5 Amazing Accounting and Income Tax Jobs You Didn't Know Existed

If you’re looking to get into the finance and accounting industry, there are a few unique ways to do so that may not be immediately obvious. If you’re thinking about seeking one of these positions but aren’t sure where to start, read on! Here are five amazing jobs in the accounting and income tax industry that you didn’t know existed.

1) Accountant

As you may have heard, accountants aren’t just number crunchers. Rather, they’re business advisers that examine all aspects of a company's operation (from payroll to tax preparation) to help ensure it stays compliant with tax laws. However, there are many specializations within accounting, including cost accounting, management accounting, financial accounting, corporate tax preparation, and auditing. If you want to be an accountant for a small business or big corporation—or even start your own firm—one of these fields might be right for you. Whatever area of specialization you choose to pursue, understanding the skills necessary for each is important. Knowing what differentiates these occupations could mean landing your dream job down the road!

2) Accounts Receivable Specialist

If you have strong organizational skills, have experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software, and are a fast learner, then becoming accounts receivable specialist might be a great career option for you. Essentially, an accounts receivable specialist acts as a liaison between customers and businesses by performing a number of duties related to collections, like notifying customers about late or missed payments. Their responsibilities may also include processing returned checks or keeping track of invoice amounts paid. While there are no formal education requirements for accounts receivable specialists—many find that certification in collections can boost their career prospects—you should expect to earn roughly $30K annually if you're pursuing work at either entry-level or mid-level positions.

3) Financial Manager

A Financial Manager is a CPA or CMA whose function is to ensure that a company's funds are in order. They track money coming in, monitor financial records, handle transactions, prepare budgets and work with clients (i.e., they do all kinds of tasks within their purview). They may also have other responsibilities such as supervising staff and ensuring that client needs are met. The median annual salary for Financial Managers is $82,520. However, depending on experience levels it can range from $45,500-$146,990 per year. So if you're an accountant or bookkeeper looking to take your career to another level then consider getting your Certified Public Accountant certification!

4) Income Tax Technician

Yes, those little stickers you peeled off your tax forms are actually counted. These stickers tell accounting firms how to fill out an income tax return. Some will do a full count; others will make educated guesses based on age, home value, etc. Either way, it is one of those jobs that would never occur to you as an accounting or finance option, but it's a great way to get your foot in the door. If you really like taxes (and have some bookkeeping experience), then why not become a Tax Specialist? Accountants and CPAs alike love having someone on staff who can do all of their tax returns quickly and correctly while they go about doing what they love best: making money!

5) Budget Analyst

What is accounting? Good question. Finance and accounting might not be as sexy as being a rock star or working for NASA, but it's almost certain to provide you with a better career path than those other fields. Chartered Accountants are among those individuals whose job descriptions always seem to start with an accountant salary. Even though people often describe accounts payable by their function (paying invoices), that just scratches the surface of what accountants do. Being an accountant encompasses so much more. In fact, there are all kinds of jobs you probably didn't know existed within finance & accounting. Some of them pay well; others offer great opportunities for advancement.