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Are there ways to get paid more as an accountant?
If I want to be an accountant, are there other degrees or programs I could take to make more money? If so, is it worth it to take the extra classes and pay more money to get the degrees?
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4 answers
Updated
Handel’s Answer
Hi Briley, it would be useful to have a conversion with your academic advisor/counsellor to ensure the fundamental courses are being taken. This will serve as a guide to tailor next steps, re-major/minor fields of study, double major etc.
Additionally, there are certifications that complement your degree(s) and put you on course for 'high' earning potential.
Managing your coursework with the academic advisor/counsellor will ease the anxiety and doubt of 'extra' unnecessary classes.
Good luck on your journey!
Additionally, there are certifications that complement your degree(s) and put you on course for 'high' earning potential.
Managing your coursework with the academic advisor/counsellor will ease the anxiety and doubt of 'extra' unnecessary classes.
Good luck on your journey!
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Briley,
Related to what some people are saying - talk with your advisor about getting on a path to becoming a CPA. It is the gold standard of accounting, and many would say of business. There is a huge difference between an accountant and a CPA. CPA's are accountants but not all accountants are CPA's - it is a differentiator that certainly helps with earnings potential. At most Big Four accounting firms, it is required to be promoted to a manager. And usually, good corporate accounting related jobs (like controller, director of accounting, etc) require one to have held a manager+ role at a Big Four. So not having the certification also limits your opportunity for these jobs as well.
This is more important than any class you could take in college. This is real world recognition and prestige.
Good luck!
Anthony
Related to what some people are saying - talk with your advisor about getting on a path to becoming a CPA. It is the gold standard of accounting, and many would say of business. There is a huge difference between an accountant and a CPA. CPA's are accountants but not all accountants are CPA's - it is a differentiator that certainly helps with earnings potential. At most Big Four accounting firms, it is required to be promoted to a manager. And usually, good corporate accounting related jobs (like controller, director of accounting, etc) require one to have held a manager+ role at a Big Four. So not having the certification also limits your opportunity for these jobs as well.
This is more important than any class you could take in college. This is real world recognition and prestige.
Good luck!
Anthony
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hey there, I’m not personally an accountant or a CPA but I work in a company that is a large professional services organization that has a huge accounting practice and I know some CPAs as well. My piece of advice would be to start out at a company where you can learn a lot about accounting and apply your skills technically and eventually, you may be able to go work for a different company or start your own business and make the amount of money that you feel as appropriate based on your skills if you have your own accounting business, then you can charge what you think is valuable to your customer. And you will have complete ownership over who you hire your time and prioritization.
Updated
Lewis’s Answer
In addition to an Accounting degree, obtaining a Certified Public Accounting certification will complement your degree and provide leverage when negotiating your salary.