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Is accounting a good major?


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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

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I would not consider accounting to be an out of date major.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.

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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/#.WKighhLys1g

http://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 by The Girls' Mom
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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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