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Is there any career or a job which combines both accounting and programming?
I'm interested in doing both accounting and computer programming, but l don't know if there's a career which combines these fields, because l want to do both accounting and programming.
15 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
The three that I have encountered are auditors, record keepers, and financial advisors and tax specialists.
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Tirumala’s Answer
Hello Carlington,
There's a wide array of careers in this field, and just to mention a few, you could explore Financial Planning and Analysis, Revenue Accounting, Inventory Accounting, and Tax Systems. These roles are largely rooted in Accounting principles, but they also require a bit of IT knowledge. To enhance your accounting background, I recommend learning Data Analysis and statistical programming. These skills will surely boost your career prospects.
There's a wide array of careers in this field, and just to mention a few, you could explore Financial Planning and Analysis, Revenue Accounting, Inventory Accounting, and Tax Systems. These roles are largely rooted in Accounting principles, but they also require a bit of IT knowledge. To enhance your accounting background, I recommend learning Data Analysis and statistical programming. These skills will surely boost your career prospects.
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Mike’s Answer
Consider exploring "Fintech", it's an exciting field that leans more towards finance rather than accounting. However, you can also discover roles such as "financial or accounting analyst with programming skills" or "financial programmer". Professionals in these positions utilize their financial and accounting know-how, coupled with programming abilities, to develop software applications, streamline financial processes, and analyze financial data more effectively.
Here's a friendly rundown of specific job roles that merge accounting and programming:
1. Financial Analyst/Financial Engineer: These savvy individuals use their programming skills to craft intricate financial models, conduct data analysis, and automate financial reporting. They often use programming languages like Python, R, or SQL.
2. Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Quants are whizzes in quantitative analysis. They use programming to devise mathematical models for pricing financial instruments, managing risk, and optimizing portfolios. They're typically found in finance, investment, or trading firms.
3. Data Analyst/Data Scientist in Finance: These data gurus use programming to gather, clean, and analyze vast amounts of financial data. Their work helps organizations make decisions based on solid data.
4. Financial Software Developer: These specialists focus on creating software applications for accounting, financial planning, and data analysis. They usually have a deep understanding of accounting principles and programming languages.
5. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Developer: ERP developers are the architects behind enterprise-level accounting and financial software systems. They need both accounting knowledge and programming skills to excel in this role.
6. Financial Systems Analyst: These analysts act as the bridge between finance and IT departments within organizations. They design and implement financial systems, often needing programming skills to tailor software to the company's needs.
7. Blockchain Developer in Finance: With the surge of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, there's a growing need for professionals who can merge accounting knowledge with blockchain programming to create financial solutions and applications.
8. Tax Technology Specialist: These specialists use programming skills to automate tax processes, perform tax calculations, and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
To shine in these roles, you'll need a firm grounding in accounting or finance, as well as proficiency in programming languages, data analysis, and relevant software tools. The specific requirements and skills can vary based on the industry and organization, so it's crucial to research the job market and tailor your skills accordingly.
Here's a friendly rundown of specific job roles that merge accounting and programming:
1. Financial Analyst/Financial Engineer: These savvy individuals use their programming skills to craft intricate financial models, conduct data analysis, and automate financial reporting. They often use programming languages like Python, R, or SQL.
2. Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Quants are whizzes in quantitative analysis. They use programming to devise mathematical models for pricing financial instruments, managing risk, and optimizing portfolios. They're typically found in finance, investment, or trading firms.
3. Data Analyst/Data Scientist in Finance: These data gurus use programming to gather, clean, and analyze vast amounts of financial data. Their work helps organizations make decisions based on solid data.
4. Financial Software Developer: These specialists focus on creating software applications for accounting, financial planning, and data analysis. They usually have a deep understanding of accounting principles and programming languages.
5. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Developer: ERP developers are the architects behind enterprise-level accounting and financial software systems. They need both accounting knowledge and programming skills to excel in this role.
6. Financial Systems Analyst: These analysts act as the bridge between finance and IT departments within organizations. They design and implement financial systems, often needing programming skills to tailor software to the company's needs.
7. Blockchain Developer in Finance: With the surge of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, there's a growing need for professionals who can merge accounting knowledge with blockchain programming to create financial solutions and applications.
8. Tax Technology Specialist: These specialists use programming skills to automate tax processes, perform tax calculations, and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
To shine in these roles, you'll need a firm grounding in accounting or finance, as well as proficiency in programming languages, data analysis, and relevant software tools. The specific requirements and skills can vary based on the industry and organization, so it's crucial to research the job market and tailor your skills accordingly.
Great suggestions!
Michele Buchner
FinTech is a great suggestion - especially if you are able to find a role in Product Management where you need healthy doses of knowledge in both accounting & technology.
Terry Dinterman
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Rahul’s Answer
Hello Carlington,
Indeed, possessing this unique blend of skills is highly advantageous. A fantastic starting point would be any financial technology firm that provides financial services via cutting-edge solutions. You can also explore career opportunities in areas such as finance process automation, digital finance, and finance backend systems engineering. These fields greatly value the combination of accounting knowledge and technology or programming expertise.
Indeed, possessing this unique blend of skills is highly advantageous. A fantastic starting point would be any financial technology firm that provides financial services via cutting-edge solutions. You can also explore career opportunities in areas such as finance process automation, digital finance, and finance backend systems engineering. These fields greatly value the combination of accounting knowledge and technology or programming expertise.
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Amol’s Answer
There are numerous fintech startups out there that are eager for individuals who have expertise in both finance/accounting and programming. This is your chance to shine!
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Amalya’s Answer
Hello Carlington,
it will be interesting to combine these occupations. Each profession has its particular requirements, knowledge basis, and so on.
You can work in software or aerospace engineering, machine learning, and mathematical sciences.
it will be interesting to combine these occupations. Each profession has its particular requirements, knowledge basis, and so on.
You can work in software or aerospace engineering, machine learning, and mathematical sciences.
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Dan’s Answer
Hi Carlington,
There are opportunities from both the finance/accounting side as well as the information technology side that you could pursue. All business functions now require using technology which means there is a system behind it that needs to be configured/programmed and maintained. Getting an education that balances tech and finance/accounting would be the best approach. Look for degree tracks such as Management Information Systems which will give you the ability to take both business and technology classes and blend your education for the field you want to move into.
Today many software vendors are making their products more centric to the business user allowing them more control over the system with less technical and programming skills required. A role in an Financial Planning & Analysis often puts you in a position of using some tech skills along with deep financial/accounting skills to provide advice/guidance to the operations side of the business.
Besides enterprise accounting and financial software, employees in this type of role most often use Excel or Google Sheets to help them do their jobs. These can be powerful tools. Getting a good understanding of these tools and a deeper knowledge of built in functions are a great start.
During your education try to take both accounting/finance classes in addition to technology classes. A degree in Management Information Systems provides this balance. Here is a link to a web page that gives further information about this and other related degrees. https://www.careerexplorer.com/degrees/management-information-systems-degree/
There are opportunities from both the finance/accounting side as well as the information technology side that you could pursue. All business functions now require using technology which means there is a system behind it that needs to be configured/programmed and maintained. Getting an education that balances tech and finance/accounting would be the best approach. Look for degree tracks such as Management Information Systems which will give you the ability to take both business and technology classes and blend your education for the field you want to move into.
Today many software vendors are making their products more centric to the business user allowing them more control over the system with less technical and programming skills required. A role in an Financial Planning & Analysis often puts you in a position of using some tech skills along with deep financial/accounting skills to provide advice/guidance to the operations side of the business.
Dan recommends the following next steps:
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Cherilyn’s Answer
Yes, there are many opportunities in this space. Especially in automating Accounting processes. Having the background in understanding Accounting business processes and then finding opportunities in automating their processes, resulting in efficiencies and time savings is a great area!
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Ekat’s Answer
Definitely! A lot of companies have IT Business Operations or Business Applications groups that aid in accounting tasks. You can transition into these positions either from an Accounting background or an IT systems background. In these roles, your primary responsibility would be to assist accounting experts who use systems like ERP, billing, and so on.
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david’s Answer
Consider what gives you pleasure. As an accountant, you will be in a position to advise others in their business decisions. As a programmer, much of what you do will be what is requested by others. I spent years as a programmer and know that, while there were times when I worked from a blank slate, most of the time I was working to requirements. My freedom was in deciding how to do the requirement, but not whether to do it or to do something else. Each can be a personally rewarding career, but programmers rarely stay as programmers, while accountants tend to stay. I offer these comments based on several decades in computing management. I wish you well.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Carlington !
The ideal position for you just may be as a consultant in a company as an implementation specialist.
As an implementation specialist, you will meet with clients and more or less teach them how to use their software they've purchased. You would be installing their software, customizing the software to their particular needs, writing a report for them about all the things you did. You would need a Bachelors degree in computer science and some experience in order to obtain work in that field.
Keep in mind that most companies large enough or really most companies use accounting software so that's where you'd use your accounting knowledge. Why not even apply for a job with an accounting software company ? That's another option.
Best wishes in your decision !
The ideal position for you just may be as a consultant in a company as an implementation specialist.
As an implementation specialist, you will meet with clients and more or less teach them how to use their software they've purchased. You would be installing their software, customizing the software to their particular needs, writing a report for them about all the things you did. You would need a Bachelors degree in computer science and some experience in order to obtain work in that field.
Keep in mind that most companies large enough or really most companies use accounting software so that's where you'd use your accounting knowledge. Why not even apply for a job with an accounting software company ? That's another option.
Best wishes in your decision !
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Kristi’s Answer
The field of accounting is vast, encompassing areas like financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax accounting, and government accounting. You should explore tax software companies. They assist tax accountants in tackling challenging scenarios, ranging from audit and regulatory issues to research, direct and indirect taxes, global trade, and provisions, among others. Think about tax software companies that employ developers, client service personnel, consultants, support tax/system analysts, and implementation specialists. These roles can effectively bridge the gap between the two fields.
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Trevor’s Answer
Yes! Many accounting firms have programming groups where you'd need to have a bit of both domain knowledge or you could work for an accounting software company as a programmer.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are interest in Accounting and Programming.
You can consider to like accounting software development, accounting automation, etc.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many accounting related job, e.g. auditing, tax, management accounting, financial accounting, etc. You can find out more on these accounting streams
2. Explore the software house to develop the relevant account software
3. Identify the college that offering double degree in Accounting and Computer Science. Alternatively, you can choose one as your major and another one as your minor. Explore the college entry criteria
4. Identify some simple programming languages, e.g. Python, scratch, etc. Start doing some simple programming yourself
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
You can consider to like accounting software development, accounting automation, etc.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many accounting related job, e.g. auditing, tax, management accounting, financial accounting, etc. You can find out more on these accounting streams
2. Explore the software house to develop the relevant account software
3. Identify the college that offering double degree in Accounting and Computer Science. Alternatively, you can choose one as your major and another one as your minor. Explore the college entry criteria
4. Identify some simple programming languages, e.g. Python, scratch, etc. Start doing some simple programming yourself
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Jackie’s Answer
That's an excellent query! For a long time, I held numerous positions in the finance sector, but I was always pondering on how to refine manual operations. When I began proposing ideas to make processes more efficient, I was given the opportunity to contribute to system implementation projects, which were mainly focused on finance or accounting. Being an end user previously, transitioning to IT becomes a breeze.
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