, however, is how you manage the money that you do make. Taking the time to make a detailed budget of your income, expenses and debts allows one to find ways to control their spending, thus generating extra cash for saving and investing each month.
What Corporate Accounting Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Keith Kerr Prof.: There are two basic ways that most people in the US find financial success: Either find a job that pays a high salary, or find a career that you love, regardless of the salary, and make a habit of saving and investing part of your income each month starting with your first paycheck.
If you invest only $90 a month starting at 21 and ending at retirement, you would have a bit over 1 million dollars (assuming a 10% annual gain). Wait just 5 years and start doing this at 26 and your 5 years of time will have cost you $400,000 by retirement. This is the power of compounding. Start early and even with a lower salary, you still can find financial success while pursuing careers that are meaningful to you.
What general advice would you give to a Corporate Accounting Manager?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: First, learn everything about the company you just started working for - its historical path, management, the way it's dealt with crises, etc. Second, learn everything about the specific industry the company belongs to and see how the company has developed relative to the development of the industry domestically and internationally. Third, always be extremely alert to notice new opportunities and be prepared to take calculated risks. That is, actively look for opportunities to complete as many and diverse tasks as possible, and volunteer to complete any type of work regardless of whether it seems relevant to your assigned job or not. Opportunities to learn, grow, and improve and thus to maximize your income, will only come up if you are exposed to diverse situations.
What Corporate Accounting Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Be open minded. Finance is the broad definition of an industry which provides opportunities for careers in financial consultancy, financial analysis, stock brokerage, foreign investment, modeling, exchange rate forecasts, and many more. While most of those careers are attributed to the banking industry, you can find those and others in other sectors of the economy, such as insurance, technology, health care/medical, government, and so on. So, be open and look beyond the banking sector, examine the current and predicted trends in the economy to hunt for exciting career options.
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
David Spohn DBA, MBA, MJUR, CWM®: Likes:
- Intellectual Stimulation: Many finance analysts enjoy the challenge of solving complex financial puzzles and deriving insights from data. The role often requires staying updated with the latest economic trends and financial theories, providing continuous learning opportunities.
- Impact on Decision-making: Analysts often take pride in the fact that their work directly influences strategic business decisions. This can be highly rewarding, especially when their recommendations lead to successful outcomes.
- Career Opportunities: The field offers numerous pathways for career advancement. Analysts can ascend to roles in senior management, specialize in particular sectors such as fintech or healthcare, or move into investment roles.
Dislikes:
- High Pressure: The role can be highly stressful, with tight deadlines and significant implications tied to their analyses and recommendations. Financial markets are dynamic, and the pressure to provide accurate, timely insights can be intense.
- Monotony in Initial Stages: New entrants might find the work initially repetitive as they learn the ropes of data collection and basic analysis techniques. The intellectual rewards and more engaging tasks often come with increased responsibility.
- Work-Life Balance: Depending on the employer and the state of the market, long hours can be common, especially during financial reporting periods or significant market changes, which can impact work-life balance.
What general advice would you give to a Corporate Accounting Manager?
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: To be successful today requires essentially the same basic skills and behaviors that made people successful in the past. It’s a lot about who you know, not what you know. Having some basic skills is a necessary condition but it’s not sufficient. You have to be a good communicator, have to be likeable and be a good team player. And to do those things, you need to be around people enough, develop the most important social skills and remember the important things you learned in kindergarten. Show up on time, do what you say and not say what you do and be nice to people. Essentially the golden rule: “Do unto others…” But there are also some important practical things you should do. Think about getting a CFA license or others like CAIA, CMA, CPA, FRM etc. These professional designations won’t hurt you, they can be a requirement in some jobs or at least a differentiator as you apply for jobs. You can also take the Securities Industry Examination as a precondition to getting the more recognized Series 7, 63, 65 etc. But also consider some very easy things like getting certified with the Bloomberg Market Concepts. If your business school has a Bloomberg terminal (we’re lucky because we have 4 terminals), it’s a self-paced exam that’s free on the Bloomberg terminal. Also think about joining some associations to help with getting to know people in positions. You have to network every day and keep on working that network constantly. Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Yes, it is a competitive industry and there’s always more than just a handful applying for a position but you should know your worth. While you’re networking and having conversations with executives through your network, find out what reasonable expectations should be for the work being delivered.
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: As a beginner in any field, it pays to listen more than to talk. Be humble, pay attention, be nice to folks and probably most helpful is having a mentor who can guide you along and show you some best practices for navigating your career. You should take advantage of your education, not just to show a piece of paper that says you graduated but think of every single project, essay or paper that you write as part of a portfolio that demonstrates your skill sets. Especially in finance where we can sometimes be enamored with the beauty of a mathematical model, think about how any model should be applied in the real world. In some cases that might mean that you have to “get your hands on the wheel and learn how to drive.” I am not suggesting that you should put all your savings at risk and buy the next iteration of the latest cryptocurrency, but If you’re interested in a career in investing, put a small amount of money at risk and trade a stock, or if you must trade a few dollars’ worth of Bitcoin or Ether – as much as you would risk for a movie ticket seems reasonable. There are lots of virtual trading apps where you can trade with paper money, but there’s nothing like understanding risk when your own dollars are at stake, even if it’s just a few dollars. You should also absorb all the workshops, seminars and resources available out there. Follow Prof. Aswath Damodaran who has a YouTube Channel and hundreds of spreadsheets with financial models, all for free! Also follow some good content providers on various channels to get additional insights – in the field of finance, you need to be up-to-date on all events because those influence markets and the economy. Be ready to continue learning and update your skills and understanding while you’re working. Education doesn’t end after you finish your degree. All successful people are life-long learners.
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Eric Brisker Ph.D.: Focusing on developing skills in communication, networking, social skills, analytical skills, financial knowledge, and obtaining professional certifications can help maximize salary potential in the finance industry. Developing these skills and following the advice provided can lead to opportunities for higher salaries.
Z. Jay Wang
Department Head, Associate Professor of FinanceUniversity of Oregon
Finance And Financial Management Services
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Z. Jay Wang: Students who have a history of doing work in the field outside the classroom either through internships, industry projects, or school-sponsored clubs managing financial decisions are better poised to maximize starting salary potential. Starting early to secure internships with top companies will also position students well for higher earning potential. Most top banks and firms will post internships from April/May to August, and close by the end of September for the following summer. They are also rolling, so may fill the roles by as early as June of the sophomore year for the following summer after junior year. Finally, networking with industry and alumni professionals in the companies, firms, banks prior to applying for an internship or full-time position will have an impact. The candidate will learn more about the opportunity and company culture for their resume and potential interview, and most top companies in finance will have a referral program. If the candidate impresses the internal connection with excellent questions and strategic answers, they may get a referral that moves them up in the stacks of applicants.
What Corporate Accounting Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Wayne Durr: My advice to a graduate beginning their career in Finance is don't stop learning. You've spent
the last four plus years grinding through the required academics to graduate, but how much did
you learn? Most students spend most of their time "memorizing" the content necessary to pass
their exams, but memorizing isn't learning. Employers aren't as patient as in years past and
want new graduates to jump in and be productive. Employers aren't spending money and
resources on long training periods for new graduates. This doesn't mean you must return to
college or spend money on additional courses. Once you've landed that job that begins your
career in the world of Finance, find ways to increase your knowledge of the tasks assigned to
you by that employer-great sites like Coursera, Udemy, etc. Find current books related to the
topic, use audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts, etc. These can all be ways to update your learning in
a simple and shorter time frame. You might find listening to an audible book or podcast more
enjoyable without memorizing the content to pass an exam. Even contact a former professor for
recommendations. Many of your former professors do the same thing to stay current in their
field.
Peter Ibbott
Associate Professor of EconomicsKing's College
Economics
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Peter Ibbott: If you are considering a career in economics or finance, it is best to get an MA in Economics or a Masters in Financial Economics. If you are considering a career in Business or Finance, it is best to develop your experience through work, while seeking additional educational opportunities throughout your career. Many find that accumulating micro-credentials can be useful. A more valuable path is to work towards obtaining a Chartered Financial Analyst designation. For strong students, taking a break later in your career to pursue an MBA or Masters of Finance can be useful in advancing your mid-career prospects.
Octavian Ionici PhD
Sr. Lecturer in FinanceAmerican University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What general advice would you give to a Corporate Accounting Manager?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The right education and training along with solid interpersonal skills should be at the top of their skill set. With those skills they can navigate potential disruptions to the workforce, future business trends and emerging technologies.
Hard core financial modeling skills are a must for finance, especially now with algorithmic business applications multiplying with the emergence of AI. Knowing how to develop a model that will answer multiple what-if scenarios for allocating resources, securing funding, managing risk, developing future plans, and making smart decisions overall.
Because AI, chatbots, blockchain and other "robots" will help companies simplify the workflows (preparing the reports and processes) faster, people will need to understand how to apply these technologies in order to analyze the results and to make decisions in real time.
People will also need to monitor the AI models and to constantly check for accuracy and biases. A big emphasis will be on collaboration of interdisciplinary teams of professionals working in IT, finance, accounting, HR and leadership. This means that companies will value employees that know how to find business information and deliver answers across functional areas proactively.
Finally, as they are working in a global interconnected world, they need to understand different cultures, regulations, and societal norms, so that they can respectfully communicate their ideas in cross-cultural situations. Along with the necessary technical skills, having an open mind and strong customer service focus will benefit them as the field continues to evolve.
What Corporate Accounting Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The finance profession is lucrative, rewarding and very competitive. Graduates should do their research about the organization they are interviewing with and be able to discuss how their skills can contribute to the business. They should also know if they would rather interact with people and clients or if they are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as analysis. Do they value power, prestige status, risk, or something else? Ultimately our core values, personal goals, interests, aptitudes, and personality will shape our career paths.
Being able to articulate what sparked their interest in the financial field and why they are interested in a chosen role will be an advantage during the hiring process. While still in college, students should join a professional association like the Financial Management Association to give them more access to that broad network, as well as access to career development resources that can set them apart from the crowd.
It's also critical to get an internship (paid or unpaid) in order to show some real-life experience. They can do this while they are still in college, during the summers, or even afterwards, to get a foot in the door.
Reading the WSJ and FT daily, and listening to Bloomberg, or other financial programs as a regular practice will help them to have fluency in the language of our profession. Because the finance sector is heavily regulated and changes occur due to changing economic and political conditions, they will need to stay updated with those changes. Financial media sources will help bring them that context to stay up to date on all of these moving parts.
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Octavian Ionici PhD: Try to understand what your boss or your company needs, then see if you can fill that gap with your skill set and work ethic. Finance constantly evolves. A career with lifelong learning will help keep you employable. Investing in continuous learning and skill development can increase your income potential down the road.
Plus, don't underestimate the power of a positive attitude and strong work ethic. You may not be an expert at the beginning, but you can take on every challenge given to you, work hard and try to turn it into a success for your organization. Each win will build your reputation and your portfolio of skills which you will then bring with you to your next job. As you do this, you will inevitably acquire specialized skills.
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.
Brett Olsen
Department Head and Professor of FinanceCedar Falls
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Corporate Accounting Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brett Olsen: Every business, every institution, every family, and every fund deals with cash flows. Being able to evaluate, understand, quantify, analyze, compute, and communicate the flows of cash is necessary and cannot be avoided. This is a good profession at any point in time. The use of cash is ubiquitous.
Dr. Adam Stivers
Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Finance at the University of Wisconsin – La CrosseUniversity of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Finance And Financial Management Services
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Adam Stivers: AI prompt engineering will likely become increasingly vital in finance. However, while AI tools will likely be able to handle a lot of quantitative tasks in the financial services industry, professionals will still need to be able to interpret and explain its output to others. That means communication skills and other soft skills will be important, but you still need to understand the quantitative aspects.
Matthew Cole Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Business and Information TechnologyLawrence Technological University
Architecture And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Corporate Accounting Manager?
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Important Skills for the Next 3-5 Years: Digital fluency in accounting software and data analytics, strategic financial planning capabilities, in-depth knowledge of regulatory and compliance issues, and expertise in sustainability accounting will become increasingly important.
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Specializing in high-demand areas like tax or forensic accounting, demonstrating strong technology skills, negotiating based on industry salary standards, and pursuing professional development and additional credentials will maximize salary potential.
Fang Lin
Assistant Professor of FinancePacific Lutheran University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What general advice would you give to a Corporate Accounting Manager?
Fang Lin: Proficiency in coding and statistical modeling is essential. At a minimum, individuals should be able to understand basic financial models. Ideally, they should be able to code or at least interpret code in languages such as Python and R. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking will continue to be invaluable.
What Corporate Accounting Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fang Lin: Don't be afraid to negotiate your starting salary. Young journalists have a lot to offer newsrooms through social media skills and a willingness to adapt to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Technology skills have value and should not be undersold. Also, young journalism students should not discount the value of their student media and internship experiences. Young journalists must use everything on their resumes to show how they bring value to their position and ask to be compensated fairly for the work they will contribute to the newsroom's success.
What will help Corporate Accounting Managers increase their earning potential?
Fang Lin: I believe that data analysis is becoming increasingly crucial for finance professionals. Therefore, proficiency in coding and statistical modeling is essential. At a minimum, individuals should be able to understand basic financial models. Ideally, they should be able to code or at least interpret code in languages such as Python and R. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking will continue to be invaluable.
Dhruba Banjade
Assistant Professor in Finance & Department Chair of Business AnalysisWhat general advice would you give to a Corporate Accounting Manager?
Dhruba Banjade: i. The industry technology is changing fast. Specific skills will be more critical in the finance field in the next 3-5 years. Some of these are:
ii. Data analysis/ data mining skills. Knowledge of Excel, R, Python, data visualization, Tableau, RapidMiner, machine learning, and financial modeling skills are essential in finance and business.
iii. Skills and knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning will give more opportunities and help career development.
iv. Network security and cybersecurity are essential to protect financial transactions and digital data.
v. Knowledge of financial regulations and risk management will be in high demand in the next 3-5 years.
vi. Soft skills such as politeness, ability to work in a diverse group, good communication, learning attitude, etc, are also necessary.
vii. Many industry and business companies today focus on sustainable development and environmental, social, and governance activities. Knowledge of sustainability and ESG measures is also helpful.
viii. Broad knowledge of global financial markets, international finance, global economy, etc., will be valuable in the next 3-5 years.
Kris Allee Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Doyle Z. Williams Chair in Professional AccountingUniversity of Arkansas
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Corporate Accounting Manager resumes?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Generally, prior experience working with US GAAP for financial reporting purposes, knowledge of regulatory standards, and the ability to reconcile accounts are necessary. Most successful candidates would likely be CPAs and have several years of work experience, sufficient general business knowledge, and have some degree of software proficiency. Abilities such as data analysis and critical thinking would be key as well. Some employers prefer accounting manager candidates who hold a master's degree to signify the level of skills and knowledge they have acquired.
What soft skills should all Corporate Accounting Managers possess?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Given an accounting manager assumes a leadership position at the firm, the ability to lead effectively, communicate well, and organize and manage projects would be the most important soft skills necessary.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Corporate Accounting Managers?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Knowledge of US GAAP and applicable regulatory standards. Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications as well as specialized accounting software as needed.
What skills will help Corporate Accounting Managers earn the most?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Certainly, passing the CPA exam is a must, as it is considered a necessary condition for advancement. Passing the exam also helps certify the minimum level of skills the person may possess. Financial analysis skills are also highly valued and hard to find in the average staff accountant. These skills traditionally would include computing, quantitative analysis, and understanding forecasting techniques and limitations. Finally, communication skills and the ability to effectively manage expectations and projects are what make an accountant indispensable and valuable to a firm.
Dr. Douglas Boyle
Chair & Professor, Director, Doctorate in Business Administration Program , Director, Nonprofit Leadership ProgramThe University of Scranton
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Corporate Accounting Manager resumes?
Dr. Douglas Boyle: Accounting is a very technical profession, so any credential that shows you have an advanced level of knowledge makes a candidate stand out. Accountants have many opportunities to pursue credentials. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the only accounting credential that is a license from the state. If you hold a CPA, the AICPA offers six specialty credentials to consider pursuing, including Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations (CEIV). Three other organizations to consider that do not require a CPA to pursue are the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The IMA offers two credentials, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA). The IIA offers six credentialling opportunities, the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL), Certified Process Safety Auditor (CPSA), and Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA). Last, the ACFE offers the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). These opportunities enable accountants to specialize in several areas and provide opportunities to stand out. Our research shows that in addition to technical skills, soft skills are very important as you move to higher levels of a firm or organization.
What soft skills should all Corporate Accounting Managers possess?
Dr. Douglas Boyle: Our research shows that achieving a high level of emotional intelligence is viewed as most important by senior accounting professionals. Emotional intelligence is made up of self-awareness that includes emotional awareness and self-confidence. Self-management includes self-control, trustworthiness, conscientiousness, adaptability, and innovation. Social awareness includes empathy and organizational awareness. Relationship management includes influence, conflict management, teamwork, leadership, and communication. While it is important to work on all these skills, the three that are deemed most critical for accounting professionals are trustworthiness, conscientiousness, teamwork, and communication.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Corporate Accounting Managers?
Dr. Douglas Boyle: While it is important to be technically competent in all areas of accounting, you add the most value by being an expert in a few areas. That is why you may consider pursuing additional credentials (as shown above) in areas of interest to you. This enables you to master the technical skills and demonstrate such skills on your resume.
Thomas King
Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, AccountancyCase Western Reserve University
Accountancy Department
What skills stand out on Corporate Accounting Manager resumes?
Thomas King: Evidence that someone is smart is a fast learner and works well with others.
What soft skills should all Corporate Accounting Managers possess?
Thomas King: The ability to develop working relationships with a wide range of colleagues who have diverse skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Corporate Accounting Managers?
Thomas King: The ability to extract information from unfamiliar data sets and then explain conclusions reached in a clear, persuasive manner.
What skills will help Corporate Accounting Managers earn the most?
Thomas King: The ability to lead others to bring about intended change.
Thomas King
Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, AccountancyCase Western Reserve University
Accountancy Department
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Corporate Accounting Managers in the next 3-5 years?
Thomas King: I believe critical thinking will be more important than knowledge of any particular technology. Critical thinking means forming defensible conclusions with limited data. As jobs evolve with increasing automation and off-shoring levels, the importance of critical thinking in entry-level employment will rise.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Corporate Accounting Managers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Thomas King: Starting salaries vary with accounting graduates, from $50k to six figures. It depends on the particular employer and job. Those students who demonstrate a strong work ethic, networkability, and good communication skills earn attractive salaries.
What general advice would you give to a Corporate Accounting Manager?
Thomas King: Be dependable. Reputations form quickly after people join organizations. A newly hired professional who demonstrates the ability to get things done rapidly and accurately will soon become a "go-to" person when new opportunities arise. Such exposure early in a career is invaluable.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Corporate Accounting Managers?
Delvin Grant: Yes. I strongly believe coronavirus will have a lasting impact on new graduates. A increasing paradigm shift is taking place as we speak, as some IT-related jobs can be done remotely. I expect the shift to continue until a steady state condition is achieved, when companies feel they have the right mix of remote and face-to-face employment. Some companies may resist the trend, valuing face-to-face over remote working. Face-to-face satisfies a human need to socialize and, in some cultures, much business is done by face-to-face. There is evidence of a paradigm shift as many IT employees work remotely, due to the pandemic. Some companies have realized the shift is here to stay and others take a wait and see attitude. It is hard not to recognize the shift as there are cost saving from office rent, office space, heating, cooling, computing cost, travel costs, etc. The impact will vary by profession. IT and other professions are a natural fit for remote working while others are not. For example, a chemist working in a lab environment cannot work from home as his lab is the only place to mix and experiment with chemicals and chemistry.
What's a good job out of college for Corporate Accounting Managers?
Delvin Grant: To answer this question, I am assuming a COVID-19 environment. We know most jobs can be carried out in a face-to-face mode, but if this is not possible in a COVID environment, then it is difficult to consider those jobs as good jobs. Therefore, a good job is one that can be easily carried out in a COVID environment so MIS, IT, Computer Science, and similar professions that fit a remote working mode are excellent jobs.
How have salaries changed over time for Corporate Accounting Managers?
Delvin Grant: Salaries of MIS and IT professionals have changed. About 10 years ago the average entry level salary of MIS students was in the mid 50's but that has steadily increased to the low to mid 60's. I expect this trend to continue as more business processes are automated and the demand for IT workers increases.