Which career to choose in the USA: accountant or software tester
Numbers or technology? The stability and predictability of accountancy in the USA, or the pace and constant change of tech? Much of it comes down to personal preference. But other criteria are worth weighing too: what a tester earns in the USA versus an accountant, how hard it is to get into each profession, and where each one leads.
What does an accountant do in the USA?
Businesses differ, and so do the tasks that come with them. What accountancy work usually covers (US requirements are broadly the same as in Europe or Asia):
- calculating and filing taxes;
- keeping the financial records — income and expenditure, balance sheets and reports;
- working in accounting software;
- making sure the law is being followed;
- analysing financial performance.
An accountant in the USA has a stable income. The work is usually office-based on standard hours. The drawback is the wearing routine: a great deal of paperwork, dealing with the tax authorities, and the need to be attentive and patient. Accountancy pays reasonably well, but a lot depends on how competent the individual is. We will come back to the money shortly.
The tester's profession in brief
The main job here is checking software for defects, usability, stability and security. Testing work in the USA usually looks like this:
- you can work in an office or remotely;
- flexible hours are often on offer;
- you can be a freelancer, a contractor or a permanent employee;
- the work can be QA Manual or QA Automation.
You need no technical degree to enter the profession. A specialist course and experience on real projects are enough.
What an accountant earns in the USA
A junior accountant earns $45,000–$55,000 a year. Someone with three to five years of experience earns $60,000–$80,000 a year. The average varies considerably by state, by the nature of the company and by qualifications. CPA status, for instance, opens the door to more prestigious firms, and financial corporations pay more than small businesses.
What a tester earns in the USA
Location matters rather less here than it does in accountancy, though pay still depends on competence. A junior QA earns on average $55,000–$75,000 a year, and a mid-level QA has every chance of reaching $80,000–$100,000 a year.
As a tester's skills grow, so does their pay. An accountant reaching the same income needs several years of education and a stack of certifications.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a tester with no experience look for work?
Platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed. Internships and courses that lead to a placement are another good route.
Where can an accountant's career go?
Towards chief accountant or financial analyst.
Where can a tester's career go?
Towards QA Automation Engineer, Test Lead or QA Manager. A move into DevOps or product management is also possible.
How long does it take to train as a tester?
PASV's QA Manual course takes two months; QA Automation, which includes manual testing, takes eight.
Can a tester work freelance?
Yes.
