Top 10 Most Demanded Finance and Accounting Jobs in USA (2027)

Within the United States, the finance and accounting industry plays a key role. Many businesses, financial institutions, insurance companies, and government departments will require workers who can manage finances, produce reports, and manage a business’ expenses.

As businesses grow so will the need for employees with an understanding of accounting principles, planning, tax, investment management, and regulation. This means there are many opportunities within the finance and accounting industry for people with different educational background and professional experience.

There are many different jobs in the finance and accounting industry in the US. Many entry-level roles in accounting, and higher level roles in financial management.

According to the BLS, there is an estimated average of 886,600 openings a year in business and financial operations between 2025-2035. This includes new roles due to growth in employment and to replace those leaving their roles.

If you want to work within the finance industry, this article will help you gain an understanding of the top 10 careers available in the United States. Including what the role entails, what education you’ll need, key skills required, salary, and employment opportunities.

1. Accountant and Auditor:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $83,680

One of the most important roles within the finance and accounting industry is the Accountant and Auditor. They will help businesses manage their finances by producing reports, analyzing transactions, and ensuring they follow accounting guidelines.

Almost every organization will require an accountant. They can work within private companies, accountancy firms, hospitals, banks, government departments, and non-profit organizations.

An Accountant is responsible for producing and managing financial information whereas an Auditor will analyze financial information to ensure it’s accurate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce and analyze financial reports.
• Ensure accurate records of business transactions.
• Analyze income and expenses of a business.
• Prepare tax returns and financial reports.
• Analyze for errors in financial documents.
• Help with following accounting guidelines.
• Ensure bank statements match up.
• Give an explanation of the financial results.

Education and Requirements:

Most professional roles will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or similar. However, some employers may prefer someone with relevant experience and further qualifications.

Those wanting to become a Certified Public Accountant will need to meet the relevant education, exams, and licensing requirements in their state.

Skills Required:

Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, accounting software, financial reporting, bookkeeping, and tax. As well as mathematical and attention to detail skills.

Employment Opportunities:

These roles are available in many industries. The BLS has predicted there will be approximately 115,300 openings a year for this role between 2025-2035.

This makes accounting an important career to consider if you want to work within corporate finance or public accounting.

2. Financial Manager:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $166,570

The Financial Manager oversees the financial activities of a business. They will help businesses manage their budgets, analyze financial performance, produce financial plans, and make decisions on future spending.

They can work for banks, insurance companies, manufacturing businesses, healthcare organizations, and large corporations.

A Financial Manager will usually have more responsibilities compared to an entry-level accountant. They may manage a team within finance and work directly with senior management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage financial activities.
• Produce financial reports for senior management.
• Create budgets and financial plans.
• Analyze income and expenses.
• Review investment and funding decisions.
• Identify financial risks.
• Manage financial and accounting staff.
• Give recommendations.

Education and Requirements:

Most will require a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics.

Many employers will prefer someone with a few years of experience within accounting, financial analysis, or a similar finance role.

Professional qualifications such as CPA or CFA may be useful.

Skills Required:

Leadership, budgeting, financial analysis, communication, and decision making skills. As well as knowledge of financial software and business.

Employment Opportunities:

This is one of the highest paying roles in the business and finance industry. The BLS has predicted there will be around 65,600 openings a year and an increase in employment of around 9.7% between 2025-2035. This role is usually better suited to those with experience in finance.

3. Financial Compliance Officer:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $80,730

A Financial Compliance Officer will help businesses follow legal requirements, regulations, and internal policies.

Banks, insurance companies, investment companies, and other financial organizations will require compliance officers to help analyze their processes and reduce risk of breaching regulations.

For example, banks are required to follow guidelines for customer information, financial information, lending, and reporting. Compliance officers will help them understand what to do.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review policies and procedures.
• Ensure processes are compliant with financial regulations.
• Analyze business records.
• Identify potential issues.
• Produce compliance reports.
• Help staff understand relevant regulations.
• Review internal controls.
• Discuss compliance issues with management.

Education and Requirements:

Most will prefer someone with a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or similar.

Some employers may prefer someone with experience within banking, auditing, financial processes, or compliance.

Further training can be useful for those wanting to work in financial regulations.

Skills Required:

Attention to detail, communication, analytical skills, and knowledge of financial regulations. You should also have an understanding of how businesses keep accurate records and follow internal policies.

Employment Opportunities:

Compliance Officers work within many industries such as finance, banking, insurance, and government.

The BLS has predicted there will be approximately 32,700 openings a year between 2025-2035. This includes new roles and those replacing current staff.

4. Financial and Investment Analyst

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $102,740

A Financial and Investment Analyst will analyze financial information to help businesses, investment companies, and financial organizations make informed decisions.

They will analyze company performance, financial reports, investment opportunities, and produce financial forecasts.

An investment analyst for an investment company may analyze a businesses income, expenses, financial position, and market information to produce an investment report.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze financial reports and company reports.
• Analyze investment opportunities.
• Produce financial forecasts.
• Analyze business income and expenses.
• Review economic and market information.
• Produce investment research reports.
• Analyze financial risks.
• Present findings.

Education and Requirements:

Most will require a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, or Business Administration.

Some employers may prefer someone with further qualifications or experience in investment research and financial modelling.

Those looking into investment analysis may find the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification useful, but it is not a mandatory requirement for all roles.

Skills Required:

Financial modelling, Microsoft Excel, data analysis, research, and problem solving.

You should have an understanding of financial reports, business valuations, and investment.

Employment Opportunities:

The BLS has predicted there will be around 24,700 openings a year between 2025-2035.

This could be a good career for those who enjoy working with numbers, analyzing businesses, and understanding financial markets.

5. Personal Financial Advisor:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $105,070

A Personal Financial Advisor will help individuals understand and manage their finances. They can work with clients who are looking to plan for their retirement, invest their money, save, and organize their financial goals.

Some work for banks and financial planning companies while others will run their own financial advising business.

A Personal Financial Advisor will usually start by understanding the client’s income, expenses, savings, investments, and future goals so they can give suitable advice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet with clients to discuss their goals.
• Review personal financial details.
• Develop financial planning strategies.
• Explain investment options.
• Help with retirement planning.
• Discuss saving and insurance needs.
• Review financial plans.
• Keep records of clients.

Education and Requirements:

Most will require a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.

Some roles will require certain licenses or registrations depending on the type of financial products you offer.

Professional qualifications and experience will improve your career opportunities.

Skills Required:

Good communication, customer service, financial planning, and analytical skills.

You should be able to explain financial information in a simple manner.

Employment Opportunities:

Those with different incomes and financial goals will require financial planning services.

The BLS has predicted there will be around 17,100 openings a year between 2025-2035.

This could be a good career for those who enjoy working with clients directly.

6. Loan Officer:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $76,690

A Loan Officer works for banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and other financial organizations. They will help individuals and businesses apply for loans and analyze if they meet the lender’s criteria.

People may need to take out a loan to purchase a home, vehicle, expand their business, or for other reasons.

A Loan Officer will review the applicant’s financial information including income, credit history, debt, and other relevant documents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive loan applications.
• Collect financial information.
• Review income and credit history.
• Explain loan products.
• Analyze if they can afford to pay back.
• Prepare loan documents.
• Communicate with customers.
• Pass on applications.

Education and Requirements:

Most will prefer someone with a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration. However, some will accept relevant experience.

Mortgage Loan Officers may need to meet certain license and registration requirements depending on the regulations.

Skills Required:

Communication, customer service, financial analysis, organisation, and knowledge of the loan process.

You should have a basic understanding of financial calculations and credit information.

Employment Opportunities:

Loan Officers work within many areas of the banking and financial services industry.

The BLS has estimated there will be around 17,100 openings a year between 2025-2035. There will be a small increase in employment but there will also be opportunities to replace current staff.

7. Tax Preparer:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $54,920

A Tax Preparer will help individuals and businesses complete their tax returns. They will collect financial information, calculate taxable income, review deductions, and produce tax documents based on the relevant tax guidelines.

Many people use professional tax preparation services as tax forms can be complicated to understand.

They can work for accountancy firms, tax preparation companies, financial service companies, or run their own business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect financial information.
• Prepare individual and business tax returns.
• Calculate taxable income.
• Review income and expenses.
• Identify deductions and credits.
• Ensure all information is included.
• Explain requirements.
• Keep records of clients.

Education and Requirements:

Some roles will accept someone with a high school diploma and relevant training. However, many employers will prefer someone with a qualification in accounting or finance.

Those who are paid to prepare federal tax returns will usually require a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Depending on the type of work and state there may be further requirements.

Skills Required:

Knowledge of tax, math’s, attention to detail, communication, and tax preparation software.

You should feel comfortable analyzing  financial documents and working to deadlines.

Employment Opportunities:

Tax preparation can often be seasonal depending on the tax filing season in the US. However, some professionals will work all year round providing accounting and tax support.

The BLS has predicted there will be around 9,400 openings a year between 2025-2035.

8. Financial Examiner:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $94,160

A Financial Examiner will review the financial activities of banks and other financial organizations to ensure they follow relevant laws and regulations.

They can work for government organizations at federal or state level, and financial regulatory bodies.

They will review financial reports, loans, and documents to identify any potential financial risks.

For example, a Financial Examiner may review a bank’s documents to ensure they are following the correct regulations for their loans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review financial documents.
• Review banking and loan activities.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Identify financial risks.
• Review assets and liabilities.
• Produce examination reports.
• Identify potential issues with regulations.
• Review financial management processes.

Education and Requirements:

Most will require a bachelor’s degree with some accounting modules.

Knowledge of accounting principles, financial reports, banking, and financial regulations will be useful.

They may receive further training once employed.

Skills Required:

Analytical, attention to detail, communication, and a good understanding of accounting information.

You should be comfortable analyzing large amounts of financial documentation.

Employment Opportunities:

This is one of the fastest growing roles on this list. The BLS has predicted there will be around 9% increase in employment between 2025-2035. There will be around 4,500 openings a year.

This could be a good career for graduates who are interested in accounting, banking regulations, and government financial regulations.

9. Tax Examiner and Revenue Agent:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $62,370

A Tax Examiner and Revenue Agent will work with government tax organizations. They will review tax returns, analyze financial documents, and help to identify if individuals and businesses have reported their income accurately and paid the correct amount of tax.

They help enforce tax laws and ensure government organisation have accurate tax records.

A Tax Examiner will usually deal with more standard tax returns whereas a Revenue Agent may analyze individual or business tax documents in more detail.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review individual and business tax returns.
• Analyze financial documents.
• Review income and deductions.
• Identify errors in calculations.
• Ask for more information.
• Ensure accurate tax records.
• Produce examination reports.
• Communicate findings.

Education and Requirements:

Many professional roles will require a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or similar.

Depending on the agency and role some will require specific education including certain accounting modules.

Skills Required:

Knowledge of tax, accounting, financial reporting, moths, and government regulations.

Employees should have good research, communication, and organisation skills.

Employment Opportunities:

They can work for government organizations at federal, state, and local level.

The BLS has predicted there will be around 4,400 openings a year between 2025-2035.

10. Budget Analyst:

Estimated Median Annual Salary: $91,640

A Budget Analyst will help organizations produce and manage their financial plans. They will analyze spending requirements, review financial information, and help departments spend their budgets appropriately.

They can work for government organizations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and private businesses.

For example, a company may employ a Budget Analyst to review annual budgets for each department and identify areas where they can control their costs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce annual and departmental budgets.
• Review spending plans.
• Monitor spending.
• Compare planned and actual spending.
• Identify discrepancies.
• Produce financial reports.
• Make recommendations.
• Work with department managers.

Education and Requirements:

Most will require a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.

Knowledge of financial planning, budgeting software, and Microsoft Excel can be useful.

Those with previous experience in accounting or financial reporting may have better employment opportunities.

Skills Required:

Math’s, analytical, organisation, and communication skills.

You should have an understanding of how to analyses financial information and explain discrepancies to managers.

Employment Opportunities:

They will work for public and private organizations.

The BLS has predicted there will be around 2,900 openings a year between 2025-2035. Whilst there aren’t as many openings as there are for accountants, this is a specialized career for those interested in financial planning.

Key Skills to Learn:

To get a finance or accounting job in the USA you will need more than just a degree. Employers will want you to have practical skills to carry out your daily tasks.

Some useful skills to learn include:

Microsoft Excel

Excel is widely used for financial calculations, budgeting, spreadsheets, and reporting. You should learn how to use formulas, pivot tables, charts, and organize data.

Accounting Principles

Understanding debits and credits, balance sheets, income statements, and cashflow statements is important for many accounting roles.

Financial Analysis

You should know how to analyze business information, compare financial information, and identify any unusual changes.

Financial Software

Knowing how to use software such as QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, and other accounting software can be useful.

Communication

Finance staff will frequently communicate with managers, clients, colleagues, and other departments. You should be able to explain financial information clearly.

Attention to Detail

It is important to have accurate records and calculations within accounting. You should carefully review your work before submitting reports.

Education and Professional Qualifications

Most professional roles will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.

However, this will vary depending on the role. Some tax preparation and entry level bookkeeping roles may accept those with shorter training.

Those wanting to improve their professional qualifications can look into becoming a:

CPA – Certified Public Accountant.

CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst.

CMA – Certified Management Accountant.

CIA – Certified Internal Auditor.

Each will have different requirements, exams, and experience. They are not mandatory for all finance and accounting roles.

How to Apply for Finance and Accounting Jobs in the USA?

Once you have found a suitable role, you can start applying.

Steps to take before applying:

1. Find a Suitable Role

Ensure you are applying for a role that matches your education, experience, and skills. If you don’t have the experience required for a senior financial management role then don’t apply.

2. Create Your CV

Create a professional CV including your education, experience, knowledge of accounting, software skills, and any relevant qualifications.

3. Read the Job Requirements

Carefully read through the full job advert from the employer. Make sure you.