Accounting Information Systems Career Path

Information Systems Careers Table Of Contents

Bachelors degrees in information systems usually take four years to complete. But there are schools that offer it as three-year or six-year courses. There are also online courses that allow students the flexibility to pursue their education while attending to work or family concerns.

Those who want to take on management roles and achieve other career goals can pursue a masters in information systems. Such degrees can be completed in as short as 10 months, while others require two years at the most. A masters degree allows a student to specialize in a particular field, for example in business analytics, or to focus on an industry, such as health information systems.

Should you wish to conduct research, then you can pursue a Ph.D. in information systems, which takes around three to six years to complete. This degree type will allow you to explore new ideas or come up with new innovations through a published thesis or dissertation.

To be successful, you will need a combination of hard and soft skills. Hard skills include systems analysis, hardware, software development and programming, and business analysis, to name a few. On the other hand, you will also need attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

Earn A Bachelor’s Degree

Both internal and external auditors need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. External and internal auditors often have degrees in accounting. However, internal auditors may also have degrees in other business disciplines if they have sufficient and related work experience. If you want to move into auditing from another business field, you may find that you already meet these criteria if you’ve already earned a business or accounting degree.

Read more:Types of Accounting Degrees

What Does An Accounting Systems Analyst Do

There are certain skills that many accounting systems analysts have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position. We discovered that a lot of resumes listed creativity, analytical skills and communication skills.

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What Does An Ais Specialist Do

An AIS specialist is unique in their ability to bridge the gap between accounting and IT. Theyre familiar with the information needed by accountants to do their job correctly, and they know how to format or choose from the software offered in order to handle their needs.

The specific job duties of an AIS specialist often vary based on the size of the company they work for and the position that they hold. In large corporations, an AIS specialist may act as a liaison between the accounting and IT departments within an office, supporting communication and understanding so that it is seemless for each area. At a smaller business without an entire department dedicated to accounting, they are more likely to handle all of the functions of a staff accountant or bookkeeper, while understanding the possible appliations of an accounting system and maintaining system security.

Here’s an overview of a few ways an AIS specialist might use their expertise within the accounting field.

Charting Your Information Systems Career Path

Whether you get an undergraduate or graduate degree in information systems, you can enjoy an in-demand career with a diverse set of job roles and great flexibility to change career paths. With the greater dependency that consumers and businesses have on technology, almost all jobs in this field are expected to grow at a pace thats equal to or higher than the average growth rate for all industries. The same can be said of a computer science degree, which is a discipline that overlaps greatly with information systems degrees. Thus, both degrees can be a rewarding career choice for people who genuinely enjoy working with technology and can rise to the challenge of a rapidly changing and constantly evolving world.

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Accounting Information Systems Job Outlook And Salaries

AIS involves accounting and systems analysis. Candidates should consider job outlook and salary data relevant to both fields.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth rate in accounting and auditing jobs from 2021-2031. In May 2021, the agency reported a median salary of $77,250 per year for accountants and auditors.

Meanwhile, the BLS projects a 9% growth rate for computer systems analysts from 2021-2031. BLS data also indicates a median salary of $99,270 per year for computer systems analysts as of May 2021.

Many factors affect earnings, including experience, job location, and industry of employment. On the whole, experts consider the career path stable with solid near-term growth potential.

Degree Prerequisites And Requirements

Depending on the degree sought, the prerequisites and requirements for this degree will vary. In all cases, candidates should have either a high school diploma or GED, with a transcript showing completion of courses in communications and mathematics, including Algebra. For an associates or bachelors in Accounting Information Systems, students may also be required to have a GPA of 3.0 or better and an acceptable score on the ACT or SAT exams. Entry to a masters in Accounting Information Systems program requires a bachelors degree, preferably in a related discipline such as business, computer programming, or accounting. Doctoral programs are competitive, and typically require completion of a bachelors or masters degree in accounting as well as strong scores on post-graduate exams such as the GMAT or GRE.

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What It Can Mean To You: Accounting Information Systems Salaries

Accounting professionals with expertise in AIS will find most positions are available at large corporations, national and regional accounting firms, large non-profit organizations, and within many government agencies. There are also opportunities for those interested in working for themselves, especially by serving as independent consultants to small companies looking to implement and maintain accounting systems.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is expecting a job growth rate of about 4 percent through 2029, noting that existing and emerging accounting technology and automation represent the biggest sea change in the accounting field in generations.

Rather than diminishing the role of accounting professionals, automation and AI are expected to begin eliminating the more mundane tasks like data entry, while placing a premium on accountants skilled in providing the kind of consultancy and advising services that help corporations maximize the bottom line and reduce tax liabilities.

The average annual salary for accountants and auditors was $73,560 as of May 2020 according to BLS. AIS specialists focused more on computer system design and with degrees in computer science and minors in accounting are likely to see higher salaries that average closer to the top end of the salary range where accountants earn $128,680 or more.

How Can I Advance My Career In Information Systems

If you wish to further your information systems career development plan, one option is to pursue a masters degree. These degrees can be completed in as little as one year while other courses can take up to two years. Programs usually have coursework on topics like information behavior, usability analysis, advanced database management, and the like. Students can choose elective subjects so they can chart their own area of concentration. Masters programs also require a capstone project, internship, or practicum requirements to complete the degree.

To further advance in this career, you may also obtain a doctoral degree in information systems. For this, a student may need to write a research paper during the first and second years or complete a formal research apprenticeship with a faculty member. These requirements are in addition to completing coursework requirements for the degree. By the third year, the student is required to develop a dissertation proposal. Before graduation, the student must orally defend the dissertation before a committee.

In addition to the abovementioned, you may also try getting certifications on different aspects of the industry. Data suggests that 87% of IT professionals have at least one certification. Latin America and EMEA have the highest percentage of certified IT professionals at 90% while North America has the lowest at 85% .

Among the certification options available are:

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How To Pursue An Auditing Career Path In 5 Steps

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Related: Becoming an Auditor

Are you interested in a career as an Auditor but are not sure how to start preparing for it? We have you covered!

Auditing is a career field with many options and opportunities. Becoming an auditor requires education and training, with slightly different requirements for internal and external auditors. If you’re considering becoming an auditor, you may want to learn more about the steps to pursue this career. In this article, we discuss what auditing is, share some reasons to pursue this career and explain how to pursue an auditing career path in five steps.

Accounting Information Systems: An Overview

The study of accounting information systems combines a general business background focusing on management information systems and accounting to prepare students for specialized careers in accounting, auditing, consulting, business analysis, and management. Employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that studying AIS can lead to a career path that should be both stable and lucrative.

Below is an overview of the types of AIS jobs available and the education and training requirements to enter this field.

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What Does An Accounting Information Systems Do

Accountants are responsible for a wide variety of finance-related tasks that are primarily associated with preparing financial records. These tasks oftentimes include computing taxes and preparing tax returns, organizing and maintaining financial records, and ensuring statements are accurate. Accountants in the United States must perform all of this work while abiding by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles .Accountants generally have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. In addition, many accountants have a Certified Public Accountant credential, which is obtained by passing a national exam and a completing a minimum number of college coursework hours. Accountants usually fall into one of four categories: public accountant, management accountant, government accountant, or internal auditor.

What responsibilities are common for Accounting Information Systems jobs?

• Assist in the preparation of financial reports such as financial statements and budget performance
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards , rules, regulations, and systems of internal control
• Aid in the implementation of new accounting policies, standards, and guidelines
• Provide accurate, timely, and relevant recording, reporting, and analysis of financial information
• Identify areas for improvement and implement improvements to processes
• Assist with and act as the primary point-of-contact for auditor requests
• Handle sensitive information in a confidential manner

Careers For Information Systems Degree Graduates

Graduates with a degree in accounting information systems enter an abundant job market. By obtaining CPA credentials, accounting information systems graduates with the requisite number of college-level hours expand their career opportunities. Though salaries vary by factors like experience, education, and location, the BLS reports that accountants earn a median annual salary of $71,550 nationwide. Information systems graduates may also seek a career in forensic accounting, earning an average salary of $68,531, according to PayScale.

Graduates with an interest in technology may obtain computer-specific positions, designing and maintaining accounting computer systems for their employers. The list below describes five potential careers for accounting information systems majors.

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Salary And Career Outlook

The outlook is sunny for those going into the job force with a concentration in accounting information systems.

People using their AIS skills as an analyst or consultant can expect to enjoy steady job growth over the next several years, with a projected 14 percent jump by 2026. This is expected to rise as companies continue to prioritize efficiency and risk management in their business strategies. This is especially true in the healthcare industry, which is finding itself dealing with the high costs of an aging population.

As of 2020, analysts and consultants earned a median salary of $87,660 per year. Despite the abundance of jobs, the high pay of this career makes it a particularly competitive one. Serious candidates may choose to pursue a professional certification or learn a niche skill to set themselves apart.

AIS specialists who opt to go down the accounting or auditing route can also expect to enjoy a positive career outlook. Accounting and auditing careers are projected to increase by seven percent by 2030. A strengthening global economy, combined with complicated and frequently changing tax regulations, are major catalysts for job growth in this industry.

As of 2020, the median pay for accountants and auditors was $73,560. The top ten percent of earners brought in more than $128,680, while the lowest ten percent earned about $45,000.

Information Systems Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , computer and information technology jobs are forecast to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029. This percentage is more than double the average growth rate for all occupations, which is 4%. The BLS estimates that there will be 531,200 new jobs added to this sector within this time frame.

In terms of compensation, the median pay for computer and information systems jobs is $91,250 as of 2020. This figure is more than two times the median annual age for all occupations, which is $41,950.

With organizations increasing need to protect their systems and their data, information systems security professionals are one of the most in-demand jobs in the tech space. Professionals in the 25th percentile can earn $100,000 annually for systems security professionals and $124,250 annually for information security professionals. Meanwhile, the 95th percentile can earn $168,500 for systems security professionals and $213,000 for information security professionals.

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What Is An Accounting Systems Analyst

Overview

• Work From Home Jobs

An accounting systems analyst prepares financial reports. They make financial statements and compile them together with other documents like general and subsidiary ledgers. Organizing schedules are also part of their work. They should ensure accountability and transparency, keeping comprehensive records and files. More than half of the accounting systems analyst population have finished their bachelor’s degree, but one can still be an accounting systems analyst with a GED or a high school degree. However, if they want to increase their chances, they can pursue a bachelor’s degree and even a master’s degree.If one wants to succeed as an accounting systems analyst, they should have strong critical-thinking and analytical skills. Some companies also look for working experiences with accounting or financial systems.When it comes to salary of an accounting systems analyst, it can vary depending on the location. On average, in the US, the salary is said to be $70,899 per year.

How To Start Your Career In Information Systems

To jump-start your information systems career, you can obtain an associate degree that will open doors to entry-level jobs in the IT industry. These include computer support specialists, computer systems analysts, and network and systems computer administrators. Meanwhile, getting a bachelors degree in information systems opens up a wider field of opportunities, including roles as database administrators, cybersecurity analysts, and software developers to name just a few. This will be important in career exploration.

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When Is An Information Systems Concentration Better Than A General Accounting Degree

• Varying Interests: Students with a strong interest in business and technology can seek positions that reflect both interest and set themselves up for career success.
• Additional Credentials: Students can prepare for professional certifications beyond the commonly accepted CPA and CMA, such as CISM.
• Diverse Careers: With an information systems concentration, graduates qualify for more positions in the field.

Career Opportunities In Information Systems

The field of information systems is expanding and there are career opportunities in business, government, non-profit organizations, and education. A major in information systems provides you with a wide range of career opportunities. Career choices range from very technical positions in network administration or programming to more communication-oriented employment in training or help desk support. A few of the possibilities are described below:

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Accounting Information Systems Jobs

• Southbury, CTFull-time +1

• In concert with these informationsystems applications, you will grow your interest in business controls, operations management, agile practices, problem

Help Build Tomorrows Financial Systems With An Accounting Information Systems Degree

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Prepare to launch a career in one of the worlds fastest-growing industries. Whether youre looking to switch career paths or enter the workforce for the first time, our accounting information systems degree is a great option.

This program explores important leadership and communication techniques. Youll also develop in-demand technical skills. That way, you can develop and manage effective accounting software for your business.

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What is an accounting information system ?

An AIS is a computer system used to process accounting data. Companies of all sizes use these systems to store and record financial transactions. AIS professionals help design and oversee these systems so that businesses can keep track of data relating to invoices, inventory, revenue, financial statements, and more.

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