Accounting professionals are the fuel that keeps companies running, ensuring that their finances are in good hands.

What Accounting Professionals Do

As the sentinels of their companies’ finances, accountants oversee financial operations including evaluating financial and data risks, examining financial records, computing taxes and assessing profit strategies. 

In the accounting world, there are ample opportunities to specialize within the field. The profession offers a wide range of paths to follow, varying in industry, services and level of experience. Whereas public accountants usually have a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting skills, management accountants, for example, specialize in using financial information to guide business decisions. Other specializations include government accountants, external auditors, IT auditors and internal auditors.

Core Skills for Today’s Accounting Professionals

Technology is reshaping the accounting profession. The adoption of AI and automation is shifting the role of accountants from manual, routine tasks to an increased focus on data analysis, strategic advising, communication and decision making. 

 “The demand for professionals who can navigate financial, regulatory and digital transformation has never been greater,” said Ricardo Buenrostro director of Tax, Compliance and Controls at UC Davis.

The traditional accounting model focused on compliance, audits and manual reporting is evolving toward greater emphasis on technology, advisory skills and ethical judgment.

“As the accounting profession evolves, future accountants must be as comfortable interpreting AI-driven analytics as explaining the implications of tax reform or cybersecurity requirements,” said Buenrostro.

Where Accounting Professionals Work

As businesses adapt to ongoing economic shifts and tighter expectations for transparency, the demand for accounting professionals continues to rise. With more startups scaling, companies navigating mergers and restructuring, and organizations operating across borders and platforms, accountants are increasingly needed to manage real-time financial reporting, support data-driven decisions, and keep pace with evolving tax rules, standards, and compliance requirements.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industries hiring the most accountants include government, finance, insurance, manufacturing, independent consulting firms and professional, scientific, and technical services. These industries are usually great targets for candidates who have experience and a range of relevant skills. 

Certifications That Can Boost Your Accounting Career

The accounting field also offers plenty of opportunities for career growth with experience and certification. The most popular qualification is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which appears more frequently in job ads than any other accounting certification, according to Lightcast. 

General accounting certifications that can boost your career mobility are Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Some more specialized certifications, like Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), demonstrate niche skills that can also improve your job prospects. 

For accountants looking to join associations there are several, including the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), American Accounting Association (AAA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

Preparing for Accounting Roles Through Continuing and Professional Education 

Whether you are new to the field or an experienced accounting professional, earning an academic certificate in accounting is a good way to develop your skills. UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education offers online certificate programs in foundational training and senior-level training. Both programs count toward the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam or fulfill continuing education CMA requirements.

Accounting Principles Certificate

Designed for career changers or those new to accounting, the Accounting Principles Certificate  provides the foundation to confidently and accurately apply accounting principles in your business or profession. You’ll learn about current accounting standards and procedures to meet financial accountability requirements, advance to higher professional levels and strengthen business practices.

Program Details:

• Complete in 12-15 months
• 4 online courses
• $3,520 (Pay in full and save 10%)

Accounting Specialist Certificate

Designed for experienced accounting professionals, the Accounting Specialist Certificate provides advanced, senior-level accounting training. You’ll learn about accounting best practices and how to apply accounting applications to a variety of business and financial settings. You’ll also build analytical skills for evaluating reports, examining audit processes and developing internal control processes and procedures. The program is designed to help you enhance and hone your accounting skills and prepare you for a senior-level position in accounting.

Program Details:

• Complete in 15-18 months
• 5 online courses
• $4,400 (Pay in full and save 10%)

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