The Difference Between Accounting Jobs And Finance Jobs

People are often confused between jobs in finance and accounting jobs. However, the differences are quite clear when you look at them individually.

In accounting jobs, the employee may be employed by an accountancy firm, where they will oversee the financial accounts of more than one company, or by a single company in their accounts department.

Accounting jobs involve handling and providing data relating to the financial performance of one or more companies. This includes preparing financial statements, such as income and expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flows and such like, as well as income tax issues. Since most of the work is involved with the preparation of forms and financial statements, it is a good option for well organised people who prefer a passive, but independent role within a company.

Jobs in finance are concerned with decision making and are best suited to those who enjoy a leadership role. For example, finance managers use financial statements drawn up by accountants, to make decisions on how to minimise loss and maximise profits this may include decisions on stocks and shares, or trading on the Forex market.
Companies offering jobs in finance expect employees to analyse how the company is performing financially, and make decisions based on that information. However, there are numerous jobs in finance that involve far less risk taking for example, financial consultants are widely used within the banking industry.
Broadly speaking, therefore, accounting jobs are analytical and passive in nature, producing data which those taking jobs in finance then act upon.