Janeway Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Is accounting a good major? I thought I remembered reading that accounting was becoming an out of date major and that finance or actuary or even business computer systems was a better choice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Lava Mama Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Yes! It is one of the most flexible majors out there! Especially if you get CPA certified. ALL industries need accountants, so a CPA can go into any field that is hot at the moment. Also, it is flexible enough that you could work at home, build your own business, work for a firm, or work in industry. It isn't super exciting, for those that need a thrill, but it will bring satisfaction and wealth, too. Some of the wealthiest people I know are CPA's. Hot Lava Mama 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsie Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 I would not consider accounting to be an out of date major. The background knowledge in accounting can also be useful for other career paths, such as finance. Requirements to become a CPA vary by state, but you are probably looking at five years of college education to be eligible to become a CPA. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Accounting-to-finance is a very common career path. My DH is actually at a disadvantage for many finance jobs because he is not a CPA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 (edited) The market for accountants is actually doing very well. (It is my current major, and since I'm 40 I've been careful to research what I'm majoring in.)http://www.afwa.org/2015/11/12/2016-salary-hiring-trends/#.WKighhLys1ghttp://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/accountingeducation/newsandpublications/downloadabledocuments/2015-trendsreport.pdf What is shifting a bit is more of a focus on information systems related to accounting. Business analytics is also a growing area. I'm actually considering shifting more towards business analytics rather than finance. ETA: A degree in accounting is a solid choice. It can get your foot in the door in a lot of different industries. Edited February 18, 2017 by The Girls' Mom 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artichoke Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 Being a CPA is incredibly lucrative. There is an overall shortage of accountants but getting a job at the Big 4 is usually difficult. There are plenty of other accounting jobs though. As pp have said, there are many ways to use an accounting degree. I think the area of forensic accounting is fascinating, and it's growing. You will want to get your CPA license though because it makes a lot of difference in pay scales and promotions in many companies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artichoke Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 Yes! It is one of the most flexible majors out there! Especially if you get CPA certified. ALL industries need accountants, so a CPA can go into any field that is hot at the moment. Also, it is flexible enough that you could work at home, build your own business, work for a firm, or work in industry. It isn't super exciting, for those that need a thrill, but it will bring satisfaction and wealth, too. Some of the wealthiest people I know are CPA's. Hot Lava Mama This so true. Dh is a CPA who works in a niche market that he loves in a company that he really likes. Most folks think of CPA's as just tax people, but there's so much more that you can do with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RKWAcademy Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 Yes! Getting your card punched (so to speak) by doing 2 years in a Big 4 accounting firm stinks, but industry jobs that come after that are great. There are tons of quality jobs out there without even going the public accounting route. Although I think getting that experience is a real asset. And, I think it's really important to get a CPA license even if you never plan to practice in public accounting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 I'm not even a CPA and have found accounting to be very flexible for working part time, from home, and homeschooling. If flexibility is a factor, the field has lots of options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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