Last chance: €4,000 Early Bird discount  on all MBA applications with deadline April 30, 2026
MBS Logo
/Business Administration Jobs /Jobprofile /Job profile in detail

Accountant

The accounting profession is a fundamental and indispensable part of every business. Accountants are responsible for accurately and properly maintaining financial records, preparing reports, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Their work provides the basis for financial decision-making and strategic planning in the organization. If you have a talent for numbers, enjoy a structured approach to work, and are comfortable taking responsibility for financial integrity, the accounting profession could be the right fit for you.

What is an Accountant?

An accountant is much more than just a number cruncher. They are responsible for the complete and accurate recording of all a company's financial transactions, which forms the basis for all further financial analysis and reporting. In doing so, an accountant not only prepares financial reports, but also assists in developing budgets, monitoring expenses and complying with tax and legal requirements. An experienced accountant understands their company's business models and processes and actively contributes to optimizing financial operations. Accountants often work with other departments, such as controlling, tax, or management, to ensure a holistic view of the company's finances. In addition, they are often involved in preparing the company for audits and ensuring that all financial documentation meets requirements.

Degree programs for the perfect career start

The recommendation rate of our degree programs is based on Studycheck ratings

Bachelor International Business

★★★★☆ 96% would recommend

Major: International Finance

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Master in Finance

★★★★★ New course starting in Fall 2025

Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)

Quick Facts: Accountant

Training Period

A degree in business administration, finance or training as an accountant usually takes 2 to 4 years.

Salary Expectations

€35,000 - €60,000 per year (depending on experience and location)

Career Opportunities

Stable, but with limited growth potential due to increasing automation.

What skills does an accountant need?

The job of an accountant requires a mix of technical and personal skills. Attention to detail and a high degree of diligence are essential, as even small errors in financial records can have far-reaching consequences. Analytical skills are equally important for understanding complex financial issues and producing accurate reports. In addition, a thorough understanding of common accounting and financial reporting standards (e.g. HGB, IFRS) is necessary to perform daily tasks correctly. Working with specialized accounting software solutions, such as SAP or DATEV, is also a central part of the job and requires IT skills. Another important aspect is communication skills. Accountants must be able to communicate complex financial information to colleagues and superiors in a way that is easy to understand. They often work closely with other departments and must be able to present their analyses and recommendations clearly and concisely.

Interested in Studying Business Administration?

Overview of the main tasks and activities

An accountant takes on a variety of tasks that strengthen the financial foundation of a company. These include:

  • Financial accounting: careful recording of all financial transactions, including processing incoming and outgoing invoices.
  • Account reconciliation: regular reconciliation and monitoring of bank and other financial accounts to ensure that all entries are accurate and complete.
  • Monthly and annual financial statements: Preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements that accurately reflect the company's financial situation.
  • Tax returns: Preparing and filing tax returns, ensuring that all tax regulations are complied with.
  • Reporting: Preparing financial reports and analyses to support management in decision-making.
  • Budgeting and forecasting: Helping to prepare budgets and financial forecasts to plan the company's financial future.

What qualities should I have?

The quality of teaching and the training of sought-after specialists and managers is the focus at Munich Business School. By studying at MBS, you are making an investment in your future. You can pay the tuition in semester installments or monthly installments. Depending on which partner university you would like to spend your semester abroad at or if you would like to do a dual degree, additional costs may be incurred.

In line with our university values, we are committed to providing first-class and motivated applicants with a place to study at Munich Business School - regardless of their financial situation. There are various options for financing your studies - scholarships, BAföG, education funds, etc. Get an overview of our scholarships and 100% student financing with our partner Brain Capital and find the right model for you. You can find more information on this under "Scholarships and student financing".

Analytical skills 9/10
Knowledge of accounting 8/10
IT skills (accounting software) 8/10
Organisational skills 8/10
Reliability 10/10
Communication skills 7/10

Tasks and activities as an accountant in detail

The role of an accountant is central to the financial stability and success of a business. In detail, the job involves accurately recording all income and expenses, which forms the basis for further financial reports. Account reconciliation is a regular process in which accountants ensure that all postings are accurate and complete to avoid discrepancies.

A key part of the work is preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements. These reports give management and external stakeholders, such as investors or banks, a clear overview of the company's financial situation. These statements must not only be accurate, but also prepared in a timely manner to meet legal requirements.

Another important area of responsibility is tax returns. Here, accountants must ensure that all tax obligations are met and that tax returns are correct and complete. This requires a good understanding of tax law and current tax regulations.

In addition, accountants support management in budgeting and financial planning. They analyze financial data and create forecasts that serve as a basis for future business decisions. These analyses are crucial to minimizing financial risk and identifying opportunities for growth and optimization.

Requirements: How do you become an accountant?

The path to becoming an accountant is varied and depends on the individual's career planning. Many accountants start their careers with commercial training, for example as a tax clerk, or by studying business administration, finance or accounting. Such an academic background provides the necessary foundations in bookkeeping, accounting and financial management.

However, work experience is just as important as formal training. Internships, trainee programs or entry-level positions in accounting are valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and apply theoretical knowledge. These experiences help to develop an in-depth understanding of a company's specific accounting processes.

Further training and certifications, such as “Chartered Accountant IHK” or “Certified Management Accountant (CMA)”, are also an advantage. They deepen knowledge in specialized areas of accounting and offer the opportunity to specialize in specific industries or tasks.

A good network and continuous further training through professional literature, seminars and professional conferences are also crucial to staying up to date in this profession and advancing your career.

Summary

Education

  • Bachelor's/Master's: Business administration, finance, accounting, business informatics

Experience

  • Professional experience: internships, entry-level positions, junior accounting roles

Further training

  • Certificates: Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CCI)

Technical understanding

  • Skills in: accounting software (e.g. SAP, DATEV), Excel, ERP systems
Interested in Studying Business Administration?

Salary prospects: How much does an accountant earn?

An accountant's salary can vary greatly and depends on various factors, including professional experience, industry, company size and location.

Starting salary

Those new to the accounting profession can expect to earn between €35,000 and €40,000 per year. With increasing professional experience and specialization, the salary can rise to between €50,000 and €60,000.

Salary with professional experience

With experience, annual salaries can range from €70,000 to €90,000, depending on the size and location of the company.

Salary for senior positions

For senior positions, such as a finance manager or chief financial officer (CFO), significantly higher salaries are possible, often in the range of €70,000 to €100,000 or more. However, these positions require extensive professional experience and often additional qualifications.

 

What are the career prospects?

The job prospects for accountants are stable, but the profession faces a number of challenges. The increasing automation and digitization of many accounting processes has led to simple accounting tasks being taken over more and more by software. Nevertheless, the demand for qualified accountants who can take on more complex tasks remains high. Companies still need professionals who can prepare financial reports, meet tax requirements and support strategic financial decision-making.

Particularly good prospects are enjoyed by accountants who focus on specialized areas such as international accounting, tax law or controlling. These areas require in-depth knowledge and remain indispensable even in an increasingly automated environment. In addition, the digital transformation of finance departments is opening up new opportunities in areas such as data analysis or financial technology (FinTech).

Career opportunities: Job prospects as an Accountant

An accountant's career can develop in different directions, depending on their individual interests and qualifications. After a few years of professional experience, accountants have the opportunity to train to become an accountant or controller. These positions offer greater responsibility and usually a better salary.

Another possible career path is into financial management, such as financial manager or chief financial officer (CFO). These roles require not only in-depth accounting knowledge but also skills in management and strategic planning. Advancement to such positions often comes with a significant increase in salary.

Accountants who wish to specialize can focus on specific areas such as tax law, international accounting or financial analysis. These specializations are particularly in demand in large companies and in international business and offer excellent career opportunities.

For those who want to set up their own practice, the accounting profession also offers the opportunity for self-employment. Setting up your own accountancy office or working as a freelance consultant requires entrepreneurial skills and offers the chance to work independently and build your own business.

Interested in Studying Business Administration?

Discover further business administration professions

Controller

Controllers analyze financial data, create budgets and forecasts, and provide valuable insights for business decisions. They ensure cost control, efficient resource use, and contribute to the company's strategic direction.

Financial Planner

Financial planners create tailored strategies for wealth management, retirement planning, and tax optimization to ensure their clients’ long-term financial stability. They offer holistic advice and support clients in reaching their financial goals.

Auditor

Auditors assess internal processes, controls, and legal compliance to improve efficiency and reduce risks. They work analytically, with attention to detail, and collaborate across departments to ensure order and transparency.

Did you find this article helpful? Do you have any suggestions or questions about this article? Have you noticed something or is there a topic you would like to know more about? Your feedback is important to us! It enables us to constantly improve our offer and provide you with exactly the content you are interested in.
Contact editorial office

Note on readability and salary information: The salary ranges given refer to Germany.