Accounting can involve more than just filing tax returns, generating financial statements or offering back-office accounting solutions. Many certified public accountants (CPAs) are increasingly offering their services as accounting consultants, a profile that acts as a trusted adviser to clients regarding the economy.
Accounting consulting jobs may involve: Helping your business clients maintain efficient and accurate accounting practices. Providing your expertise to help clients understand the meaning behind their financial data and how those numbers affect their business.
It's fairly common for CPAs to become part-time or full-time consultants just prior to retirement, while others enjoy the benefits of greater flexibility and control over their schedules earlier in their careers. Another option is to consult on the side, or in between permanent jobs.
Consultants usually hold degrees in business administration, finance or economics. However, degrees in psychology, marketing and computer science are common as well among business consultants. To work in a particular industry, consider a minor in that field in addition to a business degree.
One of the main benefits of being a freelance accountant is that you get to set your own agenda. Not only can you pick and choose the clients you want to work with, but also the kinds of services you offer and the way you work with those clients.
Accounting Consultant Salary in New York City, NY Annual SalaryHourly Wage Top Earners $167,934 $80 75th Percentile $136,200 $65 Average $109,148 $52 25th Percentile $77,100 $37
The big 4 refer to the top 4 accounting firms. These firms can have strategy arms that compete with MBB firms, but the bulk of their business is related to accounting. So let's do a little comparison between the top 3 and big 4 consulting firms and learn what some of the difference are.
It's becoming increasing popular for many CPAs to offer their services in an accounting consultant capacity, which is a bridge to becoming the holistic trusted advisor consumers are looking for in today's economic climate.
You can pursue a career in management consultancy with a degree in any subject, but disciplines that involve a high level of analytical and problem-solving work such as economics, business, finance and engineering are particularly useful.
It's fairly common for CPAs to become part-time or full-time consultants just prior to retirement, while others enjoy the benefits of greater flexibility and control over their schedules earlier in their careers. Another option is to consult on the side, or in between permanent jobs.