Cheltenham accountants are hired to look after their clients’ financial records. This may include filing tax returns, preparing budgets and keeping accounting records. In the UK, many accountants have a degree, but you can also qualify through apprenticeships and professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
Chief Financial Officer
According to Glassdoor, the chief financial officer, or CFO, is the most senior finance job in an organisation. CFOs are in charge of financial risk and set goals and projections for the company. They support the business in financial decisions and often work alongside the chief executive and chief operating officer to manage the company’s budget and secure funding. In the US, Glassdoor reported CFO salaries of between $86,000 and $286,000, and sometimes more, depending on the company.
Financial Controller
A financial controller is often one level below the CFO. Controllers have a variety of responsibilities, from preparing budgets to overseeing payroll, and may help recruit and train new staff in the finance team. Glassdoor reported US salaries for controllers of between $78,000 and $155,000.
Accounting Director
An accounting director manages the accounting team and supervises all of the accounting activities within an organisation. They may also help shape the company’s accounting practices and develop financial strategies, as well as overseeing the hiring of new accounting staff. Glassdoor reported US salaries for this role of between $88,000 and $174,000. Salaries in the UK vary widely depending on the size of the company and its location.
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Other careers an accounting degree opens
The top finance jobs are not the only routes for accounting graduates. Financial examiners help keep financial institutions stable, working for government agencies, banks and insurance companies. Financial managers are responsible for an organisation’s financial health, overseeing reports, setting strategies to reach financial goals and making investment decisions, in fields from corporate finance to financial planning.
Management analysts, sometimes called management consultants, study financial data to find ways a business can improve its profitability, which suits someone with accounting skills. They are in demand across many industries. Personal financial advisers guide individuals and families on planning, investments and retirement, and an accounting background adds useful insight into tax, estate planning and risk.
Less obviously, an accounting degree can lead into sales management, where managers set targets, lead teams and develop strategies to increase revenue in sectors from retail to manufacturing. It is worth exploring several options early to find the one that suits you best.