Accounting Information Systems Jobs

Labor market experts currently note a profound period of change for the accounting profession. As accounting software offers more advanced features to automate many core tasks, many organizations have implemented technology-based systems into their operations.

Operating these systems requires a specialized balance of accounting, business, and technical skills. This combination of skills forms the basis of many accounting information systems (AIS) specializations. Roles in the field tend to attract people whose career interests span accounting and technology.

Accounting information systems job titles vary by employer and setting. In smaller organizations, staff bookkeepers or accountants typically handle any necessary technical duties. Larger companies with more complex needs often employ specialists, such as AIS systems analysts and AIS consultants.

This resource explores common paths in this fast-emerging accounting specialization. Use this research to help guide your education and career development planning.

AIS job duties vary based on the employer’s size. Large businesses employ more specialists, with the role of AIS analyst among the most common.

AIS analysts generally use accounting technologies to generate financial documents and ensure organizational compliance with legal standards. This typically includes:

Other AIS roles have different focuses. For instance, AIS consultants work with various clients and advise on designing, implementing, and optimizing technology-powered accounting systems.

AIS professionals can hold permanent in-house roles or work as contractors. In many ways, these differing job settings define the many roles under the AIS umbrella.

Software-based technology has redefined traditional approaches to accounting. Organizations of all sizes now take advantage of technological tools to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their accounting operations.

Small businesses tend to generate smaller and less complex bodies of financial data, making their need for AIS expertise relatively limited. When necessary, staff accountants or bookkeepers with strong technical abilities provide insight.

Corporations typically maintain dedicated AIS teams. These businesses often employ AIS professionals with niche skill sets. Some team members focus on designing, updating, and safeguarding accounting information systems. Others apply advanced data querying, retrieval, analysis, and accounting skills to help guide organizational decision-making and meet financial reporting requirements.

Some businesses wish to take advantage of accounting technologies but do not require permanent IT expertise on their accounting teams. In other cases, organizations need to expand, update, or improve the performance of their existing accounting information systems.

These employers may opt to bring in external AIS professionals on a contract basis. Depending on the employer’s needs, these contractors may offer a suite of services covering:

Contract-based arrangements may involve only one AIS professional or a team whose members each have specialized skills.

Learners interested in accounting information systems jobs can follow multiple educational pathways. One option combines a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting with an IT-related minor or associate degree. Schools also offer concentrated programs in AIS at various levels.

Specialized AIS programs can lead to certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees. Such programs frequently balance core accounting courses with modules or electives focused on computer science, information systems, and/or information technology.

Some AIS roles involve internal auditing. Employers may seek candidates with professional credentials like certified internal auditor.

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

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 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.

Why did you get into AIS? What initially interested you: the financial side or the IT side?

Mentors have told me many times that being a facilitator and liaison is a gift I have been blessed with. So, the initial interest was to be right in the middle. This CIO.com article might lend some perspective.

What education did you need to pursue this career?

I was a finance major and information systems (IS) minor in undergrad. I also took all but one of my electives in accounting. For my final elective, they let me take the MBA capstone IS class as my final undergrad class. It was very focused on how IS should balance between supporting and driving the business.

What was the job search like after graduating with your degrees?

I went straight to EY into their consulting program. I got recruited from there into PepsiCo’s internal audit program.

How does AIS enhance an accountant’s day-to-day job?

It makes analysis scalable. It also makes executing internal control more efficient if you have that as a mindset. That’s been a huge differentiator in many accountants’ careers.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working in AIS? Some of the most challenging aspects?

Rewarding: I call it the Santa Claus effect. I get to be there when the accounting group unwraps their shiny new system. Their eyes sparkle sometimes. I also get to see people accomplish things that they thought were impossible. It often means that they get significant recognition or promotion.

That’s what drives me. Challenging? Most implementations fail. According to a Standish Group report, only 16.2% of IT projects are seen as completed on time, on budget, and fully functional. In this endeavor, there are no good surprises, and every shortcut leaves you “short” of success. It takes rigor and discipline — every document, every meeting, every configuration step, every system test — to be a part of the 16.2%. The pressure is intense.

What advice would you give to students considering your career?

Think twice! Seriously. The intensity is not for everyone. Make sure to stay current with accounting (Compliance Week, CFO.com) and IT (CIO.com, InformationWeek), so you understand the challenges of both groups. Study conflict resolution and facilitation. Also, learn about data normalization and third normal form (3NF). It’s ultra-geeky, but it has paid off dozens of times.