Accounting Careers

There are approximately 1.3 million accountants and auditors in the U.S.* and many more around the world. And, the accounting job market is expected to grow 22 percent (or nearly 280,000 new jobs) by 2018, as companies put a premium on their finances.

An accountant’s job today is drastically different compared to a generation ago – having evolved from number crunchers to strategic business partners. “Technological advances, globalization, and compliance issues have drastically changed the accounting profession,” said Brian L. McGuire, Ph.D., CMA, CPA, CBM, CITP, IMA Chair.

Management accountants are the valued business advisors who work across all areas of an organization, in decision support, planning, and control functions. Their role is distinct from the responsibilities of public accountants, who focus on audit, tax, and compliance. Some common job titles for management accountants include: chief financial officer, treasurer, vice president of finance, controller, finance manager, internal auditor, financial analyst, and staff accountant.

* Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011 Occupational Handbook

Download IMA resources:

  • IMA's Annual Salary Survey
  • Management Accounting: A Lifetime Career, New Accountant High School Edition, 2011.

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Email
  • Country
Disclaimer Copy: By submitting this request, I authorize IMA to contact me regarding special offers and events. This service can be discontinued at any time by following the opt-out instructions in the communications.

© 1997–2012, Institute of Management Accountants, Inc.   10 Paragon Drive, Suite 1, Montvale, NJ 07645-1760   (800) 638-4427 or +1 (201) 573-9000 
Site Map  |  Site Help and FAQ  |  IMA Policies