Actuary or Accountant: How to Choose

Actuaries price and model future risk, mostly for insurers; accountants and auditors record, check and report on money that has already moved. Both usually start with a bachelor's degree, both sit at a desk with spreadsheets and databases most of the day, and both have a credential ladder attached — a multi-year exam series for actuaries, state CPA licensure for accountants.

Marisol Benning · 8 min read