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What is something you wish you had known before starting a career in accounting?

I am a highschool senior starting my college journey this fall. I will be majoring in accounting but I have some questions, one of which is: What is something you wish you had known before starting a career in accounting?

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Mary-Anne’s Answer

As someone who has spent their whole career in accounting, I wish I had focused on passing the CPA exam earlier. I was dedicated to being the best associate and senior associate, but I put off getting my CPA. As you move forward in your career, you'll have more responsibilities, making it harder to find time to study for the exam. I recommend that once you graduate, you focus on passing the exam during your free time. It might feel like a sacrifice for your work/life balance, but it's a short-term effort that will lead to long-term success. You can do it, and it will be worth it!
Thank you comment icon I agree! It is best to focus on your CPA early in your career. James Stango
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Lyssa’s Answer

One thing that is important to think about is not just the specific accounting tasks you will be handling but also what the general job needs are. As mentioned by Mary-Ann, you should focus on your CPA license immediately after completing school. Thinking there will always be more time can push this down the road and make it more difficult to pass later. You will take on more responsibility each year in your career and then personal life happens as well. Determine what type of work/life balance you want and plan your profession for the right balance. Accounting is a great profession to choose asthere are so many different paths to take once you get started! It is a great base career option for you to build any life and career you can imagine.
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Sherry’s Answer

Even though I'm not a public accountant, I've realized how many hours are needed during the busy spring and fall seasons. While I can handle long hours, it did affect the time I spent with my child. If you have a strong work ethic, you can succeed in this business.
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Juanita’s Answer

Hello! I've been working with numbers since I left school. I started as a junior bookkeeper and then studied to become a full-time accountant. One thing I wish I knew earlier is how a small mistake can lead to hours of extra work. It's really important to be careful and make sure everything is 100% correct when dealing with finances. Even a tiny error, like a cent off, can cause problems when balancing accounts at the end of the month. So, listen closely to your teachers to avoid mistakes when you start your job. Also, keep up with any changes in the financial world to help the company you work for stay updated with their policies.

I hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
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Davielle’s Answer

"My team gathered together to answer your question. Here's our insight:
Companies rarely ask for your GPA - do your best but enjoy your time at school. Don't get upset about not getting a 4.0.
Be sure to focus on the people skills side
Know there are a lot of different areas of accounting, tax, managerial, A/R-A/P, etc..
Know what you don't want to go into on the onset, like audit or tax. Focus on classes you like.
You can always change your mind with what your major will be.
Take tax courses early, get them out of the way.
Focus on automation. Make youself valuable.
Understand the future of the industry.
It is just as important to find out what you don't like as what you do like.
Find out what you like to do and do it well, don't focus on the money.
Don't neglect the trades, they are lucrative.
You will have many careers in your lifetime. What you learn in accounting, it is transferrable to other jobs. E.g., you'll learn how a business operates. What you learn will be useful in any area of a business.
Try to meet people in the accounting area (out of college); maybe reach out to their trade organization. Post on Linkedin too!
If you have to take on debt, pay it down before you have to."
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Brian’s Answer

That's a fantastic question! Dive into learning about money, banking, and business. Accounting is the language of business and a key player in today's world. Keep an eye on the news to see what's happening with the stock market, housing industry, and Wall Street. Familiarize yourself with the terms and get a basic understanding of how business operates. Also, focus on being detail-oriented because accounting thrives on details and accuracy. Once you grasp the basics, you'll start to understand more, and opportunities will begin to unfold. Wishing you the best on this exciting journey!
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Emily’s Answer

An accounting major can lead you down a number of career paths. For me, I started as an Audit Associate at PwC and had only taken 1 auditing course in college. Therefore, I was surprised as to how different the work was compared to my expectations. Some content you learn in school will be very helpful - some may not be. In my opinion, taking ownership of your career by showing up everyday, doing the work, and not giving up are the skills that will push you through your career - regardless of your major. Of course your GPA, extracurriculars are very important when it comes time to interviewing with potential employers - so while college is fun - don't forget why you are there! Do what you can during college to be able to stand out during those interviews. I wish you the best!
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Karima’s Answer

"Accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about solving problems and working with people."
I wish I had known how important communication, teamwork, and real-world experience would be.

Start building those skills early, get internships if you can, and don’t stress—every step you take is preparing you for success. You’ve got this!
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Mel’s Answer

Gaining a strong base through learning and hands-on experience is crucial. It's also important to get a degree.
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Erica’s Answer

I wish I had realized earlier how important communication is in accounting. I thought I'd be spending most of my time focused on spreadsheets, but a big part of the job is explaining things clearly to people who aren't familiar with finance. Whether it's writing emails, discussing numbers with a client, or presenting to leaders, being able to turn accounting terms into simple English is just as crucial as knowing the technical details. Embrace this skill, and you'll find great success in your accounting career!
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Allison’s Answer

One thing I wish I had focused on more before starting a career in accounting is the importance of soft skills. While technical skills and knowledge of accounting principles are crucial, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important. These skills help in effectively collaborating with colleagues, explaining complex financial information to non-accountants, and navigating workplace dynamics.
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Rosanna’s Answer

Many have already said it: Accounting is not just about numbers. There are so many different branches/fields in accounting beyond just Audit or Tax. What many clients look for is not just your expertise, but also your relationship and problem solving skills. Soft skills is a must! Obtaining your CPA license will open many doors for you, but even if this isn't for you, there are still many opportunities in Accounting that do not require a CPA.
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Harry’s Answer

I wish I had taken the CPA exam a little sooner. I passed all 4 parts right before getting promoted to senior and it was definitely a tough time trying to juggle work (especially during busy season) and studying. I thought the old habits I had for studying that got me through high school/college would work and I was definitely mistaken. Looking back on it all, I am happy for the experience and challenge, but I wish I made it a little easier on myself. Good luck with your studies!
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