As companies become more data-driven — using data as the foundation for decision-making at all levels of the organization — the demand for skilled data analysts is rising fast. These professionals can support multiple functions in a business, from human resources to marketing to IT. In corporate accounting departments, specifically, a data analyst’s expertise in analyzing large datasets is critical to helping businesses navigate today’s increasingly complex economic landscape.If data analysis sounds like drudgery, be assured that’s not the case. Data analysts in corporate accounting jobs play a vital role in financial forecasting, cost analysis and performance monitoring activities for a company. The insights they provide can help drive business success. What makes data analysis in corporate accounting particularly exciting today is the opportunity for professionals to blend traditional accounting practices with powerful analytical tools, including those powered by AI.Gone are the days when corporate accounting was limited to ledger balancing and compliance reporting. Today’s teams rely heavily on insights generated by powerful data analytics software, predictive models and automation technologies to keep track of a company’s financial health, profitability and operational efficiency. And they need skilled analysts to collect, process and interpret data not only to track past performance but also forecast future trends.With advancements in AI, machine learning and big data, data analysts in corporate accounting can unlock new levels of precision and efficiency in financial forecasting, fraud detection and cost management. Their role in the business is often cross-functional, too, with an ongoing need to work closely with executives, operations, and other stakeholders.The collaborative nature of the job, coupled with the ability to directly influence business strategy, make data analysis a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career path for professionals with the right skills and experience.
The need for professionals who can interpret complex data, including financial data, and generate actionable insights from it is growing. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t specifically track employment of data analysts in corporate accounting, it provides useful data for related roles that offer insight into the overall hiring outlook. For example, the agency projects that employment of accountants and auditors, which includes roles increasingly reliant on data analytics, will grow 6% from 2023 to 2033.That rate is faster than the average for all occupations, and it is driven by the continued need for skilled professionals to help businesses manage finances, ensure compliance and use data for decision-making. Additional evidence that the hiring outlook is bright for data analysts in the corporate accounting field can be found in Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide. Workplace research conducted for the guide suggests the data analyst role is likely to be one of the hottest jobs in finance and accounting in the year ahead.The continued push by businesses across industries to analyze big data and adopt AI and automation in their finance and accounting functions will no doubt fuel demand further for data-savvy professionals who can manage financial insights and help guide strategic decisions.Simply consider how fast the big data analytics market is growing: According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market was valued at nearly $306 billion in 2023 — by 2032, it is expected to reach a massive $924 billion.
The level of compensation you can potentially earn as a data analyst in the field of corporate accounting depends on your specific role, as well as your skill set and level of experience. Other factors, including your geographic location, the size of the organization that hires you and remote work options, can also impact your rate of pay.The following midpoint starting salaries for data analysis jobs in corporate accounting featured in the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half provide insight into what employers are prepared to pay new hires in today’s market. (As we explain in our Salary Guide, a midpoint salary applies to a candidate with the experience to perform the core responsibilities of a job without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.)Manager of data analysis – corporate accounting: $140,000Senior data analyst – corporate accounting: $113,000Data analyst, 0-3 years’ experience – corporate accounting: $61,750Explore more projected starting salaries for web development and other technology positions and get details on where our salary data comes from, in the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half. You can also use our Salary Calculator to customize starting salaries for your local market.
Hiring managers recruiting data analyst talent for corporate accounting teams typically seek candidates who possess a combination of analytical acumen, financial expertise and technical proficiency. Detail-oriented, organized professionals with excellent research and communication skills usually have an edge when applying for data analyst jobs.Depending on the role and the organization’s needs, an employer may require a data analyst to have:Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel: While basic Excel knowledge is a given for this role, many companies seek data analysts who can go beyond basic functions and perform complex data modeling, pivot table creation and macros for automating tasks. Advanced Excel skills allow analysts to manipulate large datasets efficiently and produce actionable insights.Experience with data analytics tools: Proficiency in using tools like SQL, Power BI and Tableau is highly valued, as these platforms are essential for visualizing data, creating reports and performing complex data extractions. Familiarity with corporate accounting software, such as SAP or Oracle, can further distinguish candidates for data analyst jobs.Statistical and predictive analysis knowledge: Understanding statistical methods is crucial for analyzing historical financial data and predicting future trends. Candidates with expertise in machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics and big data techniques can stand out as businesses increasingly look for data analysts who can offer forward-thinking insights.Communication and presentation skills: Data analysis is about more than crunching numbers. Many employers seek candidates who can interpret data and translate complex insights into clear, actionable recommendations for nontechnical stakeholders in the business. The ability to convey findings through data visualization tools or presentations is essential for this role.Earning in-demand finance and accounting certifications, such as the CPA or certified management accountant (CMA) credential, can enhance your prospects to land a data analyst job in corporate accounting. Other certifications, like the certified analytics professional (CAP) designation, can underscore your commitment to the field of data analytics and data science and provide you with the technical skills necessary to take on complex data-driven projects in corporate accounting.
The roles listed in the previous section are specific to corporate accounting departments. Know that working in these jobs can lead to other career paths in finance and accounting that blend financial expertise with data-driven insights. Examples of positions you could potentially transition to, provided you have the right skills, experience and credentials, include the following.Financial analyst: This role focuses on interpreting financial data to forecast trends, perform budgeting, assess financial performance, optimize decision-making processes, and more. (Financial analyst is also listed among the hottest finance and accounting jobs for 2025 in Robert Half’s latest Salary Guide.)
Cost accountant: These professionals track and analyze costs within a company, using data analysis to improve cost efficiency, analyze profitability and recommend cost-saving measures.Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) analyst: These analysts are responsible for budgeting, forecasting and analyzing the financial health of businesses, large or small, often using data modeling to guide decision-making and support long-term financial planning.Internal auditor: Data analysts can transition to internal auditing, where they analyze financial records for accuracy, compliance and risk management. This role leverages advanced data skills to identify inefficiencies and detect fraud.Business intelligence (BI) analyst: Data analysts with an interest in accounting and broader business operations can become BI analysts, using data visualization tools and analytics platforms to provide strategic insights for corporate decision-making.Data analysts with technical expertise can also move into data science roles, where they can apply AI, machine learning, statistical analysis and predictive modeling to accounting and financial data.The career paths listed above allow data analysts with a corporate accounting background to make the most of their analytical skills. And if flexible careers are important to you, consider working in these jobs as a contract professional or consultant.
Data analysis is transforming corporate accounting, offering a dynamic and rewarding career path for professionals who excel at working with numbers and technology. Data analysts are at the forefront of harnessing vast amounts of financial data to help companies across industries identify trends, optimize business performance and mitigate risks.Whether you’re an aspiring data analyst or a seasoned professional, if you’re looking for data analyst jobs in corporate accounting, Robert Half can help with your search. You can start by exploring the latest job postings on our website. You can also upload your resume and let our specialized recruiters help you find a data analyst role that aligns with your skills and experience.
