Top 20 Accounting Jobs for 2025: High-Paying Careers for Accounting Majors

At GLHR Investing, we’re diving into the top 20 jobs for accounting major degree holders in 2025, offering lucrative salaries and robust growth in a field critical to every industry. With the accounting sector projected to grow 6% from 2023–2033, adding ~130,800 jobs annually, and median salaries reaching $81,680 (BLS, May 2024), accounting graduates are in high demand. The S&P 500 (SPY) rallied to ~6,243 points by July 7, up 3.94% over the past month but down 15.6% YTD as of May 23, 2025, amid Trump’s tariffs, 3.2% CPI inflation, and a 30% recession risk (per EY). Which careers offer the best prospects for accounting majors? Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the top jobs, their requirements, salaries, and investment opportunities tied to the accounting sector, helping you navigate 2025’s volatile economy.

2025 Economic and Accounting Job Market Context:
- Economic Indicators:
  - Unemployment fell to 4.1% in June (147,000 jobs added, above 115,000 estimates), but consumer spending contracted 0.14% in May, with sentiment at 60.7, per web data.
  - Inflation at 3.2% CPI in June, projected to hit 4–4.5% (or 5–6% with oil spikes to ~$80/barrel from Iran-Israel conflict), per web data.
  - Q1 GDP contracted -0.3%, Q2 estimated at 1.5–1.9%, below 2024’s 2.7%, due to tariffs and 13% retail spending cuts, per web data.
- Trump’s Policy Impacts:
  - OBBBA Tax Cuts (July 4): $3.7T package boosts disposable income ($1,700–$7,200 for median families), increasing demand for financial advisory roles, but adds $3.1–$3.8T deficits, per web data.
  - Tariffs: 125% on China, 25% on Canada/Mexico (paused until August 1), and 50% steel tariffs (June 4) raise costs 5–10%, impacting corporate budgets, per web data.
  - Deregulation: Relaxed Basel III rules and pro-crypto policies (e.g., Bitcoin reserve) boost financial and tech accounting roles, per web data.
- Accounting Job Trends:
  - Accounting jobs grew 6% (2023–2033), with 1.6 million jobs in 2023, 23% in tax preparation and 8% in finance/insurance, per web data.
  - Demand for CPAs and CMAs rises, with 19.2% higher earnings for master’s degree holders, per web data.
  - Digital transformation (AI, automation) and regulatory complexity drive roles like IT auditor and forensic accountant, per web data.
- Critical Assessment:
  - OBBBA-driven spending and deregulation fuel accounting job growth, but tariffs and recession risks (30% per EY) may strain corporate budgets, per web data.
  - Analytical and tech skills (e.g., Excel, ERP software) are critical, with 74% of accounting professionals holding bachelor’s degrees, per web data.
Top 20 Jobs for Accounting Major Degree Holders in 2025:
- Selection Criteria: Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related fields, with high salaries (median ≥$80,000 or top earners ≥$100,000), growth (≥5% by 2033), and alignment with 2025 trends (digital transformation, compliance, financial planning), per web data.
- 1. Chief Financial Officer (CFO):
  - Salary: $200,000–$400,000 (median $250,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, 10–15 years’ experience, CPA/MBA preferred, per web data.
  - Why Top: Oversees financial strategy, budgeting, and investments, per web data.
  - Growth: 16% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 2. Financial Director:
  - Salary: $150,000–$196,105 (median $180,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, 7–10 years’ experience, CPA preferred, per web data.
  - Why Top: Guides corporate financial operations, per web data.
  - Growth: 16% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 3. Vice President of Finance:
  - Salary: $130,000–$180,000 (median $150,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, 7–10 years’ experience, CPA/MBA, per web data.
  - Why Top: Supports strategic financial goals, per web data.
  - Growth: 16% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 4. Audit Partner:
  - Salary: $150,000–$400,000 (median $200,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CPA, 10+ years in auditing, per web data.
  - Why Top: Leads audit teams at major firms, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 5. Chief Accounting Officer:
  - Salary: $130,000–$200,000 (median $160,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CPA/CMA, 7–10 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Ensures financial reporting compliance, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 6. Tax Director:
  - Salary: $120,000–$180,000 (median $150,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CPA/MST, 5–7 years in tax, per web data.
  - Why Top: Optimizes tax strategies, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 7. Financial Controller:
  - Salary: $100,000–$150,000 (median $130,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CPA, 5–7 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Manages accounting operations, per web data.
  - Growth: 16% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 8. Certified Management Accountant (CMA):
  - Salary: $100,000–$130,000 (median $110,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CMA certification, 3–5 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Provides strategic financial insights, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 9. Financial Manager:
  - Salary: $100,000–$156,100 (median $130,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, 5+ years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Oversees financial health, per web data.
  - Growth: 16% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 10. Certified Public Accountant (CPA):
  - Salary: $80,000–$150,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CPA license, 2–5 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Trusted advisor for financial services, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 11. Forensic Accountant:
  - Salary: $80,000–$120,000 (median $100,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CFE/CPA, 3–5 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Investigates financial fraud, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 12. Financial Analyst:
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $85,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CFA preferred, 2–5 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Guides investment decisions, per web data.
  - Growth: 8% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 13. Internal Auditor:
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $85,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CIA certification, 2–5 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Ensures internal compliance, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 14. External Auditor:
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $85,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CPA, 2–5 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Conducts third-party financial audits, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 15. Tax Accountant:
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $85,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, 2–5 years in tax preparation, per web data.
  - Why Top: Manages tax compliance, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 16. Budget Analyst:
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $82,620), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, 2–3 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Oversees organizational budgets, per web data.
  - Growth: 8% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 17. Personal Financial Advisor:
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $82,059), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CFP preferred, 2–3 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Advises clients on investments, per web data.
  - Growth: 17% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 18. IT Auditor:
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $85,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, CISA certification, 2–3 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Ensures tech system compliance, per web data.
  - Growth: 6% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 19. Business Analyst (Finance):
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $83,763), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, 2–3 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Analyzes business models for financial efficiency, per web data.
  - Growth: 10% (2023–2033), per web data.
- 20. Credit Analyst:
  - Salary: $80,000–$100,000 (median $80,000), per web data.
  - Requirements: Bachelor’s in accounting, 2–3 years’ experience, per web data.
  - Why Top: Assesses loan risk for banks, per web data.
  - Growth: 8% (2023–2033), per web data.
Investment Strategies for Accounting Professionals and Investors:
- Career Strategies:
  - Certifications: Pursue CPA, CMA, or CFA credentials to boost employability and salaries (e.g., CPAs earn 19.2% more with master’s degrees), per web data.
  - Internships: Gain experience in auditing or tax roles to access senior positions (e.g., CFO, audit partner), per web data.
  - Digital Skills: Learn AI and ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for roles like IT auditor, per web data.
- Stock Market Opportunities:
  - Financials: Invest in banks like JPMorgan (JPM, +25% YTD, P/E 12) for financial manager demand, per web data.
  - Tech: Buy Intuit (INTU, +20% YTD, P/E 35) for accounting software growth, per web data.
  - Consulting: Invest in Accenture (ACN, flat YTD, P/E 28) for auditing and consulting services, per web data.
- Portfolio Allocation:
  - Allocate 10–15% to financial and tech stocks (JPM, INTU, ACN), 40% to defensives (JNJ, PG), and 30% to bonds (Treasuries) for stability, per prior analyses.
  - Hedge with 3–5% in gold (GLD, +3%) or utilities (XLU, +1%) to counter inflation (3.2%) and tariff risks, per web data.
- ETFs for Diversification:
  - Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF): ~$51.94, 1.5% yield, up ~10% YTD, buy near $50, target $55–$60, per web data.
  - Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK): ~$220, 0.7% yield, buy near $210, target $240, per web data.
- Timing:
  - Buy on SPY dips near $6,000 or stock pullbacks (e.g., JPM <$280), per web data.
  - Dollar-cost average ($500–$1,000/month) to manage VIX (~20–25), per web data.
- Key Catalysts to Monitor:
  - August 1 Tariff Deadline: Reinstatement of 125% China tariffs could reduce corporate budgets, per web data.
  - July 30 FOMC Meeting: Rate cuts (20% chance in July) could boost financials, per web data.
  - Q2 Earnings (July): Confirm JPM, INTU growth, per web data.
  - Iran-Israel Conflict: Oil at $80/barrel risks inflation (5–6%), per web data.
- Risks:
  - Recession Risk: 30% probability (EY) could reduce job openings, per web data.
  - Tariff Costs: 5–10% cost hikes for corporate budgets, per web data.
  - Inflation Surge: CPI at 3.2%, potentially 5–6% with oil spikes, per web data.
  - Staffing Shortages: 300,000 accountants left the field since 2023, increasing workloads, per web data.
Conclusion: Capitalizing on Accounting Careers in 2025:
- In 2025, accounting majors can pursue high-paying roles like CFO ($250,000 median), Financial Director ($180,000), and Financial Analyst ($85,000), driven by a 6% industry growth rate and demand for compliance and digital skills. OBBBA tax cuts and deregulation boost opportunities, but tariffs and a 30% recession risk pose challenges. Job seekers should pursue CPA/CMA credentials and digital skills, while investors can buy financials (JPM), tech (INTU), and ETFs (XLF, XLK) on dips, hedging with GLD to navigate volatility.
Why It Matters: In a dynamic 2025 economy (SPY -15.6% YTD, CPI 3.2%), accounting jobs offer stability with median salaries up to $161,030, fueled by regulatory complexity and business needs. Investors can leverage related sectors (financials, tech) for growth. GLHR Investing guides you to seize these opportunities, building wealth in a high-stakes market.