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How would you go about transitioning from a career in accounting to a career in data analytics?

I'm finishing up my bachelor's degree in accounting, but I'm considering transitioning to a career in data analytics. I'm considering getting my master's degree in data analytics. I would love to hear your story about how you transitioned from accounting to data analytics. Thank you!

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Adit’s Answer

Great choice—lots of accountants do really well in data analytics!

Use what you know: Your accounting skills help you understand business data better.

Learn important tools: Start with Excel, SQL, Tableau/Power BI, and then try Python.

Free online courses: Check out Coursera, edX, or DataCamp.

Optional: A master's degree is nice, but having a strong portfolio and certifications is great too.

You're doing great—keep it up!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Adit! I really appreciate your kind answer. :) Genevieve
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Jennifer’s Answer

Data Analytics is very complimentary to accounting, and like others have mentioned, can be a very valuable skill set. You can start by taking a class or two to see if you are interested in data analytics. Within my client space we have seen an increasing need for forensic accounting and other forms of accounting analysis. While I personally haven't transitioned, I have several colleges who have, and again it seems like a very natural transition.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Jennifer! Genevieve
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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Jason’s Answer

I had a similar path and like the other answers note I think it is one that can fit many in the accounting area based on the needs for both areas to categorize data and use this information to know what’s going on and make decisions. With that being said, I would also keep data management in mind. With one of the more standard jobs be a data steward for master data, which I would recommend looking up. This essentially involves preparing data so it is at its most useful to those doing analytics but also ensuring the quality is kept high and it is being used in a compliant way. Lastly, this applies to financial data but also outside of financial data, so it broadens the job pool to other common areas like supply chain data (vendor management), product data, customer data and employee data.
Thank you comment icon Thanks Jason!! Genevieve
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Genevieve,

There are quite a few overlaps between accounting and data analyticals, and your background could be quite beneficial for your future career too.

I would recommend that you research some masters programs and find out what's required for admission. Talk to the admissions office and to people in the department. You may need some extra courses. Requirements might be different for different schools depending on their focus areas.

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome! Karin P.
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Annamalai’s Answer

Hi,

Transitioning from accounting to data analytics can be a natural transition, as both fields rely on analytical thinking and data interpretation. Start by building core skills in tools like Excel (advanced functions), SQL, and data visualization platforms such as Power BI or Tableau. Applying these skills to small projects. Target roles that blend finance and analytics, such as financial or business intelligence analyst, and consider certifications like the Google Data Analytics Certificate to strengthen your profile. With your accounting background, you’re well-positioned for a smooth shift into analytics. The masters will definitely help you gain a better understanding in data analytics and get your foot in the door.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you!!! Genevieve
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Sean’s Answer

Hi there!

I’m a CPA in the Accounting division at Deloitte, and I’m excited to see your interest in both accounting and data analytics. That’s a fantastic combination, and you’re absolutely on the right track by thinking about how these two areas can work together.

At Deloitte, I’ve seen professionals with accounting degrees move into our advisory division, where they get to work more directly with data analytics. But even if you start in a traditional accounting role, having data analytics experience can really set you apart from the competition. It’s a skill set that’s in high demand and can open up a lot of doors, whether you stay in accounting or move into more analytics-focused work later on.

Honestly, it sounds like you can’t go wrong with either path. My best advice is to try to get your start at a large accounting or consulting firm. These organizations offer excellent training, exposure to a wide variety of projects, and the chance to develop both your accounting and analytics skills early in your career.

Your curiosity and drive to learn new things are huge assets. Keep that positive attitude, and you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that come your way. You’ve got this!

Wishing you all the best as you start your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your advice and well-wishes! <3 Genevieve
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Emily’s Answer

Hi! This is a great question. I, like many others here, actually have a degree in accounting and now work in an entirely different field. A degree in accounting provides a lot of great fundamental skills (such as attention to detail, comfortability with working with numbers, critical thinking, etc.) that are highly transferrable to careers in data analytics.

I would recommend doing some research into what type of data analytics careers you're interested in. Take some time to then research the various tools/hard skills that data analytics professionals need to have and start doing some independent learning to familiarize yourself with these tools. It could also be helpful to find folks on LinkedIn that have had a similar transition from an accounting background to a data analytics/data science field so they can share their direct knowledge and advice. Excited for you!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your story! Genevieve
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Janelia’s Answer

Great question and I'm seeing some really great answers! Adding to this that accounting and data analytics are both amazing areas and paths. I'd also encourage considerations to think even further on what may be beyond data analytics and some of the further paths/interest leveraging both accounting and data analytics as you progress in your career, which an MBA type path with focus on data analytics or a joint Masters in data analytics with an MBA/management type degrees could help position for both technical and management roles further down the road.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your insight, Janelia! Genevieve
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Sowmya’s Answer

With an accounting degree, moving into data analytics is quite straightforward. As a data analyst, you'll study market trends and use big data for predictions and checking data collection methods. To get started, take an online course to improve your SQL skills, and learn the basics of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML).
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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Meghan’s Answer

Great idea! There is increasingly more overlap with accounting and data analytics skillsets. If you want to go into business, it will be helpful to have the accounting background, in addition to data analytics. If you decide you want to leverage both accounting and data analytics skills in your future career, there are companies looking for this exact background to hire into their accounting and/or auditing groups. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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Willis’s Answer

It is important to have some technical background or interest before transitioning to Data Analytics. The work is most technical than Accounting, so it is important that you have an interest in the technical aspects of the job before switching over from Accounting.
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Martin’s Answer

Hey! You could do online courses and pass Google, AWS, MSFT certificates related to data analytics and machine learning. You could also do conversion master degree. But most importantly do the hands on projects and publish them online as your portfolio to show future recruiters.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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Siddhi Vinod’s Answer

Hello Genevieve,
A great question!! You can always leverage your accounting skills like analytical thinking, detail oriented,
understanding of business process into Data Analytics domain so that your skills and degree really doesn't go for waste. Also you can enhance your Data analytics skills by doing online courses on Excel, Data analytics tools and techniques, Python programming language and database management. I believe transitioning for you would be really hassle free as you only need to develop technical skills to deliver good quality work as a Data Analyst. All the best!!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice and well-wishes! <3 Genevieve
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Durganand’s Answer

1. Use Your Current Skills

Your background in accounting gives you strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Highlight your experience with numbers, attention to detail, and understanding of business processes.

2. Learn New Technical Skills

Get to know data analytics tools like SQL, Python, R, and advanced Excel. Familiarize yourself with data visualization platforms such as Tableau or Power BI. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or earning certifications in data analytics.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Use your new skills on real projects, like analyzing financial data or automating reports at work. Work on personal or volunteer projects to build a portfolio that shows off your analytics skills.

4. Network and Get Advice

Connect with data analytics professionals on LinkedIn or at networking events. Seek mentorship or advice from people who have switched careers successfully.

5. Update Your Resume and Job Search

Revise your resume to highlight transferable skills and relevant analytics projects. Look for entry-level or hybrid roles that mix accounting and analytics to make the switch smoother.

6. Be Persistent and Inquisitive

Be patient and take initiative in learning and using new skills. Keep up with industry trends and always look for ways to grow.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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Suman’s Answer

Genevieve congratulations on almost finishing up your graduation.
I started off my career in tech after finishing up Bachelor's degree in Computer science. In my initial career I started working on Mainframe and continued for about 8 years before I decided to switch to data science and analytics. When I started my journey to switch into data i researched on trending technology, types of roles available, and narrowed down which role I would like to go for. Once I narrowed down my target roles I researched on key skills required for the roles and started doing self preparation on them. I also joined and completed few bootcamps which help me accelerate learning with practical projects. Finally once I felt confident I completed few certifications around the key skills. This journey helped me switch and land roles in Data analytics.
As you begin your journey, focus on key basic skills which are required regardless of any roles in data analytics such as SQL, Math (specifically concept of statistics, probabilities), a key programming language (such as Python, R etc.). After being in Data Analytics role for over 8 years now, another important aspect I would advise is story telling (how well you articulate and conveying your analysis) is an important skill which will help you grow. All the best and congratulations.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for sharing your story!! Genevieve
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Colm’s Answer

This sounds like a solid move. With your accounting background, you're already used to working with numbers, spotting patterns, and telling a story with data. Those are core skills in analytics. You don’t need a master’s right away unless you’re really set on it. A few online courses in SQL, Excel, or Power BI can give you a strong start. Try to land a role that blends both worlds, like a financial or audit analyst job, so you can build experience while learning the analytics side. That kind of hands-on work will give you a good feel for the field and help you make the switch naturally.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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Gene’s Answer

The experience and education you have from Accounting will be a good first step! In general, I think transitions are all about identifying the new job you are looking for, understanding the skillsets that are required in that job, and networking with individuals in that job to help understand what the job is like day-to-day and potentially inform you of roles at their company. Sounds like you have identified data analytics as the job type, as a next step you can look for overlaps and gaps in the skills you have and start networking with data analytics professionals. Good luck with you career transition!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice and well-wishes!! <3 Genevieve
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Ashley’s Answer

Consider exploring data analytics in accounting. Today, data analytics plays a vital role in many areas of our lives, including accounting. For instance, in the Consumer Industry, we help our clients, such as the tax department, finance, and HR, use their data or customer data to make smart decisions. This can involve financial planning, launching new products, or developing talent strategies.
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Olga’s Answer

Combining accounting and analytics is a valuable skill we seek at Big 4 Accounting firms. Our analytics team works within the audit practice, focusing on audit projects. We also have clients who need help with analytics reporting, setting up platforms, and developing models, all from an accounting perspective. Don't wait until you finish your degrees to start internships in this field. Gain experience early to find out what you enjoy.
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Julian’s Answer

Hello Genevieve,
The switch should not be difficult. A lot of the coursework you took in Accounting should be a seamless switch over to Data Analytics. Reach out to your school's professional services department for more information on the career of Data Analytics. They could provide some valuable contacts, information, or contacts of those who have careers. As other mentioned I would take some online courses to become more knowledgeable. I would also tailor your resume to a data analytics focus, so I would focus on those courses where you practiced analytics or something similar. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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