What Kind of Person Is Best Suited? Successful accountants need strong analyt- ical skills and people skills. Numbers and attention to detail are still important, but modern accounting also requires problem- solving abilities, ethical integrity and the ability to explain complex financial con- cepts to people who aren't financial experts. You need to be adaptable since technology, regulations and business practices change quickly. The best accountants embrace continuous learning and understand how their work impacts business success. Strong organizational skills, working well under pressure and being comfortable with tech- nology are increasingly important. What Kind of Education is Generally Required? Most accounting jobs require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. You'll take courses in financial ac- counting, managerial accounting, taxa- tion, auditing and business law. Getting your CPA (Certified Public Ac- countant) license will significantly boost your career prospects and earning poten- tial. To become a CPA, you need 150 credit hours of education, must pass a tough four-part exam and complete super- vised work experience. Other certifications like CMA (Certified Management Ac- countant) or CIA (Certified Internal Audi- tor) can help you specialize and become more marketable. What is the Average Salary? The median annual wage for accountants was $81,680 in May 2024, significantly above the national average for all occu- pations. Entry-level positions typically start around $50,000-$60,000 annually, while experienced CPAs and managers frequently earn over $100,000 per year. Finance and insurance sectors generally offer premium compensation packages and geographic location significantly im- pacts earning potential. CPA license holders typically earn 10-15% more than their non-certified counterparts, with sen- ior roles and specialized positions often reaching six-figure salaries. What Growth is Possible? Accounting jobs are projected to grow 5% from 2024-2034, which is faster than average, with about 124,200 job openings each year. You can move up from staff ac- countant to senior accountant, then into supervisory and management roles. Many accountants eventually become ex- ecutives like Chief Financial Officer or Controller. If you specialize, you can open even more doors. Tax specialists often start their own practices, auditors can become partners at accounting firms and some move into high-paying consult- ing or investment banking jobs How Much is This Career in Demand? Accounting jobs are in high demand. Ac- countants have only a 1.3% unemploy- ment rate compared to the national average of 4.3%. Even with this strong demand, there's a shortage of skilled ac- countants, which means competitive salaries and great job security. More complex regulations, growing use of data analytics and increasingly sophis- ticated business needs keep driving de- mand for qualified accountants. Remote work has opened up more geographic op- portunities, while new areas like forensic accounting and sustainability reporting are creating fresh career paths. Links to Learn More n Tennessee State Board of Accountancy www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/accountancy n American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) www.aicpa.org n Bureau of Labor Statistics - Accountants and Auditors www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/ac- countants-and-auditors.htm Tennessee Career Guide | 2026 35 Tennessee’s Top Careers Jack C. Massey College of Business The Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University is the only private college in Tennessee with dual AACSB accreditation for both business and accounting programs—a distinction held by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide. Our nationally ranked accounting program offers strong CPA preparation with 98% career outcomes rates. Students benefit from faculty with real-world expertise, Nashville's thriving business community connections and partnerships with Big Four accounting firms. The program features hands-on learning experiences, professional development support and access to competitive internships that prepare graduates for successful careers with leading companies like Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC. The Information on this career is submitted and sponsored by
