Accounting is a broad term that refers to the method of recording and summarizing financial and business activities and reporting results. Although most accountants seek a bachelor’s degree to be certified as a public accountant (CPA), accounting offers much more.
So exactly what can you do with an accounting degree? This article will help you better understand what an accounting degree is, what you can learn from the accounting programs, and finally, the job opportunities that await those with an accounting degree in Switzerland.
What Is an Accounting Degree?
Accounting degrees provide students with proficiency in the business language and the most valued, adaptable, and needed skill sets. Accounting students learn analytical and critical thinking skills that can help them prepare for a broader range of work opportunities. The degree can also assist in exploring the current business landscape and developing strong communication skills to prepare them for the labor market.
What Will You Learn in an Accounting Program?
No matter the size or their field of expertise, all companies require accountants. Accounting courses can put you on the fast track to a career. Typically, courses include management or public finance to equip you with the skills and knowledge to qualify in accountancy. Math, statistics, and economics will also be explored, with the possibility of putting theory into practice on placement. A placement entails a one-year stay with an accounting firm, usually during your college studies, which has proven beneficial for student’s preparation for the labor market.
Jobs You Can Get in Switzerland With an Accounting Degree
The accounting profession is undergoing a significant transformation that requires technical capabilities, replacing many traditional accounting functions. Accounting graduates know how to work with and comprehend complicated data sets to extract useful information, making them perfect candidates for various unconventional accounting jobs.
Because of these requirements, this career path often obtains competitive benefits such as a high salary, employment security, and numerous professional prospects. So what can you do with an accounting degree besides accounting? To answer that question, below we have listed several jobs you can get with an accounting degree in Switzerland.
Staff accountant
Staff accountants work for accounting businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They usually work with a group of other accountants and deal with statistics and create financial records for the organization. To become a staff accountant, you will need a bachelor’s degree and work experience.
Salary
According to Glassdoor, in Switzerland, the average salary for an accountant is CHF 105,720. The average compensation for an entry-level staff accountant (1-3 years of experience) is CHF 76,092, while a senior-level staff accountant (8+ years of experience) earns an average of CHF 263,612 a year.
Auditing clerk
An auditing clerk’s primary task is to verify the accuracy of all financial documents. This individual may examine accounting records saved on spreadsheets or financial records stored in a database. Conclusion: A person needs to focus on details to be successful in auditing work. After all, a single error on a financial document might significantly impact the ultimate total. So, it is the clerk’s responsibility to ensure that all of the numbers match the final totals.
Salary
In Switzerland, the average audit clerk’s salary is CHF 59.104. The average income for an entry-level audit clerk with 1-3 years of experience is CHF 44.131. In contrast, a senior-level audit clerk with 8+ years of experience earns an average income of CHF 71.94
Payroll clerk
The payroll clerk’s responsibilities include collecting timesheets, reviewing timekeeping logs for correctness, and issuing paychecks and other employee payments. Clerks are responsible for processing various requests and various forms of verifications in addition to fundamental work functions.
Salary
Payroll clerks in Switzerland make roughly CHF 79,500 per year. Salaries range from CHF 39,000 to CHF 124,000 (lowest to highest). Some companies include many perks in this average annual wage, such as housing and transportation. Keep in mind that salaries for payroll clerks can vary greatly depending on experience, abilities, gender, and region.
Internal auditor
An internal auditor is an accountant who works independently to evaluate the effectiveness of a company’s internal control system. Internal auditors report to the company’s board of directors or executives. They analyze risk management systems rather than financial data to identify areas for growth.
Salary
Internal auditors in Switzerland typically earn CHF 122,000 per year on average. Depending on the years of experience, salaries range from CHF 59,900 to CHF 191,000 (lowest to highest).
Budget analyst
A budget analyst assists organizations and businesses with their financial management. These people create budgets and forecasts based on historical economic and spending trends. Budget analysts are essential for ensuring profitability, achieving financial objectives, and achieving long-term growth.
Salary
Because of their essential role in the company, budget analysts typically earn around CHF 162,000 per year. Usually, a budget analyst with a few years of experience makes CHF 79,300, whereas senior-level analysts earn up to CHF 252,000.
Financial analyst
Financial analysts are professionals that give business proposals and recommendations to firms based on their analysis of the company’s finanFinancial analysts are professionals that give business proposals and recommendations to firms based on their analysis of the company’s financial situation and market trends. They are some of the most famous people in the finance industry.
Financial analysts usually specialize in one type of investment when starting their career. As their expertise and skills grow, they work as portfolio managers and focus on various investments.
Salary
The salary for a financial analyst in Switzerland circles around CHF 160,000 per year. Wages on average range from CHF 78,400 to CHF 250,000 (lowest to highest) depending on one’s education and work experience.
Accounting manager
Management accounting is critical to a company’s long-term viability. The ultimate goal of this sort of accounting is to assist in decision-making processes involving all parts of business operations. Managerial accounting performs several critical elements in achieving this goal, including planning, monitoring, directing, analyzing, and reporting.
Salary
An accounting manager typically earns CHF 184,000 per year in Switzerland. An accounting manager’s income can start from CHF 90,300(lowest) and increase to CHF 288,000 (highest) based on education and work experience.
Loan officer
As a loan officer, you’ll assist customers in getting the car or home of their dreams. You’ll also work with firms to improve their loan availability and growth potential. You can work with your clients to locate the loan possibilities that best suit their needs by examining their present financial situation.
Salary
In Switzerland, the average salary for a loan officer is CHF 71.219. The average starting salary for a loan officer with 1-3 years of experience is CHF 51.226. On the other hand, a senior loan officer (8+ years of experience) makes an average of CHF 87.423.
Certified public accountant
Auditing, tax and management services, and consulting are all obligations of a certified public accountant. A CPA’s most typical characteristics include sequential organization, a preference for detail-oriented work, and the ability to make rational, objective conclusions. A CPA’s typical day can be a routine based on the monthly accounting cycle or be involved in audit tasks day after day, depending on the workplace environment.
Salary
Switzerland’s average salary for a certified public accountant (CPA) is CHF 92.991. The average income for an entry-level certified public accountant (1-3 years of experience) is CHF 65.565, whereas a senior-level certified public accountant (CPA) (8+ years of experience) makes an average of CHF 114.905.
Tax manager
Tax reporting and planning are the responsibilities of a tax manager, who must supervise and design a client’s or company’s tax strategy to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal tax regulations. To work as a tax manager, students need first obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration and then pursue a master’s degree in tax, accounting, or tax law.
Salary
A tax manager usually earns roughly CHF 182,000 per year in Switzerland. Salaries range from CHF 94,900 to CHF 279,000 (lowest to highest).
Forensic accountant
Financial forensic accountants can operate in various professions and industries, including law enforcement, insurance, finance, and risk management. The ability to effectively grasp written content is a valuable talent in forensic research since it needs careful attention to detail and precision in financial records.
Salary
In Switzerland, a forensic accountant earns roughly CHF 101,000 per year. The lowest salary is CHF 52,700, and the highest is CHF 155,000.
Corporate controller
A corporate controller is in charge of everything from cash flow to accounts payable to investments. Most accounting activities are completed by the controller personally in small businesses. Still, medium and big businesses supervise teams that conduct the work and review reports made by team leads.
Salary
In Switzerland, a financial controller earns roughly CHF 138,000 per year. The lowest salary is CHF 63,600, and the highest is CHF 220,000.
Chief financial officer
A chief financial officer (CFO) is a senior executive responsible for an organization’s cash flow, budgeting, and other financial functions. The CFO’s ultimate purpose is to design strategies and various control systems that will help the organization preserve its assets and profits. To become one, you must first complete the academic qualifications in order to get the necessary knowledge and master the approaches taught in school.
Salary
Even though landing a CFO position might be challenging, the payment definitely makes it worth it. A Chief Financial Officer earns roughly CHF 268,000 per year in Switzerland. Based on the work experience one brings to the table, salaries range from CHF 139,000 to 409,000 (lowest to highest).
The Bottom Line
Simply described, accounting is how a business records its financial data. Accountants, like anyone else in charge of accounting, are interested in getting a complete picture of an organization’s financial health at any given time.
Accounting is an ever-changing field that includes a range of career paths you can follow, starting from a staff accountant and working your way up to becoming a chief financial officer. No matter the position, one thing is for sure, the salaries are very promising, with the lowest being 39,000 CHF and the highest 409,000 CHF. So, finding the right career for you will be a piece of cake.
