From “Boring Job” to Six-Figure Springboard: How Gen Z is Reviving Accounting
Gen Z is rewriting accounting — from tax clinics to six-figure jobs. What was once dismissed as boring is now a career blending purpose and profit.
When Accounting Became Personal
When Alana Kelley, an Oregon State accounting major, helped a goat farmer with no internet access secure thousands in refunds, she realized accounting wasn’t just about numbers. It was about dignity and survival. In another session, she guided a young woman who was supporting her sister—unlocking a $6,000 refund that relieved months of financial strain.
“I never thought accounting could feel this personal,” Kelley said. “But when you see the direct impact on someone’s life, it hits different.”
This isn’t a one-off story. Gen Z students like Kelley are rewriting what it means to be an accountant—resurrecting a profession Millennials abandoned, Boomers are leaving in droves, and employers are desperate to fill.
A Crisis Meets an Opportunity
Accounting has a branding problem. It’s often ranked as one of the most “boring” careers. Millennials fled to startups, marketing, and tech. Meanwhile, more than 340,000 accountants quit in the past five years, and with 75% of Boomers expected to retire within a decade, the talent pipeline is nearly dry.
Yet at the same time, America’s tax code is only getting more complex. Families, farmers, and retirees need help navigating refunds and credits, and businesses need strategic financial minds more than ever.
Instead of seeing spreadsheets, Gen Z sees opportunity:
- Median pay: $93,000 annually.
- Top earners (CPAs): Nearly $200,000.
- Placement rate: At schools like Oregon State University, 98% of accounting grads secure jobs immediately.
In a world where financial uncertainty runs high, Gen Z is realizing this so-called “boring job” offers exactly what they want: stability, impact, and serious money.
Transforming Lives, One Tax Return at a Time
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a partnership between the IRS and nearly two dozen universities, has quietly become Gen Z’s proving ground.
In 2024 alone:
- 280 CSUN students helped more than 9,000 taxpayers.
- They unlocked $11 million in refunds and $3.6 million in tax credits.
- They saved low-income families $2 million in tax-prep fees.
Students don’t just fill out forms—they work face-to-face with people in need. Some families walk away with refunds that pay for months of groceries, rent, or medical bills.
“It’s the embodiment of the good that can come out of the accounting profession.” — Rafael Efrat, VITA Director
And it’s not just accounting majors. Computer science, public health, and psychology students are jumping in too, drawn by the mix of human impact and financial literacy skills.
Not Your Parents’ Accounting
“People still think accounting is calculators and paper spreadsheets,” says Logan Steele, an accounting professor at OSU. “That’s outdated. AI handles the grunt work now. Accountants are more like strategists and problem-solvers.”
For Gen Z, this shift is crucial. They want careers that blend purpose with paychecks. And accounting, once dismissed, is suddenly fitting the bill:
- Real-time decision-making with businesses.
- Data-driven strategy using new tools.
- Financial empowerment for individuals.
It’s no longer just about numbers. It’s about the people behind them.
Why Gen Z is Winning Early
Students like Kelley and her peer, Tristan Klascius, who helped an older woman regain access to her Social Security income, are walking into graduation with real-world casework under their belts.
By the time they land their first jobs, they’re already:
- Confident dealing with clients.
- Comfortable solving complex tax issues.
- Positioned for six-figure salaries from day one.
And with job security ranking higher than job flexibility for many Gen Zers, the path looks even more appealing.
Real People, Real Results
Across the country, Gen Z accounting students are proving this isn’t just theory. Their work is creating measurable impact:
- Alana, Oregon: Helped families secure refunds up to $6,000—enough to cover months of rent and groceries.
- Tristan, Oregon: Guided a senior through Social Security paperwork, unlocking income she couldn’t access alone.
- Maria, Texas: Boosted her career trajectory with VITA hours, landing an internship that converted into a full-time CPA track position.
- CSUN’s 280-student cohort: Delivered $11 million in refunds in 2024, plus saved families another $2 million in fees.
These wins stack into credibility for job interviews, confidence for clients, and proof that accounting can be as human as it is technical.
Accounting as a Gen Z Career: Pros & Cons
Pros ✅
- High earning potential (median $93K, CPAs up to $200K)
- Strong job security with 98% placement rates
- Direct human impact through programs like VITA
- Evolving role: strategy, data, and problem-solving over paperwork
Cons ❌
- Long hours during tax season
- Licensing exams (CPA) can be costly and time-intensive
- Lingering “boring” stereotype among peers
- Requires ongoing learning to keep up with AI and tax law changes
Career Comparison: Accounting vs. Marketing vs. Tech
| Career | Average Salary | Job Placement Rate | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | $93K median (CPAs up to $200K) | 98% at top programs | High — demand growing with retirements + tax complexity |
| Marketing | $78K median | Varies widely by role/company | Moderate — cyclical, tied to ad budgets |
| Tech | $110K+ median | Strong, but competitive | Volatile — layoffs common, high upside long-term |
The Hive Challenge
If you’re a student or early-career worker wondering how to turn “boring” into “unstoppable”:
- Explore VITA or local tax clinics. You’ll get hands-on experience helping real people.
- Learn the new tools. Accounting today is powered by AI and data platforms.
- Think impact, not just income. See yourself as a strategist who can unlock refunds, protect families, and help businesses thrive.
Gen Z isn’t just reviving accounting. They’re redefining it — and showing that “boring” jobs can build exciting, stable, and highly profitable futures.
Accounting Career FAQs
Is accounting a good career for Gen Z?
Yes. With high placement rates, strong earning potential, and evolving roles focused on strategy and impact, accounting is an excellent career for Gen Z seeking stability and purpose.
Does accounting pay more than marketing?
On average, yes. Accounting median pay is around $93K, while marketing averages about $78K. Top CPAs can reach nearly $200K annually.
Is accounting more stable than tech?
Yes. While tech offers higher salaries, it’s also volatile with frequent layoffs. Accounting provides steady demand due to tax complexity and retiring professionals.
Do I need to be a math genius to succeed in accounting?
No. Modern accounting relies more on strategy, problem-solving, and tools like AI than pure math skills. Being analytical and detail-oriented matters more.
How can students get started in accounting?
Programs like VITA or local tax clinics are great entry points, offering hands-on experience and direct client interaction before graduation.