Write your resume in 15 minutes
Our free collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most lucrative positions for accountants, breaking down exactly what makes each role valuable and how you can get there. If you’re ready to aim higher in your accounting career, keep reading to discover the paths that can turn your skills into substantial rewards.
16 Top-Paying Roles in the Accounting Field
Not every accounting job will get you a six-figure paycheck, but these top roles prove that serious money is on the table for those with the right mix of experience, skills, and ambition. Here’s what it takes to get into high-paying accounting jobs.
1. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
As the financial backbone of a company, CFOs oversee everything from budgets to financial strategies that can make or break a business. Their decisions directly impact company growth and profitability, which is why they earn some of the highest salaries in the field.
Key Responsibilities:
- Setting and managing the company's financial goals
- Developing and overseeing budgets, investments, and financial strategies
- Reporting to stakeholders and guiding executive decisions
- Ensuring financial compliance and risk management
2. Audit Partner
An Audit Partner has worked their way up within an accounting firm, and they’re responsible for overseeing audit services for high-profile clients. Their expertise brings in significant revenue for the firm, making this role highly valuable and well-compensated.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing audit teams and overseeing client engagements
- Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards
- Building and maintaining client relationships to grow the firm’s business
- Leading strategic decisions for the audit division
3. Paymaster
As a Paymaster, you’re in charge of handling large-scale financial transactions, especially within sectors like private equity or hedge funds. This role pays well due to the level of trust and expertise required to manage high-value payouts accurately and efficiently, often under tight deadlines.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing payroll and disbursement processes for large teams or divisions
- Ensuring compliance with tax and labor laws
- Reviewing and approving financial transactions
- Developing secure, accurate payment systems
- Coordinating with finance and HR departments for seamless processing
4. Chief Accounting Officer (CAO)
The CAO is responsible for a company’s entire accounting structure, making them indispensable in complex organizations. This position is highly paid due to the scope of responsibility over financial reporting, compliance, and overseeing large accounting teams to keep finances in perfect order.
Key responsibilities:
- Leading the company’s accounting department and financial reporting
- Ensuring compliance with GAAP, SEC, and other regulatory standards
- Implementing and refining accounting policies and procedures
- Overseeing budgeting, financial forecasting, and analysis
- Collaborating with CFOs and other executives on strategic financial planning
5. Vice President of Finance
The Vice President of Finance is responsible for the financial strategy and planning that drive a company’s growth and profitability. With their strategic influence and financial expertise, VPs of Finance are crucial in ensuring a company's long-term success, making this a highly compensated role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing and executing financial strategies to support business goals
- Managing the budgeting and forecasting processes
- Overseeing financial risk management and compliance
- Analyzing financial performance and presenting findings to the executive team
- Leading and mentoring finance and accounting teams
6. Fund Controller
Fund Controllers oversee the financial health and reporting for investment funds, making sure investors have accurate insights into fund performance. In the high-stakes world of investment, Fund Controllers are essential for managing risk and ensuring transparency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preparing and reviewing financial statements for investment funds
- Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards
- Monitoring and reporting on fund performance to stakeholders
- Coordinating with auditors for annual fund audits
- Managing cash flow, budgeting, and financial forecasting for funds
7. Finance Manager
Finance Managers play a critical role in analyzing an organization’s financial performance and guiding budgeting decisions. They are well-compensated for their strategic insights, as they help companies optimize costs and plan for future growth.
Key responsibilities:
- Developing and monitoring budgets and financial forecasts
- Analyzing financial data to identify trends and improvement areas
- Advising management on investment opportunities and financial risks
- Ensuring regulatory compliance in financial reporting
- Leading financial teams and managing departmental operations
8. Chief Accountant
The Chief Accountant ensures all financial records are accurate and compliant with accounting standards. This role pays well due to its high level of responsibility in maintaining financial integrity and supporting executive decision-making with reliable data.
Key responsibilities:
- Overseeing all accounting processes and ensuring accuracy
- Preparing financial statements and reports for executive review
- Managing general ledger and financial transaction documentation
- Ensuring adherence to accounting standards and regulatory requirements
- Leading and mentoring junior accountants
9. Internal Audit Director
An Internal Audit Director oversees an organization’s internal audit function, ensuring that financial and operational controls are effective. This job’s salary reflects the need for strategic insight and strong leadership, as it’s essential for protecting the organization’s assets and reputation.
Key responsibilities:
- Leading the internal audit department and setting audit policies
- Assessing risks and designing effective control measures
- Conducting regular audits and presenting findings to executives
- Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards
- Training and mentoring audit teams
10. Financial Project Manager
Financial Project Managers are tasked with overseeing financial projects, from budgeting to execution, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Their salaries reflect the critical nature of their role in aligning projects with company goals and financial objectives.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing the budget and financial planning for specific projects
- Analyzing project costs and financial performance
- Coordinating with teams to align project goals with financial targets
- Ensuring compliance with financial regulations
- Reporting on project progress to executives and stakeholders
11. Financial Reporting Manager
A Financial Reporting Manager is responsible for preparing and presenting accurate financial reports, often for external stakeholders. Their salary reflects the critical importance of compliance and transparency in financial reporting, especially for publicly traded companies.
Key responsibilities:
- Preparing quarterly and annual financial statements
- Ensuring compliance with GAAP and other regulatory standards
- Coordinating with auditors to verify financial records
- Analyzing financial data to support executive decision-making
- Managing a team of accountants to maintain reporting accuracy
12. Audit Manager
An Audit Manager oversees audit processes, ensuring the organization’s financial operations comply with regulations and internal standards. Their compensation is high due to the role’s critical impact on financial transparency and risk management.
Key responsibilities:
- Planning and managing internal and external audit engagements
- Ensuring audit processes meet regulatory and company standards
- Reviewing and evaluating financial controls and reporting accuracy
- Training and mentoring audit staff
- Reporting audit findings to senior management
13. Senior Accounting Manager
Senior Accounting Managers supervise accounting functions and ensure financial accuracy across departments. This role pays well because of the level of responsibility in managing accounting operations, often for large organizations with complex financial needs.
Key responsibilities:
- Overseeing daily accounting operations, including accounts payable and receivable
- Managing month-end and year-end financial close processes
- Preparing and reviewing financial statements and reports
- Ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting standards
- Leading and developing a team of accountants
14. Property Controller
A Property Controller manages the financials for real estate assets, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. The role pays well due to the specialized knowledge required to handle property-related financial management and compliance.
Key responsibilities:
- Overseeing financial operations for property portfolios
- Preparing property budgets, forecasts, and financial reports
- Ensuring compliance with property-related financial regulations
- Analyzing property financial performance and advising management
- Coordinating with property managers and other stakeholders
15. Internal Audit Consultant
Internal Audit Consultants are specialized professionals who review and improve a company’s internal controls. They are paid well for their expertise in identifying risks and enhancing compliance, crucial for maintaining a company’s financial health and credibility.
Key responsibilities:
- Conducting internal audits and evaluating control systems
- Identifying areas of financial risk and recommending improvements
- Assisting management in implementing effective controls
- Ensuring adherence to regulatory standards
- Preparing audit reports and presenting findings to executives
16. Corporate Controller
The Corporate Controller oversees a company’s overall accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. This high-paying role requires extensive accounting knowledge and leadership skills to manage complex financial functions.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing the company’s accounting team and financial operations
- Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting
- Ensuring compliance with accounting regulations and standards
- Developing and implementing internal accounting policies
- Collaborating with executives on financial strategy and decision-making
Why Pursue a Career in Accounting
- Strong job stability with consistent demand across industries and sectors
- High earning potential, especially in specialized or executive roles
- Opportunities for advancement, from entry-level positions to executive titles like CFO or CAO
- Diverse career paths, including auditing, tax, financial analysis, and consulting
- Transferable skills that apply to nearly any business or financial setting
- Increasing opportunities for remote and flexible work environments
- Intellectual challenge and continuous learning with new regulations, technologies, and financial strategies
How to Start Moving Toward Higher Earnings in Accounting
If you’re aiming for a higher-paying accounting role, taking strategic steps now can help you get there faster. Here’s how to get on the path to higher earnings:
1. Gain Relevant Certifications
Credentials like the CPA, CMA, or CFA can significantly increase your earning potential. Choose one that aligns with your target role and start preparing to enhance both your expertise and career prospects.
2. Pursue Leadership Roles
Look for opportunities to lead projects or manage small teams, even within your current position. Building management experience early sets you apart and positions you well for senior roles.
3. Expand Your Industry Knowledge
Understanding specific industries, such as tech or healthcare, can make you more valuable to companies in those fields. Take time to learn industry-specific regulations and financial practices to stand out.
4. Network Strategically
Connect with professionals in high-paying accounting positions through LinkedIn or industry events. Networking can give you insights into potential job openings, career advice, and mentorship opportunities.
5. Seek Out Specialized Experience
Specialized roles like fund management or internal audit often come with higher pay. If one of these areas interests you, consider projects or short-term assignments that let you gain niche experience.
6. Invest in Advanced Education
An MBA or Master’s in Accounting can be valuable, especially if you’re aiming for roles like CFO or VP of Finance. Consider part-time or online options to keep working while you earn your degree.
7. Keep Up with Industry Trends
Stay updated on accounting and finance trends, such as automation and data analytics. Familiarity with emerging tools and tech not only keeps you relevant but also makes you more competitive in a shifting market.
Skills You Need to Land High-Paying Accounting Roles
Success in top accounting roles comes down to mastering specific skills and gaining solid experience. Here’s what sets high earners apart:
Key Skills to Develop
- Financial Analysis: Advanced understanding of financial data to guide strategic decisions.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with GAAP, SEC, and industry standards to ensure compliance.
- Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead teams and projects while managing complex financial operations.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication for presenting financial insights to executives and clients.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and addressing financial risks or inefficiencies.
Credentials and Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance: Typically required for entry-level roles and essential for career advancement.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Highly regarded for most senior accounting roles, especially in auditing and compliance.
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Valuable for roles focused on corporate finance and strategic planning.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Ideal for finance-focused positions like Fund Controller or Financial Project Manager.
- Master’s Degree (e.g., MBA): Often pursued by those aiming for executive roles like CFO or VP of Finance.
Building Relevant Experience
Start with roles like Financial Analysts, Audit Associates, or Staff Accountants to build a strong foundation in analysis, reporting, and regulatory compliance. Experience in these entry-level positions equips you for senior or specialized roles as your career progresses.
Conclusion
Pursuing the highest-paying accounting jobs is within reach for those ready to build the right skills, gain experience, and make strategic moves.
With roles that reward expertise, leadership, and specialized knowledge, there’s no shortage of opportunity in accounting for ambitious professionals looking to increase their earning power. Start building your path today, and the best accounting roles will be out there, waiting for you.
