7 answers
Dylia
Student
Bangkok, Thailand
2
Questions
Updated
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What will I do ?
Iam interested in accounting. However, I sometimes feel worried because Iam just an average at Math. Do you think I should pursue at college?
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7 answers
Ashley Andrews
Audit & Assurance Senior Assistant
3
Answers
Costa Mesa, California
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hello! I'm in the field of accounting, with a special focus on auditing. While I've never been a math whiz, I've found that in my auditing and tax roles, there hasn't been a need for intricate mathematical knowledge. Sure, there's the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, but thanks to handy tools like Microsoft Excel, these calculations are done for me. While a grasp of math is definitely beneficial, I don't believe it's crucial to master complex math subjects like Calculus to be successful in accounting. However, problem-solving is a key skill in my role, and I've found that math does help in honing this ability.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Dylia
Annie Tieu
Senior Auditor at Deloitte
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Annie’s Answer
Hi Dylia! I feel like the most common comment I got when I told people I studied accounting was that "I must love math" (which is far from being true). To echo many others in this thread, accounting is not as math heavy as people might think.
For some background about me, I graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting, and am currently in the accounting field focused on auditing. In college, I never needed anything more than a four-function calculator in my classes, and it's still true during my day-to-day work. If anything, I would say my career involves much more reading and writing than math.
Ultimately, accounting is about understanding business and interpreting what the numbers are telling you about the business, which your introductory college classes will teach you. So, I would definitely not let the thought of math deter you from pursuing a career in accounting.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
For some background about me, I graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting, and am currently in the accounting field focused on auditing. In college, I never needed anything more than a four-function calculator in my classes, and it's still true during my day-to-day work. If anything, I would say my career involves much more reading and writing than math.
Ultimately, accounting is about understanding business and interpreting what the numbers are telling you about the business, which your introductory college classes will teach you. So, I would definitely not let the thought of math deter you from pursuing a career in accounting.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Thank you, Annie for the advice.
Dylia
Marc Borggreven
Human Capital
4
Answers
Vianen, Netherlands
Updated
Marc’s Answer
Hi Dylia,
Accounting is interesting as it helps building trust. Not sure whether there is a lot of math knowlegde needed - obviously it depends on how you define math. The fun thing I learned about math is the more you practice and read and talk about it with your friends/fellow students/teachers, the better you will understand.
Give it a try and enjoy!
Accounting is interesting as it helps building trust. Not sure whether there is a lot of math knowlegde needed - obviously it depends on how you define math. The fun thing I learned about math is the more you practice and read and talk about it with your friends/fellow students/teachers, the better you will understand.
Give it a try and enjoy!
It really encourages me. Thank you
Dylia
Connor Adams
Technology Consultant
25
Answers
Provo, Utah
Updated
Connor’s Answer
Hi Dylia,
Accounting is a great field of study. At my university they would always say that it is "The Language of Business". I would say that the hard piece of accounting is how should I categorize these number or what type of math should I do to all the numbers vs doing difficult calculations. You need to understand how things should be classified and how to calculate totals but adding or subtracting these groupings of numbers. That is accounting in a nutshell.
If it is interesting then pursue it, even if the math is hard. Who is to say that you can't become great at math anyway? Just because it comes more difficult doesn't meant that you can't be great at it.
Goodluck!
Accounting is a great field of study. At my university they would always say that it is "The Language of Business". I would say that the hard piece of accounting is how should I categorize these number or what type of math should I do to all the numbers vs doing difficult calculations. You need to understand how things should be classified and how to calculate totals but adding or subtracting these groupings of numbers. That is accounting in a nutshell.
If it is interesting then pursue it, even if the math is hard. Who is to say that you can't become great at math anyway? Just because it comes more difficult doesn't meant that you can't be great at it.
Goodluck!
This is really helpful. Thank you so much.
Dylia
Amrit Bhandari
Senior Data Analyst
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Amrit’s Answer
Accounting doesn't require much Math, so don't let that deter you. It's a good idea to dive into Accounting classes, as well as any other subjects that pique your interest during your Freshmen year. Remember, colleges are quite accommodating. You only have to settle on your major by the end of your Sophomore year. This gives you two whole years to explore, learn, and discover what truly sparks your passion. So, go ahead and embrace this journey of exploration!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Dylia
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1594
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to be an accountant. In fact, it requires mostly on arithmetic in accounting. It may not require a lot of complex mathematics theory and calculation.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out the college reviews on accounting and the entry criteria.
2. Attend the information session hosts by accounting department. Speak to the professors and alumni if possible
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Work hard on your academic to meet the college entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out the college reviews on accounting and the entry criteria.
2. Attend the information session hosts by accounting department. Speak to the professors and alumni if possible
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Work hard on your academic to meet the college entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you for answering. I find it really helpful
Dylia
Autumn Robinette
2
Answers
Updated
Autumn’s Answer
Hi Dylia! I am happy to report that accounting is not nearly as math heavy as TV and movies has made it out to be. While there is a degree of math involved, I would say that accounting is more about "number sense."
Excel and calculators and automated formulas are wonderful and helpful tools that we are lucky to be able to use. However, the big thing here is being able to understand the results. There are lots of tools to help with the math, but the reason accounting is such a steady job is that there always needs to be someone on the other side to help understand the numbers and how they work in the business. I found my foundational accounting courses were typically pretty round and pretty numbers to help you grasp the concepts. If you get the concepts, the numbers become way easier, and just things to plug where you need. Accounting tends to build on itself, so you could take some intro courses and see if you like the flow of learning "number sense."
I wouldn't let the fear of the math stop you from exploring accounting. It may surprise you and you may surprise yourself. Good luck!
Excel and calculators and automated formulas are wonderful and helpful tools that we are lucky to be able to use. However, the big thing here is being able to understand the results. There are lots of tools to help with the math, but the reason accounting is such a steady job is that there always needs to be someone on the other side to help understand the numbers and how they work in the business. I found my foundational accounting courses were typically pretty round and pretty numbers to help you grasp the concepts. If you get the concepts, the numbers become way easier, and just things to plug where you need. Accounting tends to build on itself, so you could take some intro courses and see if you like the flow of learning "number sense."
I wouldn't let the fear of the math stop you from exploring accounting. It may surprise you and you may surprise yourself. Good luck!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Dylia