Accounting information system (AIS) professionals use computerized systems to collect, store, and process accounting numbers to help businesses conduct audits and interpret commercial documents.
Accountants, financial analysts, auditors, and business managers use accounting systems. These professionals rely on information systems to produce and analyze financial statements to gain a thorough understanding of revenue and costs.
With information technology (IT) playing a more active role in daily accounting practices, such as economic analysis, specialists with accounting and IT expertise can experience career growth.
This guide covers various accounting information systems jobs as well as relevant degrees and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Accounting Information Systems Jobs
Aspiring accounting information systems professionals can work in diverse roles, such as accountant, auditor, and business manager. They can also work in various types of organizations, such as government agencies, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, corporations, and small businesses.
The following sections outline common AIS careers.
Accountant
Accountants manage the finances of individuals and organizations. Various roles fall under the “accountant” umbrella, some of which require particular certification and/or specific skills. These roles include certified public accountant, auditor, financial analyst, financial manager, and business accountant.
Financial Auditor
Financial auditors analyze financial data and ensure compliance with laws. They help identify financial fraud and inaccuracies and often report to the CFO or CEO of a company.
Systems Analyst
Typically operating within a company’s IT department, systems analysts maintain and develop information systems for various organizations. Similar jobs include systems architect, systems programmer, and software analyst.
Financial Manager
A financial manager commonly performs their daily tasks within a company’s finance department, but a professional in this position can also operate their own business. Often tasked with overseeing the economic health of an organization, a financial manager normally reports to upper management. Similar positions include financial consultant, advisor, and analyst.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a BS in accounting information systems?
A BS in accounting information systems focuses on how businesses use information systems to maintain their finances. The degree typically comprises 120 credits and takes four years of full-time study to complete.
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How do accountants use information systems?
Information systems are computerized storage units used for financial data. Accountants use the information in these systems to analyze and create reports regarding companies’ financial health.
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What's the importance of accounting information systems?
The ability to properly store and track financial data allows companies to identify financial issues and make more informed business decisions.
Other Accounting Careers
Ready to take the next step? Explore accounting degrees.