The 25 Highest Paying Accounting Jobs In 2024

Discover the most lucrative opportunities for ambitious professionals

A qualification in accountancy puts you in line for the highest-paying accounting jobs with the potential for enormous career growth in a short period.

Accounting has changed enormously over the past few years, and obtaining advanced degrees and certifications helps ensure your job pays off handsomely.

Career opportunities range from traditional roles like an auditor or management accountant to specialized positions, including forensic accountants, financial advisors, and investment banking.

The 25 Highest-Paying Accounting Jobs In 2024

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that jobs for accountants and auditors would grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032.

With median salaries of $78,000, this equates to more career opportunities in accounting across all industries offering a lucrative job progression.

So, if you want to find out what your options are and don't just want to crunch numbers all day long, then here's our list of the best-paying jobs in 2024 and beyond:

25. Accounts Receivable Manager - $58,714

Accounts receivable managers earn an average annual salary of $137,145 but, depending on their experience and qualifications, can expect to earn between $120,00 and $157,000.

Companies rely on the accounts receivable manager to take control of the whole collections process and assist with financial reporting.

24. Internal Auditor - $59,023

Internal auditors are concerned with ensuring that all financial reporting for a company is accurate and reflects the true state of the business's financial position.

They earn an average annual salary of $89,296, with entry-level positions paying $55,618 and Senior roles paying $143,365 depending on length of service and qualifications.

23. Actuarial Analyst: $100,000

An actuarial analyst is responsible for analyzing data and modeling risk so insurance companies can price their products correctly and evaluate claims.

This is important, as gig economy platforms have changed the rules in business and run on a different sets of principles compared to traditional businesses.

They assess the impact of various financial decisions on a business and produce financial projections and budgets to support their findings.

The median annual salary for financial analysts is $100,000, with the range starting at $74,000 and increasing to $160,00 per year, based on experience.

22. Certified Financial Planner - $100,000

As a certified financial planner, an accountant assists with financial decisions that will affect the future of a business or an individual's financial affairs.

If you decide to make this your accounting career, you can earn an average salary of $79,798 per year, with entry-level roles paying $40,495.

There are some financial planner vacancies for certified public accountants with salaries of $500,000 on offer, but experienced accountants should expect offers of around $100,000.

21. Senior Accountants - $107,000

Senior accountants are responsible for preparing financial statements and analyzing financial reports while assisting with audits and tax returns.

As part of their management accounting duties, they help develop accounting procedures and processes and ensure that accounts payable and receivable are reconciled correctly.

Besides managing internal controls, they perform budget audits and reviews, confirm that balance sheet accounts are properly reconciled, and agree with the applicable schedules.

The average annual salary for a certified management accountant fulfilling the senior accountant role is $81,895, with starting salaries beginning at $62,793.

Senior accountants with a few years of experience and the appropriate educational certification can expect to earn $107,043 and higher, depending on their industry.

20. Real Estate Appraiser - $112,200

Real estate appraisers focus on appraising real estate or land before it’s sold or mortgaged and when assessed for taxes or insurance purposes.

The average salary of a real estate appraiser is $61,241, with junior roles paying around $33,400 and more senior roles paying $112,188 per year.

19. Tax Consultant - $117,000

Tax consultants require an accounting degree and certification as a tax professional before they can practice in a professional capacity for their clients.

They assist their clients in minimizing their tax obligations across all industries, from corporate finance to mom-and-pop stores and individuals.

Tax consultants with a bachelor's degree can earn an average annual salary of $76,134, with entry-level jobs paying $50,000 and more senior positions paying $117,000.

Top tax consultants can save new businesses a lot of money by offering tax prep checklists that legally minimize their tax obligations.

18. Budget Analyst - $117,000

The average salary of a budget analyst is $76,252, with entry-level jobs paying around $50,000 per year and the highest-paying jobs $117,000.

Financial analysts help develop a company's budgets and review budget proposals for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with corporate policy.

A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, and incumbents are required to have a thorough understanding of cost analysis and expenditure controls.

17. Accounts Payable Manager - $120,000

An accounts payable manager oversees supplier invoicing and payment, manages the staff who maintain the creditor's accounts, and prepares the reconciliations.

These positions usually require an accountant with a bachelor's degree and experience in a more junior position before they are eligible for a management role.

The average salary is $105,000, but it can range from $91,000 to $120,000, depending on your experience and the company size.

16. Senior Financial Analyst - $124,000

A senior financial analyst is responsible for perusing financial reports, setting budgets, and assisting with an enterprise's financial planning.

They help to develop financial models after analyzing financial records and reports, preparing projections, and conducting in-depth research into factors affecting a business's performance.

The average salary a senior financial analyst can expect is $94,000 per annum, with a salary range of between $71,000 and $124,000 based on experience.

Entry-level jobs in the motor industry and fintech sector are currently a little above the norm, with initial offers in the $105,000 to $108,000 range for suitably qualified candidates.

California currently leads the list of states with the highest-paying accounting jobs for senior financial analysts, with San Francisco and San Mateo offering jobs paying around $119,00 and $124,000, respectively.

15. Compliance Officer - $127,500

Expect an average salary of $74,303 as a compliance officer in the United States, with entry-level jobs starting at $43,400 up to $127,500.

Compliance officers are responsible for a variety of functions, including monitoring financial operations and ensuring that legal and ethical regulations are followed.

By constantly monitoring, researching, and analyzing the company's financial data, the compliance officer reduces financial risks, ensuring that the rules and regulations are followed strictly.

There is constant demand for compliance officers in the banking and healthcare industry as well as other heavily regulated businesses such as aircraft manufacturers.

14. Credit Manager - $136,100

Credit managers usually have a bachelor's degree in accounting and are tasked with maintaining the corporate credit policy of the institution they work for.

They evaluate the creditworthiness of customers, control and process loan documentation, monitor payments, and negotiate terms with their clients.

Their job has become more difficult recently due to the move towards non-traditional work and the differences between gig work and independent contractors in legislation.

Credit managers earn an average salary of 117,000, with the lower end of the scale around $98,800, and experienced applicants receive offers of up to $136,100.

13. Financial Comptroller - $138,000

A financial comptroller is responsible for various accounting jobs, including financial reports and day-to-day accounting tasks, most commonly in public institutions.

Expect to earn between $39,500 to as much as $158,000 per year, working for government departments such as the Department of Defense or in banking.

The median annual salary for comptrollers is $98,750, but a review of current job vacancies reveals positions in California and Washington DC between $126,000 and $138,000.

12. Forensic Accountant - $142,900

Forensic accountants are employed across all sectors of the accounting industry and are especially active in corporate finance, where their accounting skills are most needed.

The average annual salary for forensic accountants and auditors is $82,817, with starting salaries of $47,980 rising to $142,948 for experienced accounting professionals.

Large accounting and auditing firms like Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG, as well as state attorneys, have numerous vacancies for suitable qualified and experienced forensic accountants.

11. Assistant Controller - $146,000

Assistant controllers assist management in implementing and reporting on internal controls, preparing financial statements, along with daily accounting tasks.

They report to the controller, working closely with them to prepare financial statements and ensure that the business adheres to federal and state tax laws.

The average salary of assistant controllers in the USA is $98,000, with entry-level positions paying around $66,000 and experienced incumbents earning up to $146,000 annually.

California has the highest-paying jobs, followed by New York, Texas, and Colorado, where, depending on your experience, you can earn between $85,000 and $124,000.

10. Compliance Manager - $147,500

Another of the highest-paying accounting jobs is compliance manager, with an average salary of around $128,000 per annum in the United States.

Entry-level jobs start at $121,000 and rise to $147,500 annually for senior compliance managers with ten years or more of direct experience in specific industries.

A compliance manager is tasked with ensuring that the company conducts its business in full compliance with local and international law, including all tax-related matters.

To excel in this role, one needs a complete understanding of financial operations and the ability to assess economic data in light of ever-changing legislation.

9. Financial Controller - $152,600

The financial controller (not to be confused with a comptroller) is responsible for forecasting and budgeting, as well as planning, analysis, and reporting to management.

They fulfill a compliance role, ensuring not only the business's financial health but also that it complies with various government rules and regulations.

The average salary of financial controllers in the United States is $104,500 per year, with entry-level -roles paying $71,500 and experienced controllers earning $152,600.

8. Investment Banker - $187,500

Many accountants are attracted to the banking world, where an investment banker can earn an average annual salary of $84,717.

On the lower end of the salary spectrum, investment bankers take home $38,285, while their more experienced counterparts earn around $187,462.

Depending on experience, investment banks hire staff in Miami, Chicago, and New York with salary packages worth up to $275,000 annually.

If financial reporting and daily auditing procedures leave you wanting more, Bank of America, UBS, and JP Morgan might be your next career move.

7. Finance Manager - $189,750

One of the more familiar accounting jobs is the finance manager, whose salary in the United States averages $108,700 per annum.

The automotive industry is currently hiring finance managers to oversee their financial reports and ensure that their financial records are up to date.

This is one of the accounting jobs for which there is a constant demand, especially in consumer goods, manufacturing, and service industries.

Companies need experienced accounting professionals to manage their financial health and minimize financial risks in uncertain times, meaning these jobs pay very well.

Not only do they handle the financial reporting, but they also provide financial advice and tips on how best to run the company.

6. Accounting Professor - $222,280

While most accountants do not consider this career option, becoming an accounting professor can be a satisfying and lucrative choice if academia is your forte.

They ensure that the next generation of accountants understand basic accounting principles and can apply them in real-world situations.

The average salary earned by accounting professors in the United States in 2024 will be around $138,000, depending on their level of education and business experience.

New accounting professors can expect a package of $104,000, with take-home pay increasing to as much as $222,280 based on tenure.

5. Finance Director - $233,400

Finance directors earn between $166,974 and $233,394, with an average salary of $197,521, depending on the level of education, experience, and industry.

Some states are more desirable and offer higher salaries, with California topping the list, followed closely by New York, Texas, and Washington.

4. Chief Financial Officer - $272,900

The chief financial officer receives financial statements and other financial reporting data and uses them to ensure that the company is following the agreed-upon strategy.

A chief financial officer can expect to earn an average salary of $153,857, with starting packages around $92,700, rising to $255,350 for more senior roles.

On top of that, CFOs report receiving profit shares in the region of $22,500 each year, together with a range of additional benefits.

Roles are currently on offer in Texas, Nebraska, Washington, and North Carolina, but demand for accountants remains strong across the nation.

3. International Tax Director - $297,000

International tax directors are concerned with tax strategy and must be subject matter experts in a wide range of tax law, both local and international.

They work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that the financial statements are in line with the company's objectives and tax strategy.

International tax directors earn a wide range of salaries, with some being as low as $80,000 and others as high as $297,000.

As an international tax director, the world is your oyster, and you can pick and choose from some of the most desirable destinations to work.

California and New York City top the list of the highest-paying job destinations, but Massachusetts and Wisconsin are not far behind.

Similar jobs with high-paying salaries include senior international tax managers who earn around $155,270 and regional tax managers who earn, on average, $129,367.

2. Corporate Controller - $300,500

Corporate controllers are similar to finance directors who manage a company's financial and accounting operations, including billing, expenses, and budgeting.

Apart from managing the accounting team, they may also oversee and assist with filing Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) reports.

The median annual salary you can expect as a corporate controller is $96,500, with the average salary range in 2024 between $216,000 and $300,500.

Controllers work very closely with the chief financial officer and are responsible for producing financial statements, budget forecasts, and projections.

They have varied accounting jobs but prioritize monitoring revenue closely. They are responsible for collecting accounts payable and managing the accounts receivable department.

Corporate controllers play a vital role in accounting for startups, as they ensure the new entity meets its financial obligations and follows the correct procedures.

1. Vice President of Finance - $540,000

The difference between VP Finance and the CFO is that the VP Finance role is concerned with day-to-day operational management, whereas the CFO handles strategy.

An average base salary for a vice president of finance in a medium to large U.S. corporation is between $102,000 and $250,000 per annum.

On top of that, the V.P. Finance in the biggest gig economy companies can expect a profit share that amounts to around $17,500 per year.

However, based on length of service and experience, this role can attract salaries between $250,000 and $540,000, as seen in recent job vacancies.

Los Angeles appears to attract some of the highest-paying roles, but New York, Las Vegas, and Washington are not far behind.

Summary

Accountants who train at the best public accounting firms in the United States hold the highest-paying accounting jobs in the financial world.

Whether you're a CPA or a financial analyst, the financial decisions based on your professional skills can make or break a company.

It is, therefore, prudent that accountants consider obtaining a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting and start their accounting career at an accounting firm.