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Learn how to become a technology and IT accountant
In the wake of technology’s continued advancement—and tasks such as organizing data and creating efficient processes evolving in the field—a new type of accounting career is emerging. A technology and IT accountant focuses on efficiency, compliance and accuracy in an organization’s accounting function.
Technology and IT accountants use acocounting software and information systems to combine accounting principles with the technology goal of creating a centralized location for financial data. This allows an accountant to analyze data more easily and creates a more secure and accessible information system. Technology accountants also Integrate accounting software, manage financial and accounting data, analyze financials and software programs for insights and infuse accuracy into financial reporting functions.
In this article
Should I become a technology and IT accountant?
A technology and IT accountant may be considered a future-proofed career as both accountants and technology are here to stay. This makes it no surprise that a career as an accountant ranked second in job satisfaction, with a score of 72.2 out of 100 points. Accountants, including technology and IT accountants, enjoy stability and structure in their positions, allowing them to add value to their organizations and clients.
Future-wise, projections for technology accounting look promising, with the utilization of AI in the accounting market expected to grow at a rate of 41.2% by 2033, said Market.us. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the accounting industry as a whole to grow by 4.6% through 2034. If you have experience with accounting or technology and want to be part of cutting-edge growth in a solid industry while you earn a competitive wage, a career as a technology and IT accountant might be for you.
In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of a career as a technology and IT accountant, including the expected pay, the core competencies you need and what type of educational background might fast-track your career.
How do I become a technology and IT accountant?
Unlike a traditional accounting path, a career as a technology and IT accountant requires a mix of technology and accounting fundamentals. Here are three steps you need to complete to become a technology and IT accountant.
Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s or associate degree in IT or accounting
Since a technology and IT accounting requires a technical understanding of accounting principles, most individuals pursue some formal education. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need a bachelor’s degree. In fact, some IT and technology accountants can excel in their positions with an associate degree.
There is another aspect to becoming a technology and IT accountant: an understanding of technology. For some, technical technology skills come naturally and are learned over time. For others, dedicated courses, such as data analytics and management information systems (MIS) will be necessary. Most accounting programs will include fundamental technology courses, which is why it’s important to choose the right institution when furthering your education.
Step 2: Consider higher education
Depending on your ideal career path, you might choose to continue your education and credentialing. If you are looking to become a manager or a partner, extra education may be beneficial. For example, you could pursue a master’s in accounting, taxation or technology.
Additionally, you might choose to take the Certified Public Accountant exam. Remember, higher education and credentialing aren’t always required and could depend upon your career goals. Many technology and IT accountants reach their goals with an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Step 3: Gain experience and start your career
Sometimes, experience outweighs education. As you start to build your work experience, you’ll notice different opportunities as a technology and IT accountant. For example, after a few years of experience, you might be promoted to a management position. While completing your education, look for internships or job positions that further your experience. This could be working for a technology company or in an accounting firm.
What are salaries like for technology and IT accountants?
Technology and IT accountants often get paid a premium for their exclusive knowledge of technology and accounting systems. This creates an average pay range between $97,000 and $161,000 per year said Glassdoor.
The BLS estimates that the median pay for accountants is $81,680 per year or $39 per hour. However, your pay range can vary based on your experience level, educational background and where you choose to work.
10%$52,780
25%$64,660
50%$81,680Median
75%$106,450
90%$141,420
Median Hourly Wage$39
Job growth4.6%
Total Employment1,448,290
| State | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $71,070 | $48,600 | $123,410 |
| Alaska | $81,950 | $56,020 | $128,150 |
| Arizona | $78,620 | $52,130 | $125,990 |
| Arkansas | $64,180 | $41,670 | $118,730 |
| California | $96,360 | $60,920 | $162,150 |
| Colorado | $90,030 | $59,540 | $155,590 |
| Connecticut | $89,630 | $61,390 | $135,090 |
| Delaware | $84,560 | $56,500 | $133,550 |
| District of Columbia | $103,030 | $65,540 | $180,890 |
| Florida | $78,470 | $49,830 | $132,070 |
| Georgia | $80,100 | $48,140 | $140,640 |
| Hawaii | $67,820 | $49,050 | $108,520 |
| Idaho | $64,840 | $43,260 | $109,270 |
| Illinois | $79,300 | $51,690 | $132,080 |
| Indiana | $77,410 | $49,810 | $125,160 |
| Iowa | $74,290 | $48,300 | $121,940 |
| Kansas | $76,400 | $49,770 | $122,650 |
| Kentucky | $72,220 | $47,880 | $114,800 |
| Louisiana | $69,540 | $46,950 | $117,190 |
| Maine | $77,680 | $52,920 | $124,990 |
| Maryland | $84,890 | $59,040 | $150,560 |
| Massachusetts | $96,580 | $64,370 | $152,960 |
| Michigan | $77,720 | $50,240 | $130,320 |
| Minnesota | $81,100 | $54,840 | $135,370 |
| Mississippi | $64,170 | $43,090 | $115,350 |
| Missouri | $73,210 | $45,760 | $128,240 |
| Montana | $74,400 | $48,730 | $121,140 |
| Nebraska | $69,980 | $47,370 | $106,770 |
| Nevada | $78,220 | $51,430 | $119,110 |
| New Hampshire | $82,830 | $58,300 | $128,400 |
| New Jersey | $101,340 | $65,670 | $166,230 |
| New Mexico | $77,420 | $51,590 | $119,020 |
| New York | $101,780 | $62,430 | $178,500 |
| North Carolina | $80,490 | $50,940 | $137,260 |
| North Dakota | $72,180 | $49,470 | $103,400 |
| Ohio | $77,640 | $49,480 | $129,640 |
| Oklahoma | $76,820 | $46,670 | $129,660 |
| Oregon | $81,130 | $58,950 | $128,710 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,330 | $48,850 | $128,300 |
| Rhode Island | $90,040 | $58,970 | $145,290 |
| South Carolina | $73,180 | $48,220 | $131,550 |
| South Dakota | $77,310 | $59,190 | $110,630 |
| Tennessee | $75,500 | $50,400 | $125,280 |
| Texas | $80,000 | $51,810 | $132,550 |
| Utah | $75,100 | $43,780 | $129,890 |
| Vermont | $76,990 | $56,460 | $121,360 |
| Virginia | $84,190 | $57,150 | $145,750 |
| Washington | $96,180 | $64,440 | $143,210 |
| West Virginia | $74,520 | $47,400 | $113,730 |
| Wisconsin | $78,150 | $56,360 | $126,180 |
| Wyoming | $77,400 | $51,180 | $123,330 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth . Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
How do technology and IT accountants compare to other related careers?
Pursuing a career as a technology and IT accountant may unlock more competitive pay. Here’s how salaries stack up compared to related tech and accounting careers:
What being a technology and IT accountant is all about
Being a technology and IT accountant involves different roles and responsibilities. Here are some of their main job duties:
- Select accounting and technology systems for implementation
- Facilitate the implementation of different resources
- Manage system maintenance and updates
- Uncover ineffective processes that hinder productivity
- Monitor cybersecurity compliance and relevant risks
- Troubleshoot technical problems
- Develop infrastructure and guidelines for routine accounting tasks
- Communicate with upper management about your findings
The role of a technology and IT accountant will look different in every organization. For example, one company might have its technology and IT accountant take on more accounting roles, while another might focus job duties on the technical side of operations. Nevertheless, here’s what a typical day might entail:
- Respond to emails
- Solve a software problem
- Evaluate the efficiency of a program
- Review a client’s financial statement for technical issues
- Meet with management to discuss risks and efficiency
Like most accountants, a technology and IT accountant will work a standard 9 to 5 workday. However, if there is a software issue or database problem, you may need to jump in on weekends or in the evening.
Needed skills and competencies
Technology and IT accountants need both technical and soft skills to excel in their positions. On the technical side, you need an understanding of basic accounting principles and the role of technology in an organization. This includes knowledge of the backend functions of different programs and how your organization utilizes them.
Soft skills are also essential. Most technology and IT accountants communicate with other team members on a daily basis to solve problems. Without strong communication skills, problems could go unsolved, creating workflow issues. Other soft skills like leadership ability, time management and critical thinking are also helpful.
Where you’ll work
Technology and IT accountants have flexibility in where they work. Here are some potential job titles and work environments.
Job titles
When first starting out, you will be an entry-level technology and IT accountant. This means you will be handling basic tasks and reporting to a senior or manager. After a few years of experience, you may have the ability to move up to a more senior position. Once another few years have passed, you may have the option to become a manager. A select amount of technology and IT accountants will choose to pursue a partner position.
Possible work environments
Technology and IT accountants can either work as part of a public accounting firm or for a private company. A public accounting firm is comprised of other accountants and offers services to hundreds of clients. On the contrary, a technology and IT accountant working in a private company focuses on the operations of that specific company or corporation.
How to make yourself stand out as a candidate
Since technology and IT accounting is a niche sector of accounting, your education and work experience may help you stand out. However, there are other ways you can stand out from competitors, including:
- Have an extensive network of connections and contacts for referrals
- Demonstrate your technical and soft skills, showing you’re well-rounded
- Highlight your commitment to continuing education and learning
- Clearly state your career goals and expectations
- Have confidence in your abilities and skills
- Work toward higher education or a credential
- Move into IT by enrolling in a bootcamp or certification program
Professional organizations for tech accountants to join
Professional organizations are important for staying informed on the latest regulatory changes and building your network. Here are a few key organizations to join as a technology and IT accountant:
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- American Accounting Association
- National Society of Accountants
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Association of Information Technology Professionals
Also, consider joining technology and accounting organizations in your local area and attending meetups and conferences. This gives you the opportunity to build a network in your community and learn about advances in AI, tools and compliance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
No, a CPA license is not required. However, it can be helpful to gain an understanding of accounting principles.
Certifications in independent accounting software programs are available. In addition, there are general certificates, like CompTIA and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), that you can pursue.
An accounting degree may not be required, depending on the career path you follow. However, you do need a technical understanding of basic accounting principles to excel in this role, and employers may prefer potential candidates who have earned a degree.
Written and reported by:
Rachel Horozewski
CPA, Public Accounting