Are you passionate about finance and love it when the ledger balances? Do you see yourself being immersed in numbers and becoming a financial manager? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you might be interested in studying an IIE BCom Accounting degree. While the term ‘accounting’ may seem narrow, there are many exciting BCom Accounting careers that you can pursue with your degree. From a chartered accountant to an auditor or business owner, there are many doors waiting to be opened.
Why study an IIE BCom Accounting degree?
Not only does it open doors to some of the of the highest paying careers in South Africa, it is also in very high demand. There are a host of companies in search of graduates who have completed their accounting degrees. Apart from this, after completing your degree you’ll walk away with a thorough theoretical grounding in, and knowledge of the key principles of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Finance, and Auditing and Taxation. This valuable set of skills equips you for the real world and can propel you into a successful and rewarding career.
What can you do with a BCom Accounting degree?
You choose your dreams; we help you get there. There are a host careers that you can pursue with a BCom Accounting degree. Whether you want to work your way up the ladder at a company or run your own business, here are 10 career paths you can follow with a BCom Accounting degree in South Africa.
1. Certified Chartered Accountant
This occupation is very popular for those who choose to study a BCom Accounting degree. As a certified CA, you are responsible for ensuring all financial records are balanced and compliant with certain laws and principles, also known as general accepted accounting principles or GAAP. For this career, you need exceptional problem solving to solve any financial discrepancies.
2. Auditor
As an auditor your job focuses on accuracy. It is your responsibility to assess the company’s internal financial records and give your insight into the accuracy of the records. Any and all risks must be identified in your monthly reporting.
3. Financial Manager
A financial manager is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial health. This involves monitoring cash flow, handling expenses, planning budgets and so forth. You would be primarily involved in reporting and analysing, which means you need to have a keen eye to track where and how money comes in and goes out.
4. Personal Financial Advisor
If you’re quite frugal with your money and love offering advice to others, personal financial advisor might be the career for you. This career is dedicated to advising clients on their financial health, investments or savings as well as helping them make informed decisions about their accumulated wealth.
5. Financial Analyst
A financial analyst thinks critically and keeps up to date on economic trends taking place globally. You will look at past and future financial data and help individuals or companies make the right decisions.
6. Accounting Manager
An IIE BCom Accounting degree can get you a job as an accounting manager in a well-established company. However, most companies prefer graduates to have an additional qualification. You can study for a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting after your bachelor’s degree in order to improve your chances of becoming an accounting manager.
7. Budget Analyst
The main requirement for almost any business is to plan its finances efficiently. A budget analyst is responsible for financial planning within a company to ensure all spending is done accurately and detailed records are kept. You will also plan budget reports and monitor expenditure.
8. Management Consultant
If you’ve got what it takes to comprehensively assess a company and provide solutions to difficult problems, a career as a management consultant might be just up your street. You need to be able to work in a team and have strong critical thinking and problem- solving skills - all of which your BCom Accounting degree will have successfully prepared you for.
9. Treasury Analyst
Treasury analysts are responsible for analysing and managing any financial activity or transaction that takes place within a business. You have to have an eagle eye to ensure all credits, cash flow and banking are running as planned. This may be a rewarding career path to follow with your BCom Accounting degree.
10. Financial Controller
A financial controller oversees all accounting activities and makes sure that the books balance. In this role, all eyes are on you because you are responsible for the company’s financial records as well as managing day-to-day operations.
If you’ve just started out with your BCom Accounting degree, read our advice on how to prepare yourself and to never give up on your dreams.
What does accounting of the future look like?
With the world switching to digital, you’re probably wondering what the accounting of the future looks like.. We’re here to tell you to embrace new opportunities and never be afraid of change as it brings new challenges to sharpen your skills.
Whatever your interests, we can help you pursue them
With The IIE’s Varsity College, you could be well on your way to making waves in your chosen profession. With an accredited IIE qualification, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve exactly what you set out to do. For more on the IIE Bachelor of Accounting please visit our website here
Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). The largest, most accredited private higher education provider in South Africa, that’s also accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC).