Accounting or Finance Degree: Which One to Choose for Career?

You are great with numbers, have good attention to detail, and are considering a career in a related field. However, the big question is: should you go for an Accounting vs Finance Degree? At first glance, the two may seem nearly the same, but a closer look reveals two very different paths. If you are trying to decide which option is better for your interests and goals, this article will help you answer that question.

Both accounting and finance deal with managing and interpreting financial data. However, their approach is different. Accounting looks back in time at recorded and reported events, and finance examines the future to plan and grow wealth. Choosing between these two fields is not only about working with numbers, but also about one’s personality, career aspirations, and preferred work style. Which path is right for you? Let us explore more.

Accounting vs Finance Degree-Which Career Path Suits You Best?

Both accounting and finance deal with money and strategy, but choosing the right degree depends on factors such as interests, strengths, and long-term career goals.

What Is an Accounting Degree?

Accounting is a branch of finance that focuses on the gathering and presentation of financial information. An accounting degree is an academic program that studies the principles of recording, analyzing, and reporting financial information for individuals and organizations. Graduates leave the program prepared with capabilities in financial statement preparation, tax laws, auditing, and business strategy and analytics, equipping them for careers in accounting, finance, and related fields.

Also read: Top Accounting Careers in the US

What Is a Finance Degree?

Finance is a field that involves helping individuals, businesses, and governments make smart financial decisions. Finance professionals gather and analyze the data to help their clients maximize their wealth, save money, or invest for the future.

Also read: Salaries for Accountants in the US in 2026

Key Differences Between Accounting and Finance

The key differences between a finance and an accounting degree lie in what each type of professional does with financial information. Generally, accounting professionals collect, classify, and report financial information. On the other hand, finance professionals analyze and use that information to make business decisions.

Take a look at the differences between a finance degree vs accounting degree:

Key Difference	Accounting	Finance
Core Focus	Recording, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions	Managing, investing, and growing financial assets
Goal	Ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial records	Maximizing value and making strategic financial decisions
Work Style	Detail-oriented, structured, and rule-based	Analytical, forward-thinking, and strategy-driven
Common Roles	Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Controller	Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Financial Planner
Key Skills	Attention to detail, organization, and knowledge of accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS)	Data analysis, risk management, forecasting, and communication
Work Environment	Corporate accounting departments, public accounting firms, and government agencies	Banks, investment firms, corporate finance departments, consulting companies
Certifications	CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant)	CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Career Growth	Stable, steady advancement with specialization opportunities	Potential for rapid growth in high-performing sectors
Ideal For	Those who enjoy structure, precision, and regulatory work.	Those who enjoy analysis, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
Long-term Outlook	Consistent demand across industries.	Competitive field with high earning potential.

Career Paths: Job Titles and Salary Expectations in Accounting vs. Finance

Accounting and finance professionals have countless career paths, each offering tailored opportunities and compensation for different roles and responsibilities. Accounting careers have a consistent promotion trajectory and high demand, while finance careers typically offer higher salaries and faster advancement in high-growth sectors. Take a look at some prominent accounting vs finance salary differences in the tables below:

Accounting Careers

Job Roles	Average Annual Salaries
Accountant	USD 66,997
Auditor	USD 93,962
Tax Consultant	USD 102,532
Cost Accountant	USD 80,424
Financial Controller	USD 110,483
Internal Auditor	USD 92,831
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	USD 165,842

Finance Careers

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Financial Analyst	USD 81,548
Investment Banker	USD 114,535
Financial Planner	USD 86,659
Portfolio Manager	USD 101,846
Risk Analyst	USD 90,998
Business Development Manager	USD 87,429
Chief Investment Officer (CIO)	USD 146,080

Also read: Pathways to Becoming a Financial Whiz

Explore Accounting and Finance Careers through upGrad

Select an accounting degree if you appreciate structure, details, and reporting past and present data, and pursue jobs as a public accountant or controller. Select a finance degree if you are interested in strategy, market research, and decisions about future investments in areas like investment banking or as a financial analyst. Both accounting and finance offer promising salaries and job growth, but appeal to different skill sets and career interests.

upGrad offers accounting and finance courses for aspirants and professionals seeking careers in the field of numbers. You can advance to an exciting and lucrative career in accounting or finance with job-oriented programs on the upGrad platform. Gain valuable knowledge from experienced faculty members, learn skills that can be applied in real-world situations, and prepare for professional opportunities in a diverse financial market.

Here are some relevant programs to explore:

Master of Science in International Accounting and Finance (Accredited by ACCA, UK) from O.P Jindal Global University

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FAQs About Choosing Between Accounting and Finance Careers

What is the main difference between accounting and finance degrees?

Accounting concentrates on documenting past and current financial transactions and reporting them, while finance is concerned with the future, the management of assets and liabilities, and means for business growth.

Which is harder: accounting or finance?

In terms of difficulty, whether accounting is more complex or finance is harder is a matter of perspective, but accounting is often viewed as harder, especially at the undergraduate level. This is because accounting is very detail-oriented and it relies on past data and strict rules. At the same time, finance is broader, future-oriented, and involves high-level math and statistical analysis.

Which degree has better job prospects in the U.S.?

Both the accounting and finance sectors offer promising job prospects, but finance roles often offer higher earning potential, while accounting roles often lead to a more stable career path. Finance also offers a broader range of roles with higher salaries, such as investment banking and financial analyst roles, while accounting is generally regarded as more recession-proof.

Can I switch from accounting to finance after graduation?

Yes, after completing school, you can transition from accounting to finance by taking the initiative to build your skill set, gain experience, and earn certifications. A helpful strategy is to take on finance responsibilities in your current role, leverage your knowledge of accounting principles, and consider obtaining a professional finance certification, such as the CFA, to demonstrate your commitment to a switch to finance.

What certifications should accounting graduates pursue?

Accounting graduates can supplement their careers with the following certifications:

1. CPA – represents primarily a public accounting practitioner
2. CMA – represents a corporate finance practice
3. CFA – represents an investment and portfolio management practice
4. CIA, CFE, CISA – represent auditing or fraud examination practices that might develop from the audit across a variety of entities and address IT audit, fraud examination, etc.