Whether you are just starting a bachelor’s degree in accounting or have already received the designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a master’s degree, it is important to keep in mind the different types of accounting jobs in homeland security that are available. According to HS Today, as one of the fastest-growing agencies in our nation’s federal government, the Department of Homeland Security has more than 200,000 employees in a wide range of specialization areas, including accounting. If you want to put your accounting expertise to good use in helping the government anticipate, prepare for, react to, and prevent catastrophic events, then read on to learn about the homeland security jobs available for accounting professionals.
Systems Accountant
Within the field of homeland security, systems accountants are in high demand for supporting all aspects of the financial management systems and overall missions of various government agencies. As a systems accountant, you would be responsible for evaluating weaknesses in current or proposed system operations, analyzing system practices, gathering documents on system processes, recommending improvements to financial systems, and serving as a systems lead to financially support teams in all phases of homeland security. In order to conduct complex assignments involving business processes and inter-relationships among programs, systems accountants usually must have at least four years of experience and an accredited master’s degree in accounting or accounting systems.
Budget Analyst
As another managerial position in homeland security for accounting professionals, budget analysts are given the hefty responsibility of planning, organizing, and carrying out the major substantive budget plans for significant security programs in different government agencies. For instance, the Department of Homeland Security hires budget analysts to organize the finances for missions that prevent terrorist attacks, respond against potential threats, ensure secure borders, and welcome immigrants. With a master’s degree in accounting or finance, budget analysts are focused on developing the automated budget formulation systems that improve homeland security efforts as well as advising management on courses of action that will adhere to the department’s budget plans.
Financial Administrator
In order to ensure that homeland security firms and government agencies are properly funded to meet their goals of protecting our nation, financial administrators play a crucial role in managing all cash controls for the organizations. As a vital part of the homeland security field, the financial administrator is tasked with organizing an agency’s resources, managing accounts receivables and payables, developing budget plans, preparing financial reports, protecting assets, and planning to meet long-term financial goals. In some cases, financial administrators will also be responsible for managing grants, loans, cooperative agreements, and other financial assistance that is provided for a public purpose. Most homeland security jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but many will prefer a master’s degree with advanced training.
Related Resource: Master’s in Homeland Security
Since public service is an honorable and rewarding profession where individuals can truly make a difference in helping their fellow citizens from hostile threats on American soil, many new accountants are now going to work for the Department of Homeland Security. In addition to offering unparalleled salary, benefits, opportunities for career advancement, and unique training programs for professional development, these types of accounting jobs in homeland security offer an exciting work environment to bring accounting into the world of intelligence.
