If you’re someone who’s good with numbers, the accounting industry may be exactly what you’re looking for. Find out about the Top 10 Highest Paying Accounting Careers and what they do.
1) Financial Controller
Average Salary: $70,117.87 – $190,519.56
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $112,622
Education: A financial manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, commerce, or accounting, along with several years of experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, or financial analysis. A master’s degree, like an MBA with a finance focus, can be beneficial. For some senior positions, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation may be necessary.
Job Description: A company’s controller is the chief accounting officer and heads the accounting department. The controller is responsible for the company’s financial statements, general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting and tax compliance.
Expected Job Openings: There are 3,510 expected job openings from 2023 – 2033.
2) CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
Average Salary: $48,135.65 – $120,964.80
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $77,855
Education: In British Columbia, to become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), you typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, or a related field, with coursework in management accounting, financial accounting, and economics. After obtaining the degree, candidates must complete the CMA program, which includes practical experience and passing the CMA entrance and final exams. Some candidates may also need to complete prerequisite courses if their degree did not cover all required topics.
Job Description: The CMA is responsible to assess both accounting and administrative controls and prepare reports for the management team regarding corporate compliance and internal policies and procedures.
Expected Job Openings: There are 10,270 expected job openings for financial auditors and accountants from 2023 – 2033.
3) Chartered Accountant
Average Salary: $48,135.65 – $120,964.80
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $77,855
Education: A bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field is required. After earning the degree, candidates must enroll in the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) program, which includes practical work experience, completing the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), and passing the Common Final Examination (CFE).
Job Description: Chartered accountants provide professional advice about financial decisions and profitability. They create financial reports and documents and are involved in financial reporting, auditing, taxation and corporate finance.
Expected Job Openings: There are 10,270 expected job openings for financial auditors and accountants from 2023 – 2033.
4) Bank Branch Manager
Average Salary: $57,750.26 – $198,528.26
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $102,507
Education: A Bank Branch Manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field. Some positions may also require additional certifications in financial planning or risk management. Advanced education, such as an MBA, can enhance career prospects and provide a competitive edge for higher-level management positions.
Job Description: A branch manager is responsible for all of the functions of a branch office, like hiring employees, approving loans and lines of credit as well as marketing the branch. They build a rapport with the community to attract business and assisting customers with account problems.
Expected Job Openings: There are 3,360 expected job openings for bank managers from 2023 – 2033.
5) CGA (Certified General Accountant)
Average Salary: $48,135.65 – $120,964.80
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $77,855
Education: A Certified General Accountant (CGA) requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. After obtaining the degree, candidates must enroll in the CGA program, which includes completing required coursework, gaining relevant work experience, and passing a series of professional exams. The program covers areas like financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, and auditing. Some candidates may need to complete prerequisite courses if their degree did not cover all required topics.
Job Description: A certified general accountant reviews an organization’s financial reporting mechanisms, policies or processes and ensures that they adhere to industry standards, corporate rules and regulatory requirements.
Expected Job Openings: There are 10,270 expected job openings for financial auditors and accountants from 2023 – 2033.
6) Senior Accountant
Average Salary: $48,135.65 – $120,964.80
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $77,855
Education: A Senior Accountant typically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Candidates often need several years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, or auditing. Professional designations such as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) are highly valued and may be required for senior roles. Continuing education in areas like tax law, financial analysis, or advanced accounting techniques can further enhance qualifications and career prospects in senior accounting positions.
Job Description: Accounting and related clerks calculate, prepare and process bills, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, budgets and other financial records according to established procedures.
Expected Job Openings: There are 10,270 expected job openings for financial auditors and accountants from 2023 – 2033.
7) Financial Analyst
Average Salary: $54,225.60 – $128,347.82
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $78,878
Education: A Financial Analyst typically requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field. Relevant experience in financial analysis, investment banking, or accounting is essential. Earning professional certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly recommended and often required for advancement. Advanced education, such as an MBA, can also enhance career prospects. Continuing education in financial modeling, market analysis, and data interpretation is valuable for career growth.
Job Description: Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.
Expected Job Openings: There are 1,410 expected job openings for financial analysts from 2023 – 2033.
8) Credit Supervisor
Average Salary: $40,106.09 – $102,778.67
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $67,678
Education: A Credit Supervisor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Several years of experience in credit analysis, lending, or financial services are usually needed. Certifications in credit management or financial analysis can enhance qualifications. Supervisory or management experience is often required for senior roles. Continuing education in areas like risk management, financial regulations, and credit assessment is beneficial for career advancement.
Job Description: A credit supervisor oversees the credit and collection activities for a company. They may also perform tasks in regards to credit and collection activities like accounting or customer service clerks.
Expected Job Openings: There are 960 expected job openings for credit supervisors from 2023 – 2033.
9) Staff Accountant
Average Salary: $48,135.65 – $120,964.80
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $77,855
Education: A Staff Accountant typically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Candidates often need several years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, or auditing. Professional designations such as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) are highly valued and may be required for senior roles. Continuing education in areas like tax law, financial analysis, or advanced accounting techniques can further enhance qualifications and career prospects in senior accounting positions.
Job Description: Staff accountants work under the supervision of a controller, director or certified public accountant (CPA). They maintain financial reports, records, and general ledgers. They also prepare and analyze budgets in addition to general bookkeeping.
Expected Job Openings: There are 10,270 expected job openings for financial auditors and accountants from 2023 – 2033.
10) Bookkeeper
Average Salary: $37,540.80 – $89,388.81
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $52,933
Education: A Bookkeeper typically requires a diploma or certificate in bookkeeping, accounting, or a related field.
Job Description: Bookkeepers maintain complete sets of books, keep records of accounts, verify the procedures used for recording financial transactions, and provide personal bookkeeping services.
Expected Job Openings: There are 10,000 expected job openings for bookkeepers and accounting technicians from 2023 – 2033.
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*Data taken from WorkBC
