96 answers
Cathy
Student
Texas City, Texas
3
Questions
Asked
6933 views
I think I want to major in finance or accounting, but I am not sure since I have never had any in-depth experience handling money. What can I do?
I love math. I have always been good at it and figured maybe I should one day become an accountant , but I'm not sure if I am built for it, as the most experience I have had with accounting and handling money is doing math at school and learning how to save money. I have taken a couple of classes for business, math, and finance, but they don't really go in-depth into what an accountant needs or does.
96 answers
Greg Glynn
Certified Public Accountant
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Greg’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
I think its great you're considering a career in accounting. It's a prestigious and challenging career path that can open up many doors for the future.
Accounting definitely has a math component but I would describe the skillset as more akin to solving logic problems. In other words, it's a little bit of a combination of math and english. You don't need any experience prior to taking your first class in accounting. Your professors/teachers will help you develop the skills you need.
There are many different types of accountants so the day to day will vary depending on the type of accountant you want to be! Generally speaking, we do a lot of reading (usually reading laws and regulations) and then we interpret what we read and apply it to what our business does. We usually do this with numbers (often by creating spreadsheets in Excel or something similar).
What makes accounting great is it teaches you the basics of how a business runs and then you can use that information to start providing guidance to others on how to make their business successful or make your own business successful.
I think its great you're considering a career in accounting. It's a prestigious and challenging career path that can open up many doors for the future.
Accounting definitely has a math component but I would describe the skillset as more akin to solving logic problems. In other words, it's a little bit of a combination of math and english. You don't need any experience prior to taking your first class in accounting. Your professors/teachers will help you develop the skills you need.
There are many different types of accountants so the day to day will vary depending on the type of accountant you want to be! Generally speaking, we do a lot of reading (usually reading laws and regulations) and then we interpret what we read and apply it to what our business does. We usually do this with numbers (often by creating spreadsheets in Excel or something similar).
What makes accounting great is it teaches you the basics of how a business runs and then you can use that information to start providing guidance to others on how to make their business successful or make your own business successful.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2443
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in accounting and finance
Below are suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to accounting and finance, eg accountant, auditor, finance manager, financial advisor, financial analyst, banker, etc. It may not require handling money directly. You can find out more related careers online
2. Attend information hosts by accounting and finance department of colleges. Speak to the professors and alumni if you can.
3. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
5. Shortlist 1&2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to accounting and finance, eg accountant, auditor, finance manager, financial advisor, financial analyst, banker, etc. It may not require handling money directly. You can find out more related careers online
2. Attend information hosts by accounting and finance department of colleges. Speak to the professors and alumni if you can.
3. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
5. Shortlist 1&2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
I'll definitely look into it, thank you!
Cathy
Meghdeep Mukherjee, MBA
Management Consultant
4
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Meghdeep’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about choosing a major, especially if you haven’t had much hands-on experience yet. Here are some steps you can take to explore whether finance or accounting is the right fit for you:
1. Take Introductory Courses
Enroll in entry-level finance or accounting classes, either at your school or online. This will give you a sense of the subject matter and whether you enjoy it.
2. Seek Out Practical Experiences
Look for part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities that involve basic financial tasks, such as bookkeeping, budgeting, or assisting with financial reports. Perhaps, consider joining student organizations related to business or finance, which often offer workshops and networking opportunities.
3. Talk to Professionals
Reach out to people working in finance or accounting. Ask about their day-to-day responsibilities, what they enjoy, and what challenges they face. Attending career panels or informational interviews to gain firsthand insights might be helpful to gain additional perspective as well.
4. Use Campus Resources
Visit your school’s career center for guidance, aptitude assessments, or to connect with alumni in these fields.
Exploring these steps can help you make a more informed decision and gain confidence in your choice. Remember, many students start with limited experience and learn as they go! Hope this helps. All the best!
MM
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about choosing a major, especially if you haven’t had much hands-on experience yet. Here are some steps you can take to explore whether finance or accounting is the right fit for you:
1. Take Introductory Courses
Enroll in entry-level finance or accounting classes, either at your school or online. This will give you a sense of the subject matter and whether you enjoy it.
2. Seek Out Practical Experiences
Look for part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities that involve basic financial tasks, such as bookkeeping, budgeting, or assisting with financial reports. Perhaps, consider joining student organizations related to business or finance, which often offer workshops and networking opportunities.
3. Talk to Professionals
Reach out to people working in finance or accounting. Ask about their day-to-day responsibilities, what they enjoy, and what challenges they face. Attending career panels or informational interviews to gain firsthand insights might be helpful to gain additional perspective as well.
4. Use Campus Resources
Visit your school’s career center for guidance, aptitude assessments, or to connect with alumni in these fields.
Exploring these steps can help you make a more informed decision and gain confidence in your choice. Remember, many students start with limited experience and learn as they go! Hope this helps. All the best!
MM
Kelsey Bray
Accounting
1
Answer
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Kelsey’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
I was in the same situation you are in when I was deciding what career to pursue. I knew I was really good at math and I enjoyed numbers and problem solving. There are so many options when it comes to accounting and not all are necessarily related to handling money directly. There are some options that allow you to evaluate companies, record the transactions for a specific business, and so many others.
I will say that in my professional life so far, I have mainly worked in evaluating businesses and their accounting records. With this, I have also learned that accounting is not just numbers and math, but also relies heavily on reading and writing. Going through grade school and high school, I didn't really appreciate my reading and English classes, however, when I use these skills in my daily career, I feel like I'm doing research and telling a story rather than reading and writing.
I think if you truly enjoy numbers and learning about monetary transactions, accounting would be a great fit for you, and there is no prior knowledge required. I would suggest just starting with a beginning accounting course and truly see if this is the right career path and then continue to grow your education from there.
I was in the same situation you are in when I was deciding what career to pursue. I knew I was really good at math and I enjoyed numbers and problem solving. There are so many options when it comes to accounting and not all are necessarily related to handling money directly. There are some options that allow you to evaluate companies, record the transactions for a specific business, and so many others.
I will say that in my professional life so far, I have mainly worked in evaluating businesses and their accounting records. With this, I have also learned that accounting is not just numbers and math, but also relies heavily on reading and writing. Going through grade school and high school, I didn't really appreciate my reading and English classes, however, when I use these skills in my daily career, I feel like I'm doing research and telling a story rather than reading and writing.
I think if you truly enjoy numbers and learning about monetary transactions, accounting would be a great fit for you, and there is no prior knowledge required. I would suggest just starting with a beginning accounting course and truly see if this is the right career path and then continue to grow your education from there.
Jerry Lo
Accountant
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Hello and thank you for your question! Accounting is a great career for those who enjoy working with numbers, and applying analytical skills to develop solutions to problems or manage finances. For a young person still exploring your future path forward, I would highly recommend looking for internships and/or part time jobs which will expose you to the business/accounting/finance world. There are many companies out there that offer internships and would love to speak with students like yourself. I would highly recommend starting in public accounting, where you will be exposed the most diverse opportunities available for you to explore and seek what is of most interest to you in the world of accounting, and believe me, there is so many options. After the first few years of exploring with a company in public accounting, you will naturally gravitate towards a specialty. You can choose to continue your career in public accounting as a professional consultant/advisor, or choose to go work for a company in their accounting/finance/tax departments. For me, I have been in public accounting for the last 25 years and it has been a great career choice.
Another note on going down the accounting path - there will never be a shortage of demand. Accounting is the language of business and all companies will need your skills. There is also currently a shortage of accounting majors, which adds to your marketability.
Another note on going down the accounting path - there will never be a shortage of demand. Accounting is the language of business and all companies will need your skills. There is also currently a shortage of accounting majors, which adds to your marketability.
Dhiyanji Muthuraman
Senior Tax Consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dhiyanji’s Answer
Choosing a career in accounting is smart, especially with the high demand for accountants today. To succeed, stay consistent and eager to learn, even if you're new to the field. Consider becoming a CPA, but if you're interested in tax, look into becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA). Apply for internships and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to build your network.
Julian Martinez
Tax Consultant
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Julian’s Answer
Accounting is the language of business. If you would like to eventually have your own business, accounting is key. If you'd like a finance roll in the after graduating with in accounting degree you're able to land the interview and get the job. Majoring in Accounting you're doing both.
Brian Reynolds
Accountant/Project Manager
7
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Brian’s Answer
In either of those fields you can learn on the job or from others in the field with their experience to understand what they do and how they got started. Understanding that accounting and finance are vast with the career options. In either option you choose you can have a successful career but learning more about what exactly you want to do will be the challenge. By networking with accounting and finance professionals will guide you to what works best for you. Continue to be inquisitive to learn what you fits your personality.
Fausto Contreras
Auditor
2
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Fausto’s Answer
I would definitely recommend starting in an introductory course for both finance and account. Both do consist of numbers and math, but really, of you can add, subtract, multiply and divide, I'm sure you will do great in any of the two. Accounting and Finance work hand in hand together but their roles are different. There are skills from both majors that transfer very easily to the other, while others are very particular to their career track. It really depends on what you want from you career, which is why I also recommend attending career fairs in which you can be exposed to people who have the experience and can tell you what you can expect in careers that interest you.
Alan Kowalski
Consultant
5
Answers
Taunton, Massachusetts
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
I would recommend trying to take an introductory class in each if possible. Also, you could look into trying to get an internship or part time position at a local accounting firm. Good luck!
I would recommend trying to take an introductory class in each if possible. Also, you could look into trying to get an internship or part time position at a local accounting firm. Good luck!
Brooke Silverberg
1
Answer
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
Hi Cathy, this is a great question!
I'm also a math fan and became a finance major because of this! Most business schools will require you to take an introductory class in Accounting and Finance, it's important to see if you're interested in the foundation of these majors. That said, as others mentioned, either major will provide you with a variety of business options to start your career in. I've been able to use my fundamental knowledge of finance to move into the consulting field and work within the financial services industry.
I'm also a math fan and became a finance major because of this! Most business schools will require you to take an introductory class in Accounting and Finance, it's important to see if you're interested in the foundation of these majors. That said, as others mentioned, either major will provide you with a variety of business options to start your career in. I've been able to use my fundamental knowledge of finance to move into the consulting field and work within the financial services industry.
Wilson Cunningham
Sales Intern
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Wilson’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
I think it's great that you already know what you want to do! I will preface this by saying I'm not in accounting or finance, but I have a lot of friends that went through the program. I honestly wouldn't worry about not having experience in the fields, that's what college is for. If you are starting college as a 1st year, there will most likely be introductory classes and you will learn and grow along with the program. College is for learning new things, you will just be expected to know basic things from high school. Almost all my friends had no experience in the field before university and they all have done well in the program and have done great post-grad finding jobs. If you do want to learn a little before you go in, some of the other answers have some great tips.
I was an information systems major at the University of Georgia and I can tell you I did not know anything about it going in and it was just fine.
Also, if you aren't 100% sure about your major choice, it's not a big deal. Choose what you think you want to do right now and go with that. A lot of people change their major throughout college and your first year will most likely be general knowledge classes that won't add credits towards your major anyway. Most business-related majors are usually required to take a few accounting/finance classes anyway, so you will get a peak and what it will look like before you get into the real major classes and won't fall behind in the degree if you decided to switch from one to the other.
Good luck and don't stress about, college is fun!
I think it's great that you already know what you want to do! I will preface this by saying I'm not in accounting or finance, but I have a lot of friends that went through the program. I honestly wouldn't worry about not having experience in the fields, that's what college is for. If you are starting college as a 1st year, there will most likely be introductory classes and you will learn and grow along with the program. College is for learning new things, you will just be expected to know basic things from high school. Almost all my friends had no experience in the field before university and they all have done well in the program and have done great post-grad finding jobs. If you do want to learn a little before you go in, some of the other answers have some great tips.
I was an information systems major at the University of Georgia and I can tell you I did not know anything about it going in and it was just fine.
Also, if you aren't 100% sure about your major choice, it's not a big deal. Choose what you think you want to do right now and go with that. A lot of people change their major throughout college and your first year will most likely be general knowledge classes that won't add credits towards your major anyway. Most business-related majors are usually required to take a few accounting/finance classes anyway, so you will get a peak and what it will look like before you get into the real major classes and won't fall behind in the degree if you decided to switch from one to the other.
Good luck and don't stress about, college is fun!
Frank Chen
cpa
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Frank’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about majoring in finance or accounting, especially if you haven’t had much hands-on experience with money management. Here are some practical steps you can take to explore your interest and make an informed decision:
Start by enrolling in introductory courses in both finance and accounting. These classes will give you a foundational understanding of each field and help you identify which topics resonate with you. Many universities offer “Principles of Accounting” or “Introduction to Finance” as first-year courses, which are designed for students with little or no prior experience.
Next, seek out opportunities for practical exposure. You could join student organizations related to business, finance, or investment clubs, where you can participate in activities like budgeting for events, managing club funds, or even simulated investing. Many universities also offer workshops or seminars on personal finance, which can help you build basic money management skills in a low-pressure environment.
Consider looking for internships or part-time jobs in roles that involve financial tasks, such as working in a campus finance office, assisting with bookkeeping for a local business, or volunteering as a treasurer for a student group. These experiences can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of finance and accounting professionals.
Additionally, talk to professors, academic advisors, or professionals in the field to learn more about the career paths and daily work involved in both areas. Informational interviews or job shadowing can be particularly helpful in clarifying what each major entails and what skills are most important.
Finally, remember that many students enter finance or accounting programs without prior experience. The coursework is designed to teach you everything you need to know from the ground up. By taking these steps, you’ll gain a clearer sense of your interests and strengths, helping you make a confident decision about your major.
Start by enrolling in introductory courses in both finance and accounting. These classes will give you a foundational understanding of each field and help you identify which topics resonate with you. Many universities offer “Principles of Accounting” or “Introduction to Finance” as first-year courses, which are designed for students with little or no prior experience.
Next, seek out opportunities for practical exposure. You could join student organizations related to business, finance, or investment clubs, where you can participate in activities like budgeting for events, managing club funds, or even simulated investing. Many universities also offer workshops or seminars on personal finance, which can help you build basic money management skills in a low-pressure environment.
Consider looking for internships or part-time jobs in roles that involve financial tasks, such as working in a campus finance office, assisting with bookkeeping for a local business, or volunteering as a treasurer for a student group. These experiences can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of finance and accounting professionals.
Additionally, talk to professors, academic advisors, or professionals in the field to learn more about the career paths and daily work involved in both areas. Informational interviews or job shadowing can be particularly helpful in clarifying what each major entails and what skills are most important.
Finally, remember that many students enter finance or accounting programs without prior experience. The coursework is designed to teach you everything you need to know from the ground up. By taking these steps, you’ll gain a clearer sense of your interests and strengths, helping you make a confident decision about your major.
Raj Chhabra
3
Answers
Updated
Raj’s Answer
Accounting and Finance are related but different in job careers. You should look for internships in these areas to get exposed to both the job careers. If you are strong in math, it will be easier for you to pick up skills required for both Accounting and Finance. Start with introductory courses in accounting and see if you like it. I personally started with math to accounting to finance and then to computer science
Miki Akamatsu
Compliance Monitoring
7
Answers
Jericho, New York
Updated
Miki’s Answer
Accounting does not require a lot of math. Basically, it involves addition and subtraction. Accounting is about recording the movement of money following specific rules. Are you interested in taxes? If so, accounting is the way to go. Major in accounting, get a CPA license, and if possible, obtain a law degree to become a tax lawyer. There are many corporate jobs for tax attorneys. If you are interested in increasing money using financial products, you should major in finance, not accounting. Also, if you really like math, you should consider majoring in statistics or mathematics. Real math and statistics specialists are in high demand.
In either way, you don't need any experience at high school level. You can do all in the college. Just have good GPA in math related courses.
In either way, you don't need any experience at high school level. You can do all in the college. Just have good GPA in math related courses.
Kay Benesh
Board Member-Retired from Deloitte
1
Answer
Washington, Michigan
Updated
Kay’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
Accounting is truly the language of business, and the exciting part is that a foundation in accounting or finance can open many doors for you. You'll never feel stuck, as you can always grow and find new opportunities. Even with the rise of AI, smart people will always be needed to make important decisions, whether it's in auditing, managing finances, or exploring other roles within an organization.
I spent over 40 years in accounting and now serve as a board member and help a private equity firm with investment decisions. If someone had told me during my first accounting class that I would be doing this, I wouldn't have believed it.
If you enjoy your accounting classes, it's a great way to start your career. Give it a try!
Good luck!
Accounting is truly the language of business, and the exciting part is that a foundation in accounting or finance can open many doors for you. You'll never feel stuck, as you can always grow and find new opportunities. Even with the rise of AI, smart people will always be needed to make important decisions, whether it's in auditing, managing finances, or exploring other roles within an organization.
I spent over 40 years in accounting and now serve as a board member and help a private equity firm with investment decisions. If someone had told me during my first accounting class that I would be doing this, I wouldn't have believed it.
If you enjoy your accounting classes, it's a great way to start your career. Give it a try!
Good luck!
Jake West
Mergers & Acquisitions Manager
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Hi Kathy!
I wanted to encourage you as I as well loved math in high school and actually went to Clear Lake, not too far away from where you currently go to school. Like you I did not have a lot of experience with accounting and handling money while I was in high school and was not overly familiar with what an individual in accounting/finance does on a day to day basis. With this shared background I figured I might give you some insight into how I came to end up in the accounting/finance industry and what I might do differently to learn earlier if I was in your shoes.
1. I guarantee that you likely no more individuals in the profession than you might know currently. Whether this be some of your friend's parents, your parent's friends, older siblings of your friends, cousins and extended family, etc. The best way to learn about a subject or profession is to discuss with those who actually are involved and I would highly encourage you to reach out and identify these individuals and see if they would be willing to meet you for coffee or lunch and hear about their experiences and career progression. People love to talk about themselves and would be more than happy to talk with you in my experience!
2. If you do in fact not have direct access to many people in the profession there are a number of youtube channels dedicated to discussing accounting careers who like the individuals on this site have real world experience with these jobs. Personally I started in Audit & Assurance and moved to Financial Due Diligence and Transactions Work recently which I was introduced to by hearing someone on youtube discussing this career path and would encourage you to learn from these videos as there are lots of different jobs within these fields.
3. In high school I took a class called "Dollars and Sense" that discussed handling money and personal finances and I know we also had an introductory accounting class. I would discuss with a career counselor at your high school and see if there are any classes like this available to you.
I hope this response was helpful and that you are able to learn more about the industry in the near future and best of luck in your future endeavors!
I wanted to encourage you as I as well loved math in high school and actually went to Clear Lake, not too far away from where you currently go to school. Like you I did not have a lot of experience with accounting and handling money while I was in high school and was not overly familiar with what an individual in accounting/finance does on a day to day basis. With this shared background I figured I might give you some insight into how I came to end up in the accounting/finance industry and what I might do differently to learn earlier if I was in your shoes.
1. I guarantee that you likely no more individuals in the profession than you might know currently. Whether this be some of your friend's parents, your parent's friends, older siblings of your friends, cousins and extended family, etc. The best way to learn about a subject or profession is to discuss with those who actually are involved and I would highly encourage you to reach out and identify these individuals and see if they would be willing to meet you for coffee or lunch and hear about their experiences and career progression. People love to talk about themselves and would be more than happy to talk with you in my experience!
2. If you do in fact not have direct access to many people in the profession there are a number of youtube channels dedicated to discussing accounting careers who like the individuals on this site have real world experience with these jobs. Personally I started in Audit & Assurance and moved to Financial Due Diligence and Transactions Work recently which I was introduced to by hearing someone on youtube discussing this career path and would encourage you to learn from these videos as there are lots of different jobs within these fields.
3. In high school I took a class called "Dollars and Sense" that discussed handling money and personal finances and I know we also had an introductory accounting class. I would discuss with a career counselor at your high school and see if there are any classes like this available to you.
I hope this response was helpful and that you are able to learn more about the industry in the near future and best of luck in your future endeavors!
Ignacio Morera Lucas
Technology Consulting
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ignacio’s Answer
That’s totally normal—lots of people aren’t sure what accounting or finance is really like until they try it out. Since you like math and have taken some related classes, you’re already on the right track. If you want to see what these jobs are actually like, try reaching out to someone who works in accounting or finance (maybe through LinkedIn, your school, or even family friends) and ask if they’d be up for a quick chat about what they do every day. You could also look for internships, job shadowing, or even online videos and case studies to get a feel for the work. It’s all about getting a real sense of what the job is like before you decide. And honestly, it’s totally fine not to have it all figured out yet—asking questions and exploring is the best way to learn!
Joseph Lepore, MSA
Accounting
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I had a similar thought process at that point in my life as well. The truth about the intro accounting/finance courses is that they will give you a great foundation on the basic concepts of these fields and it is important to have a solid understanding of them, but at the end of the day, the best learning experiences come from hands-on work. My suggestion for you is to connect with others who have also went down this career path and ask for more insight on their experiences as well as what their positions entail in their day-to-day activities. I think the best thing for you to do is seek an internship in accounting as it will not only be a good learning experience allowing you to grow as a professional, but also give you the opportunity to see if accounting is something you can see yourself doing full time.
Aron Librea, MSA
Auditor
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Aron’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for your question and I think you are in the right spot when it comes to your choices, but never closed your doors to any opportunities cause loving math can branch off to bigger places (even bigger than finance or accounting). But I think you're off to a good start at your stage. When I realized I wanted to go Accounting, I started with something small to also help myself learn about handling money. The best decision I've made is to do part time jobs (cashier, supermarket associate, food service worker) where you start to learn how to save real money, hone your soft and business skills (which in turn is beneficial with accounting), and ultimately learn about handling money. These hands-on real life experiences will surely add valuable learnings once you've taken your first accounting /finance classes. In college, you usually will decide whether you'd be in business school or not, and once in business school, you'll then start off with basic classes until you figure out your major. I hope this helps! :)
Thank you for your question and I think you are in the right spot when it comes to your choices, but never closed your doors to any opportunities cause loving math can branch off to bigger places (even bigger than finance or accounting). But I think you're off to a good start at your stage. When I realized I wanted to go Accounting, I started with something small to also help myself learn about handling money. The best decision I've made is to do part time jobs (cashier, supermarket associate, food service worker) where you start to learn how to save real money, hone your soft and business skills (which in turn is beneficial with accounting), and ultimately learn about handling money. These hands-on real life experiences will surely add valuable learnings once you've taken your first accounting /finance classes. In college, you usually will decide whether you'd be in business school or not, and once in business school, you'll then start off with basic classes until you figure out your major. I hope this helps! :)
Beau Choi
2
Answers
Updated
Beau’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
Great question!
Accounting is a great field with many opportunities. With an accounting degree, you can become an auditor, tax accountant, corporate account, etc.
Especially given your interest and talent in mathematics, I'd like to recommend that you look into "corporate accounting."
Corporate accountants manage and maintain a company's financial records, assist in preparing financial statements, and analyze financial data to inform business decisions. Additional in-role responsibilities include maintaining company accounts, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and accounting standards.
A great starting point that could serve as a litmus test for whether you'd like accounting or not would be to start looking at financial statements.
Financial statements are formal reports that summarize the financial performance and position of a business or organization. Financial statements provide information about an organization's operations, financial position, and cash flows. There are 3 main types of financial statements:
1. Balance Sheet
2. Income Statement
3. Cash Flow Statement.
"Public companies," which are companies whose shares are freely traded on a stock exchange and/or over-the-counter markets, are required to release their financial statements to the public, which means that you'll have access to view them!
I would HIGHLY recommend looking up different companies' financial statements, and start looking through them. Also, if you Google "financial statement ratios," you'll be able to find a myriad of different formulas that inform the different companies' financial performance and position. It's a great way to start diving into the more mathematical side of accounting!
Look up public companies' financial statements
Google "financial statement ratios"
Start plugging in numbers to the financial statement rations - that's basically financial statement analyis!
Great question!
Accounting is a great field with many opportunities. With an accounting degree, you can become an auditor, tax accountant, corporate account, etc.
Especially given your interest and talent in mathematics, I'd like to recommend that you look into "corporate accounting."
Corporate accountants manage and maintain a company's financial records, assist in preparing financial statements, and analyze financial data to inform business decisions. Additional in-role responsibilities include maintaining company accounts, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and accounting standards.
A great starting point that could serve as a litmus test for whether you'd like accounting or not would be to start looking at financial statements.
Financial statements are formal reports that summarize the financial performance and position of a business or organization. Financial statements provide information about an organization's operations, financial position, and cash flows. There are 3 main types of financial statements:
1. Balance Sheet
2. Income Statement
3. Cash Flow Statement.
"Public companies," which are companies whose shares are freely traded on a stock exchange and/or over-the-counter markets, are required to release their financial statements to the public, which means that you'll have access to view them!
I would HIGHLY recommend looking up different companies' financial statements, and start looking through them. Also, if you Google "financial statement ratios," you'll be able to find a myriad of different formulas that inform the different companies' financial performance and position. It's a great way to start diving into the more mathematical side of accounting!
Beau recommends the following next steps:
Saisri Manchala
Public Accounting
3
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Saisri’s Answer
Finance and accounting both offer great career paths, but they focus on different areas and daily tasks. Here are some simple steps to help you understand them better and gain experience:
1. Take Introductory Courses
Sign up for basic finance and accounting classes. This will help you learn about each field and figure out which one you like more. Many schools let you take these courses as electives before you choose your major.
2. Pursue Internships or Part-Time Jobs
Look for internships or part-time jobs in areas like bookkeeping, working as a bank teller, or helping with small business finances. Many companies offer summer programs or job shadowing for students interested in finance or accounting.
Accounting Jobs
Main Focus:
Keeping track of financial transactions and making sure everything is accurate and legal.
Common Roles:
- Accountant: Prepares financial statements and keeps records accurate.
- Auditor: Checks financial records for accuracy and compliance.
- Tax Accountant: Prepares tax returns and gives tax advice.
- Controller: Manages accounting operations and financial reports.
Finance Jobs
Main Focus:
Handling assets and liabilities, planning for growth, and making investment choices.
Common Roles:
- Financial Analyst: Studies financial data to help with business decisions.
- Investment Banker: Assists companies in raising money and advises on mergers.
- Financial Planner: Guides people or companies on reaching financial goals.
- Treasury Analyst: Manages cash flow and financial risks.
In short:
Accounting is about keeping track of past financial activities.
Finance is about planning and making decisions for future financial activities.
Explore these options to see what you enjoy. Good luck!
1. Take Introductory Courses
Sign up for basic finance and accounting classes. This will help you learn about each field and figure out which one you like more. Many schools let you take these courses as electives before you choose your major.
2. Pursue Internships or Part-Time Jobs
Look for internships or part-time jobs in areas like bookkeeping, working as a bank teller, or helping with small business finances. Many companies offer summer programs or job shadowing for students interested in finance or accounting.
Accounting Jobs
Main Focus:
Keeping track of financial transactions and making sure everything is accurate and legal.
Common Roles:
- Accountant: Prepares financial statements and keeps records accurate.
- Auditor: Checks financial records for accuracy and compliance.
- Tax Accountant: Prepares tax returns and gives tax advice.
- Controller: Manages accounting operations and financial reports.
Finance Jobs
Main Focus:
Handling assets and liabilities, planning for growth, and making investment choices.
Common Roles:
- Financial Analyst: Studies financial data to help with business decisions.
- Investment Banker: Assists companies in raising money and advises on mergers.
- Financial Planner: Guides people or companies on reaching financial goals.
- Treasury Analyst: Manages cash flow and financial risks.
In short:
Accounting is about keeping track of past financial activities.
Finance is about planning and making decisions for future financial activities.
Explore these options to see what you enjoy. Good luck!
Jiyoon (Julie) Kim
Consultant
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jiyoon (Julie)’s Answer
First, don’t worry—most people who go into accounting or finance start out just like you, with a love for math and maybe a few basic classes. You don’t need to have managed big budgets or done “real” accounting before choosing these majors. The important thing is that you’re curious and willing to learn.
If you want to get a better feel for what accounting or finance is really like, here are a few things you can try:
Take an Intro Class: See if your school offers an “Introduction to Accounting” or “Principles of Finance” course. These usually give you a taste of what the majors involve.
Talk to People in the Field: Reach out to your school’s career center, professors, or even family friends who work in accounting or finance. Ask them what their day-to-day is like.
Clubs & Competitions: Join a business or finance club at your school, or try out case competitions—these are great for hands-on experience and meeting people with similar interests.
Online Resources: There are tons of free videos and short courses online (like on Coursera or YouTube) that explain what accountants and finance professionals actually do.
Internships or Part-Time Jobs: Even a summer job in a small business, or volunteering to help with a club’s finances, can give you a taste of real-world money management.
Remember, being “built for it” isn’t about already knowing everything—it’s about being open to learning and enjoying problem-solving. Your math skills are a great foundation! And if you try it out and decide it’s not for you, that’s totally okay too—college is the perfect time to explore.
If you want to get a better feel for what accounting or finance is really like, here are a few things you can try:
Take an Intro Class: See if your school offers an “Introduction to Accounting” or “Principles of Finance” course. These usually give you a taste of what the majors involve.
Talk to People in the Field: Reach out to your school’s career center, professors, or even family friends who work in accounting or finance. Ask them what their day-to-day is like.
Clubs & Competitions: Join a business or finance club at your school, or try out case competitions—these are great for hands-on experience and meeting people with similar interests.
Online Resources: There are tons of free videos and short courses online (like on Coursera or YouTube) that explain what accountants and finance professionals actually do.
Internships or Part-Time Jobs: Even a summer job in a small business, or volunteering to help with a club’s finances, can give you a taste of real-world money management.
Remember, being “built for it” isn’t about already knowing everything—it’s about being open to learning and enjoying problem-solving. Your math skills are a great foundation! And if you try it out and decide it’s not for you, that’s totally okay too—college is the perfect time to explore.
Sandra Hoeft
CPA
3
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
With an accounting or finance degree, you have many career options. Every business needs accountants and finance experts, so job security is strong in this field. You can work in public accounting, business consulting, the FBI, or within companies, or even start your own business. Accounting and finance are key to running a business, so having this degree is a smart choice.
When I started college, I wasn't sure about accounting because I hadn't taken any accounting classes in high school. I knew I was good at math and wanted a business career. I chose a college with a strong business and accounting program. You can begin as a general business major, which covers accounting, finance, marketing, and other business areas. This helps you decide your career path. After my first college accounting class, I felt confident in my choice to study accounting.
When I started college, I wasn't sure about accounting because I hadn't taken any accounting classes in high school. I knew I was good at math and wanted a business career. I chose a college with a strong business and accounting program. You can begin as a general business major, which covers accounting, finance, marketing, and other business areas. This helps you decide your career path. After my first college accounting class, I felt confident in my choice to study accounting.
Tianqi Wen
Audit & Assurance
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Tianqi’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
That's a fantastic question! I remember having the same concerns when I started as an auditor, especially about making mistakes with numbers and understanding my responsibilities. But once I got into my career, those worries faded away.
As an auditor, and I believe for accountants too, you're never alone. Your work will be reviewed by someone more experienced who can spot issues and guide you to the right solutions.
There are also accounting guidelines to follow, and if things get tricky, you'll have the chance to discuss them with seasoned professionals to ensure everything is on track.
When it comes to calculations, tools like Excel are often used. It helps show the recalculation process clearly, and your work will usually go through at least two layers of review. This makes it unlikely for errors to go unnoticed.
Don't worry about things you don't know yet. We all start from scratch, and there are always people ready to help and guide you, just like we do here!
That's a fantastic question! I remember having the same concerns when I started as an auditor, especially about making mistakes with numbers and understanding my responsibilities. But once I got into my career, those worries faded away.
As an auditor, and I believe for accountants too, you're never alone. Your work will be reviewed by someone more experienced who can spot issues and guide you to the right solutions.
There are also accounting guidelines to follow, and if things get tricky, you'll have the chance to discuss them with seasoned professionals to ensure everything is on track.
When it comes to calculations, tools like Excel are often used. It helps show the recalculation process clearly, and your work will usually go through at least two layers of review. This makes it unlikely for errors to go unnoticed.
Don't worry about things you don't know yet. We all start from scratch, and there are always people ready to help and guide you, just like we do here!
Danny Seo
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Danny’s Answer
Accounting is a broad field, but its foundational concepts are not overly complicated. It typically divides into two main areas: tax and auditing. My first recommendation is to get textbooks such as "Intermediate Accounting" and "Advanced Accounting." Reviewing these resources will help you determine if the general knowledge aligns with your interests and career goals.
If you find the material engaging and wish to deepen your expertise, you might consider preparing for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) examination. Earning a CPA license can open up additional professional opportunities and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
If you find the material engaging and wish to deepen your expertise, you might consider preparing for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) examination. Earning a CPA license can open up additional professional opportunities and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Michael Polimeno
2
Answers
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
I can relate to your thinking. In grade school my strongest subject was math, and I because of this I decided to major in accounting and minor in finance. Your skills in math will translate to both subjects. Most business schools have students take introductory courses in business areas, so that will help you determine whether you like finance or accounting more! You are taking the class to learn, so I would would not worry about your lack of knowledge in the subjects. I would also make connections with your professors because they are very knowledgeable and can offer you great advice. They can even help you get a job someday!
Accounting and finance have many career opportunities. Accounting is the language of business, and those with accounting backgrounds are much needed. There is actually a decline in CPAs, and state boards are making it easier for candidates to obtain their CPA license. Having a CPA license demonstrates a high level of commitment, hard work, and expertise in accounting as it is one of the hardest professional exams in the world. Finance careers can work in banks, manage portfolios, create budgets for a business, etc. Although I choose the accounting and CPA route, I know many people who have careers in finance and love what they do.
I can relate to your thinking. In grade school my strongest subject was math, and I because of this I decided to major in accounting and minor in finance. Your skills in math will translate to both subjects. Most business schools have students take introductory courses in business areas, so that will help you determine whether you like finance or accounting more! You are taking the class to learn, so I would would not worry about your lack of knowledge in the subjects. I would also make connections with your professors because they are very knowledgeable and can offer you great advice. They can even help you get a job someday!
Accounting and finance have many career opportunities. Accounting is the language of business, and those with accounting backgrounds are much needed. There is actually a decline in CPAs, and state boards are making it easier for candidates to obtain their CPA license. Having a CPA license demonstrates a high level of commitment, hard work, and expertise in accounting as it is one of the hardest professional exams in the world. Finance careers can work in banks, manage portfolios, create budgets for a business, etc. Although I choose the accounting and CPA route, I know many people who have careers in finance and love what they do.
Aidan Nardo
5
Answers
Updated
Aidan’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
Accounting is an excellent choice for a career path. When you start your college journey, the coursework and advisor assigned to you will be tailored to your specific career path. You aren't expected to go into college or even the accounting firms with super technical skills. You will learn and develop so much in college for Accounting. Professors and advisors typically have industry experience in accounting, and they can be a great asset in deciding which line of work you would like to pursue. Most students go into public accounting out of college in either audit or tax. These different paths provide amazing opportunities for you to learn and grow as a student and professional. My best advice for right now is to stay on top of current events, and research different business areas you might be interested in. When I applied for my first internship, my only experience was working in a hardware store over the summer. Going into college, it is important to learn who you are as a person/student, and also understand how you best study and adapt to new coursework. Universities provide a very well rounded education that focuses on many different areas. You cannot go wrong with an accounting major. You will learn so much in college, and I wish you the best of luck!
Accounting is an excellent choice for a career path. When you start your college journey, the coursework and advisor assigned to you will be tailored to your specific career path. You aren't expected to go into college or even the accounting firms with super technical skills. You will learn and develop so much in college for Accounting. Professors and advisors typically have industry experience in accounting, and they can be a great asset in deciding which line of work you would like to pursue. Most students go into public accounting out of college in either audit or tax. These different paths provide amazing opportunities for you to learn and grow as a student and professional. My best advice for right now is to stay on top of current events, and research different business areas you might be interested in. When I applied for my first internship, my only experience was working in a hardware store over the summer. Going into college, it is important to learn who you are as a person/student, and also understand how you best study and adapt to new coursework. Universities provide a very well rounded education that focuses on many different areas. You cannot go wrong with an accounting major. You will learn so much in college, and I wish you the best of luck!
Donovan Brown
Auditor
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Donovan’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
It's great to hear you are considering majoring in finance and/or accounting! I currently work in accounting and graduated with both finance and accounting degrees. They are both great options that can lead to very successful and rewarding careers. From my personal experience, it is more difficult to transition from finance to accounting without an accounting degree, while it is easier to transition from accounting to finance roles. Accounting has a well-defined professional path that allows for stable growth, and since accounting is the language of business, it provides you with a holistic understanding of the financial position of companies. Meanwhile, finance has more varied career paths which can offer broader strategic exposure.
I would recommend taking some accounting courses to see if you enjoy the major. If you enjoy both accounting and finance you could also double major in both as those two degrees pair very well with each other. Also do not worry about lack of experience while you are in college and focus more on being open to learning about the fields. College is a great time to explore these options and make decisions based on your own experiences.
It's great to hear you are considering majoring in finance and/or accounting! I currently work in accounting and graduated with both finance and accounting degrees. They are both great options that can lead to very successful and rewarding careers. From my personal experience, it is more difficult to transition from finance to accounting without an accounting degree, while it is easier to transition from accounting to finance roles. Accounting has a well-defined professional path that allows for stable growth, and since accounting is the language of business, it provides you with a holistic understanding of the financial position of companies. Meanwhile, finance has more varied career paths which can offer broader strategic exposure.
I would recommend taking some accounting courses to see if you enjoy the major. If you enjoy both accounting and finance you could also double major in both as those two degrees pair very well with each other. Also do not worry about lack of experience while you are in college and focus more on being open to learning about the fields. College is a great time to explore these options and make decisions based on your own experiences.
Ben Petersen
Audit (Accounting)
3
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Hi Cathy, I felt the same way coming out of high school so here is my two cents- you do not need any sort of monetary/financial knowledge going into college to do finance or accounting. I had very minimal financial knowledge but decided to pursue accounting based on the career opportunities, type of work, and salary. Accounting is a very stable career if that is something you value, and while starting salaries have large ranges, there is massive opportunity for advancement into high level positions (i.e. Controller, CFO, CEO).
I also enjoyed math in high school and did part of a math minor, but decided it wasn't for me. Accounting/finance is not as focused on true math I would say, most of the math is quite simple, but there is a parallel in the fact that rulesets are being applied to numbers. If I were you, I would take a couple accounting classes early on and assess whether the basics of accounting are something that interest you.
I also enjoyed math in high school and did part of a math minor, but decided it wasn't for me. Accounting/finance is not as focused on true math I would say, most of the math is quite simple, but there is a parallel in the fact that rulesets are being applied to numbers. If I were you, I would take a couple accounting classes early on and assess whether the basics of accounting are something that interest you.
David Seides
Finance
29
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
It's wonderful that you're considering turning your love for math into a career in Accounting or Finance. Many people in these fields start without hands-on experience in managing money, so you're not alone.
Let me explain the difference between accounting and finance to help you choose. Both require a love for math, but they focus on different things.
Accounting is about tracking where money goes and following the right rules to do so. It's mostly about handling individual money transactions.
Finance, on the other hand, looks at the bigger picture. It involves helping businesses make smart money decisions. This includes things like budgeting, forecasting, and evaluating investment options.
I suggest you try an intro class in both Accounting and Finance. This will give you a better idea of what each involves and help you decide which path suits you best.
It's wonderful that you're considering turning your love for math into a career in Accounting or Finance. Many people in these fields start without hands-on experience in managing money, so you're not alone.
Let me explain the difference between accounting and finance to help you choose. Both require a love for math, but they focus on different things.
Accounting is about tracking where money goes and following the right rules to do so. It's mostly about handling individual money transactions.
Finance, on the other hand, looks at the bigger picture. It involves helping businesses make smart money decisions. This includes things like budgeting, forecasting, and evaluating investment options.
I suggest you try an intro class in both Accounting and Finance. This will give you a better idea of what each involves and help you decide which path suits you best.
Alicia Parisi
HR Consulting
6
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
Hi Cathy! First, I want to acknowledge that you’re asking some questions about accounting more specifically, but I’d love to help support with some more general information about the finance field. Having expertise in the field is not a requirement for entry level roles, but you will want to have some curiosity about the work you’re doing. This will help distinguish you once you’re in a company to move upwards. Also, many entry level roles are customer service focused so if you have those skill sets (communication, problem solving, kindness) with the ability to learn the more technical finance pieces, you’ll be fine.
Rob Morris
Public Accounting
4
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Rob’s Answer
Finance and accounting are excellent career choices. I suggest taking classes in both to discover what you enjoy most. Accounting often offers more career options because it covers various business areas. After 3-5 years in accounting, many people find opportunities in different finance and accounting roles.
If you decide to pursue accounting, consider getting an internship or part-time job with a small to mid-sized company. These businesses often need help with tasks like processing accounts payable and payroll, and they usually offer on-the-job training.
If you decide to pursue accounting, consider getting an internship or part-time job with a small to mid-sized company. These businesses often need help with tasks like processing accounts payable and payroll, and they usually offer on-the-job training.
Lisa Smith
Managing Director Audit and Assurance Services
4
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Accounting is similar to math because both involve problem-solving. If you like math, you might enjoy accounting too. With an accounting degree, you can explore many career options, and it serves as a solid base for various business roles. I initially started college studying business management but switched to accounting to gain skills that would help me find a job after graduation. I ended up working at a Big 4 accounting firm right out of college and have stayed there for 31 years. An accounting career offers more than just dealing with numbers. You get to build relationships, work with teams, and solve problems for clients or employers.
William Trey Cornelius
Tax Accountant
5
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
William Trey’s Answer
I faced this same decision many years ago. The advice I received is that once you are in the workforce you can always move from accounting to finance but not necessarily from finance to accounting. After years of being in the accounting industry, I believe this to be accurate and I am very happy with my career decision.
Elizabeth M
2
Answers
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
you do not necessarily need experience "with money," but rather the ability to analytically review information and apply that analysis using established frameworks. if you love math -- that will likely be a great segway into potentially loving accounting as well.
Yuka Ito
Accountant
1
Answer
Royal Oak, Michigan
Updated
Yuka’s Answer
I majored in accounting in college, but at first, I didn’t know the difference between finance and accounting. The good thing about college is that if you major in any business-related field, you’ll usually have to take at least a couple of accounting, finance, and marketing classes, regardless of your major. Through those classes, you can get a better understanding of what people in each industry do.
Thank you for letting me know!
Cathy
Steven Huang
Accounting
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
It's fantastic that you're considering a major in finance or accounting. While being good at math helps, accounting is really the language of business. You don't need prior experience handling money to succeed in this field. Many accountants work with financial information without actually handling cash. Taking some introductory accounting courses in college is a great way to see if it's the right fit for you. Talking to friends or family in accounting can also give you valuable insights. Plus, an accounting degree opens up many exciting opportunities in the business world beyond just being an accountant!
It's fantastic that you're considering a major in finance or accounting. While being good at math helps, accounting is really the language of business. You don't need prior experience handling money to succeed in this field. Many accountants work with financial information without actually handling cash. Taking some introductory accounting courses in college is a great way to see if it's the right fit for you. Talking to friends or family in accounting can also give you valuable insights. Plus, an accounting degree opens up many exciting opportunities in the business world beyond just being an accountant!
Tim Kolber
Certified Public Accountant
3
Answers
Trumbull, Connecticut
Updated
Tim’s Answer
Certain high schools have "Introduction to Financial Accounting" courses that provide a basic overview of what it would be like to work in the accounting profession. As others have responded, you can also find an entry level job in an accounting department to obtain a better understanding of the accounting profession. One note - just because you have never handled money or a regular basis does not mean the accounting profession would not be for you. There are numerous different types accountants, such as (1) tax accountants, (2) auditors, (3) managerial accountants, and (4) efficiency accountants. Do you research. Think about what type of accountant you would find interesting. And then join the profession!
Learn about the different types of accountants.
Look at the responses to this question and decide whether it is a career for you.
Find a school that will allow you to take accounting classes.
Meet / chat with people that are in the profession.
Tim recommends the following next steps:
Elizabeth Ren
IT Analyst
5
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
There are other areas in accounting that don't focus directly on money, which you might find interesting! For example, I'm an IT Specialized Assurance Consultant. I work with audit teams to check IT controls. It's still part of accounting, but it doesn't involve much number-crunching if that's what worries you. We examine IT systems, looking at things like password setups and system management. It's a fascinating field that also lets you learn more about technology!
brittney webb
Tax Consultant
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
brittney’s Answer
To find out if accounting is the right field for you, start by taking the introductory accounting courses at your university's business college. Focus on these initial courses, and you'll soon know if you want to major in accounting.
Suchismita Sarkar
Audit & Assurance Staff
3
Answers
Vienna, Virginia
Updated
Suchismita’s Answer
Hi Cathy! It's fantastic that you're considering a career in accounting or finance. Your love for math is a big plus and will be a great asset in these fields. Learning to save and manage your money now is a wonderful step toward thinking like an accountant. I encourage you to explore both areas further and try some introductory courses. Talking to your professors can also help you focus your interests, as both fields offer many exciting roles. You're on the right path, and I wish you the best of luck!
Reece Lewis
1
Answer
Updated
Reece’s Answer
Feeling unsure about accounting is normal because it's like learning a new language. When I was in college, I picked accounting because I loved math and knew being good with numbers would help. But accounting is more than just math! To see if it's right for you, try taking some introductory classes and see if you enjoy them. If you decide on accounting, remember that you'll always be learning, which is one of the best things about the job. Keep exploring and stay curious!
Karen Li, CPA
Auditor
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hi Cathy! It's great that you're interested in math and accounting. I recommend starting with an introductory accounting course. Accounting is key to understanding business, and this knowledge will help you in any career path.
If you like your accounting classes, consider internships at accounting firms while still in school. Many firms recruit summer interns from universities, giving you a chance to see what roles like tax consultant or auditor involve daily.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
If you like your accounting classes, consider internships at accounting firms while still in school. Many firms recruit summer interns from universities, giving you a chance to see what roles like tax consultant or auditor involve daily.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Sam Gershow
Auditor
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Honestly, if you're not sure you can also do both if you study accounting. Getting a CPA license is a little harder if you didn't study accounting in college.
Divya Kumaran
Auditor
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Divya’s Answer
Take an intro to accounting class at community college! That will give you a pretty high overview of accounting and give you some ideas as to the type of jobs you could attain after getting your degree.
Kee Won Hahn
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kee Won’s Answer
Hi! From my personal experiences, I truly enjoyed learning more about accounting when I was taking my introductory business courses. As such, I recommend taking introductory business courses. Then, you will not only learn more about the different fields of business, but also learn which field you find the most interesting.
Subaita Aziz
Auditor
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Subaita’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
If you're curious about accounting, give it a try! You don't need much experience right now; you'll learn along the way. There are many ways to explore what accountants do, like watching YouTube videos, taking free online courses, or chatting with someone in the field. Accounting isn't just about handling money; it also involves problem-solving, organizing data, and teamwork. So, even if you're unsure, it's worth exploring. You can always switch paths if it doesn't feel right later on.
If you're curious about accounting, give it a try! You don't need much experience right now; you'll learn along the way. There are many ways to explore what accountants do, like watching YouTube videos, taking free online courses, or chatting with someone in the field. Accounting isn't just about handling money; it also involves problem-solving, organizing data, and teamwork. So, even if you're unsure, it's worth exploring. You can always switch paths if it doesn't feel right later on.
Supriya Shrivastava
Consulting
3
Answers
Allendale, New Jersey
Updated
Supriya’s Answer
If you enjoy math and working with numbers, accounting might be a great path for you. It involves learning how to create financial statements like profit and loss statements and balance sheets, which help understand a company's financial health. You might also study taxes and auditing. Try to find an internship at an accounting firm to see if you like it before starting a course. This can be a great way to explore your interest in this field.
Josie Schmitt
Accountant
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Josie’s Answer
Hi! It is completely normal to feel unsure about a major if you haven’t had much hands-on experience yet. You can start by taking introductory classes in finance or accounting at your high school to get a feel for the subjects. Try joining a business or investment club like Future Business Leaders of America, or look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities that involve budgeting or fundraising. Talking to professionals in these fields or shadowing someone for a day can also give you valuable insights. Just try to remember that exploring now will help you make a more confident decision later on!
Saxon Stewart
Audit & Assurance - Financial Services
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Saxon’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
I would say depending on the type of accounting you want to go into, you may not be doing as much math as you think. Especially in a field like audit (where a lot of people start, including myself), a lot of the job is documentation-based. You will need to have problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as skills with spreadsheet platforms like excel. Think about it like being a financial detective. If that sounds interesting to you, then I think accounting could be a great path.
However, if you really love math and you are considering majoring in math, I don't believe that will lead you down the path to being an accountant. I studied economics and accounting in college, where I did math in almost every class but it was not anywhere near the complexity of my friends who were math and/or science majors.
I hope this helps inform your choices as you move forward in your career path. Good luck!!
I would say depending on the type of accounting you want to go into, you may not be doing as much math as you think. Especially in a field like audit (where a lot of people start, including myself), a lot of the job is documentation-based. You will need to have problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as skills with spreadsheet platforms like excel. Think about it like being a financial detective. If that sounds interesting to you, then I think accounting could be a great path.
However, if you really love math and you are considering majoring in math, I don't believe that will lead you down the path to being an accountant. I studied economics and accounting in college, where I did math in almost every class but it was not anywhere near the complexity of my friends who were math and/or science majors.
I hope this helps inform your choices as you move forward in your career path. Good luck!!
Gene Barrett
3
Answers
Updated
Gene’s Answer
Loving math is a great start. Accounting and Finance math are the core of explaining business financials. My recommendation is to have conversations with early-career accounting professionals and ask them about their jobs, how they acquired their skill set, and what advice they have for you as you take courses. Use your network (family, friends, LinkedIn) to identify these individuals. I think you will hear stories from them that resonate with your background as well. And if not, you'll at least get advice as to whether Accounting is right for you, and if yes, how to prepare for that career!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Cathy!
You could volunteer for a local company's payroll office? They would get to observe your honesty and attention to correctness. Getting an internship doing bookwork for a Certified Practicing Accountant sounds like a good strategy. Sounds like you are a good trustworthy person, and I think will do well with financial data. Even doing financial assistant work for a friend's business would be great. Get a taste of financial management you might really like it and be proficient at it. If you have a PC or a laptop and the Internet, then you can start soon. There is plenty of Internships on LinkedIn. Perhaps I am belying my age if I start talking about MYOB business software.
GOD BLESS!
You could volunteer for a local company's payroll office? They would get to observe your honesty and attention to correctness. Getting an internship doing bookwork for a Certified Practicing Accountant sounds like a good strategy. Sounds like you are a good trustworthy person, and I think will do well with financial data. Even doing financial assistant work for a friend's business would be great. Get a taste of financial management you might really like it and be proficient at it. If you have a PC or a laptop and the Internet, then you can start soon. There is plenty of Internships on LinkedIn. Perhaps I am belying my age if I start talking about MYOB business software.
GOD BLESS!
Bill Liu
Audit
6
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Bill’s Answer
That's a great question! You might want to start by taking an introductory course in both finance and accounting at school to see which one interests you more. Also, consider doing internships to get a feel for what a career in each field could be like.
Jacob Perincheril
Consulting
4
Answers
Hawthorne, New Jersey
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Don't worry about needing money management skills to start learning accounting. If you're interested in business, I suggest exploring accounting. When I studied economics, I took a basic financial accounting course, which introduced me to accounting principles. Give it a try and see if you enjoy it. If you do, that's fantastic! If not, you can always change direction, just like I did.
Andrew McCormick
Management Consultant
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
I was in a similar position to you when I first decided to study accounting, and I think the advice others have shared in taking an introductory class about accounting and other related business fields is a great start. I originally started my degree studying mathematics, but after speaking with professors and friends in my personal and professional life that have an accounting background, it became clear that accounting is one of the best and most effective business backgrounds to have.
Additionally, a degree in accounting can lead to many unique career paths: Audit & Assurance, Tax, Advisory, Consulting, and much more! So while a degree in accounting may seem like a single business role, I think you'll find there are many opportunities to pursue.
I was in a similar position to you when I first decided to study accounting, and I think the advice others have shared in taking an introductory class about accounting and other related business fields is a great start. I originally started my degree studying mathematics, but after speaking with professors and friends in my personal and professional life that have an accounting background, it became clear that accounting is one of the best and most effective business backgrounds to have.
Additionally, a degree in accounting can lead to many unique career paths: Audit & Assurance, Tax, Advisory, Consulting, and much more! So while a degree in accounting may seem like a single business role, I think you'll find there are many opportunities to pursue.
Pranav Siddamreddy
Consulting Analyst
3
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Pranav’s Answer
Finance and accounting have a lot of the same concepts but I think it really comes down to what you want to do with your life. With finance you start using the numbers to make the decisions. So less crunching numbers and more what do these numbers mean and how do we leverage them. For accounting the numbers are everything. Crunching numbers, manipulating them in your favor, etc is the heart of accounting. I think it really depends on what you think you would find more interesting.
Nora Gevorgyan, CPA
accounting
1
Answer
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Updated
Nora’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
I'm thrilled you're thinking about a career in accounting. I remember facing a similar decision when I was studying biology.
Being good at math is a great start! Accounting offers many paths like auditing, tax, and advisory. You don't have to choose right now. Start by taking an introductory accounting class to see how you feel about it. For me, that class revealed my true passion for accounting, and I knew it was the right path.
Try to connect with your professors, too. Many have experience in the field and can offer valuable advice.
I know it can be confusing, but you'll figure it out! Many professionals have faced the same questions you're dealing with now.
Good luck on your journey!
I'm thrilled you're thinking about a career in accounting. I remember facing a similar decision when I was studying biology.
Being good at math is a great start! Accounting offers many paths like auditing, tax, and advisory. You don't have to choose right now. Start by taking an introductory accounting class to see how you feel about it. For me, that class revealed my true passion for accounting, and I knew it was the right path.
Try to connect with your professors, too. Many have experience in the field and can offer valuable advice.
I know it can be confusing, but you'll figure it out! Many professionals have faced the same questions you're dealing with now.
Good luck on your journey!
Ian Shapiro
Management Consultant
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ian’s Answer
That's a great question! I'm thrilled to hear you want to keep using your love for math in the future. I'm a math fan too!
As others have said, Accounting and Finance are related but different. Accounting usually requires more attention to detail and precision. Finance involves numbers too, but it's also about using those numbers to tell a story to the right people.
As others have said, Accounting and Finance are related but different. Accounting usually requires more attention to detail and precision. Finance involves numbers too, but it's also about using those numbers to tell a story to the right people.
Olga Psakhis, CISA, CISSP
IT Auditor
6
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Olga’s Answer
Take accounting 101 and finance 101 when you start college and see what you like and what class makes you want to learn more. Either one is more than just math, it's understanding the concepts, connecting the dots, understanding rules and logic. Both are great from career perspective and so many different versatile options. If you generally like the idea of going to business school, vs being focused on analytics or math or coding around math, that would be a good path to start
Sabeeka Jafry
CPA
1
Answer
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Sabeeka’s Answer
Accounting is a good career choice. Education helps you learn the basics of different accounting areas. I recommend students in college or university connect with their internship office to gain hands-on experience. Internships let you apply what you learn and explore various fields like corporate or public accounting before choosing your favorite.
Sean Conway
CPA
5
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hello!
It's great to hear you love math! This interest is a strong start for a career in accounting or finance. Your passion is a solid base for exploring such a rewarding field.
Don't worry about not having much experience with money yet. College courses in accounting and finance start from the beginning. Professors will guide you step by step, so you'll learn everything you need to know.
After you graduate and start your first job, most companies offer training to teach you the basics and help you use what you learned in school. You'll gain practical experience, and your confidence will grow fast.
Your positive attitude and motivation are key to success. Many people in this field started just like you—with curiosity and a love for learning. Keep that enthusiasm, and you'll be surprised at how far it takes you.
Best wishes as you explore this exciting path!
It's great to hear you love math! This interest is a strong start for a career in accounting or finance. Your passion is a solid base for exploring such a rewarding field.
Don't worry about not having much experience with money yet. College courses in accounting and finance start from the beginning. Professors will guide you step by step, so you'll learn everything you need to know.
After you graduate and start your first job, most companies offer training to teach you the basics and help you use what you learned in school. You'll gain practical experience, and your confidence will grow fast.
Your positive attitude and motivation are key to success. Many people in this field started just like you—with curiosity and a love for learning. Keep that enthusiasm, and you'll be surprised at how far it takes you.
Best wishes as you explore this exciting path!
JoAnna Scullin, MBA
Consultancy
3
Answers
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Updated
JoAnna’s Answer
I am a Finance major so how I think of accounting is if you like to tick and tie the numbers and be into the details and understand all the rules and regulations behind creating financial statements for a corporation where in Finance there is broader application and can be to help companies forecast their performance, translate results for investors, structure data for pricing, so depending on interests have many more opportunities but at a higher focus
Garhett Moseley
Consultant
1
Answer
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Garhett’s Answer
Hi there,
As others have said, going to work in a field using an accounting or finance degree will help you learn a lot that your degree may not have fully prepared you for. For example, I work as a consultant assisting with audit, but I actually don't have an accounting degree (but one of my degrees is in finance, and I have some basics of accounting down!). I've been able to learn a ton at my job and learn a lot about accounting principles along the way. Most companies understand you're a recent student as well and will assist in teaching you the particulars of your job. Given your enjoyment of math, and having taken a few classes, I think you're well positioned for a job in the accounting or finance field, which will teach you a lot on the job. Just keep an open mind and always ask questions!
As others have said, going to work in a field using an accounting or finance degree will help you learn a lot that your degree may not have fully prepared you for. For example, I work as a consultant assisting with audit, but I actually don't have an accounting degree (but one of my degrees is in finance, and I have some basics of accounting down!). I've been able to learn a ton at my job and learn a lot about accounting principles along the way. Most companies understand you're a recent student as well and will assist in teaching you the particulars of your job. Given your enjoyment of math, and having taken a few classes, I think you're well positioned for a job in the accounting or finance field, which will teach you a lot on the job. Just keep an open mind and always ask questions!
Trevor Jensen
Audit & Assurance Assistant
3
Answers
San Tan Valley, Arizona
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
I remember being in your position, trying to choose between accounting and finance. At the time, my work experience was in food service and a tile distribution center, which didn't relate to accounting at all. To understand what accountants or financial analysts do, try doing some broad research online. I find Reddit helpful for reading people's opinions.
Introductory accounting classes are quite general, and there's so much more to learn even after school. As you research, you'll discover various fields in accounting like audit, tax, and consulting. You can explore these areas further. Also, reach out to people you know in the field. Connections can be very helpful for landing your next job. I hope this helps!
I remember being in your position, trying to choose between accounting and finance. At the time, my work experience was in food service and a tile distribution center, which didn't relate to accounting at all. To understand what accountants or financial analysts do, try doing some broad research online. I find Reddit helpful for reading people's opinions.
Introductory accounting classes are quite general, and there's so much more to learn even after school. As you research, you'll discover various fields in accounting like audit, tax, and consulting. You can explore these areas further. Also, reach out to people you know in the field. Connections can be very helpful for landing your next job. I hope this helps!
Katherine Levescy
1
Answer
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
As many of the responses here have noted, accounting is the language of business. Just like any language, the ability to speak it comes with time and grit.
People struggle to define accounting as a field because of how broad it is in scope i.e., tax accounting , book-keeping, public accounting, analysts, forensic accounting, etc. But when you zoom out, accounting is about storytelling and puzzles. You've done that probably more times than it is possible to count.
Accountants dig into the details of financial transactions and put together the pieces they find to tell a story. Luckily, we aren't putting together our puzzle without a picture to reference. We have the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Owners Equity. No matter how complex the transaction, it's always a matter of simple algebra. So you take your pieces, and plug them in. A major in accounting, helps you understand how the pieces link together so that putting the puzzle together becomes second nature - so you learn the language.
What I'm trying to say, is you have all the tools in your toolbelt already. You've taken the time to dig into the details of accounting here, now it's up to you to put together the pieces and figure out whether it's a part of your story.
As many of the responses here have noted, accounting is the language of business. Just like any language, the ability to speak it comes with time and grit.
People struggle to define accounting as a field because of how broad it is in scope i.e., tax accounting , book-keeping, public accounting, analysts, forensic accounting, etc. But when you zoom out, accounting is about storytelling and puzzles. You've done that probably more times than it is possible to count.
Accountants dig into the details of financial transactions and put together the pieces they find to tell a story. Luckily, we aren't putting together our puzzle without a picture to reference. We have the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Owners Equity. No matter how complex the transaction, it's always a matter of simple algebra. So you take your pieces, and plug them in. A major in accounting, helps you understand how the pieces link together so that putting the puzzle together becomes second nature - so you learn the language.
What I'm trying to say, is you have all the tools in your toolbelt already. You've taken the time to dig into the details of accounting here, now it's up to you to put together the pieces and figure out whether it's a part of your story.
Ericka Mendieta Tumbaco
External Auditor
6
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Ericka’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
Both accounting and finance are closely related business fields, but they have some differences. Accounting focuses on preparing and analyzing financial statements, while finance is more about managing and investing money for the future.
My suggestion is to get involved in both areas, taking courses or talk with your professors to learn from their experiences. In accounting, you can build a career as an accountant, auditor (internal or external), tax specialist, or controller. These are all interesting and rewarding paths.
If you want more exposure, consider applying for internships in the area that interests you most. The experience can help you decide which field is the best fit for you.
Both accounting and finance are closely related business fields, but they have some differences. Accounting focuses on preparing and analyzing financial statements, while finance is more about managing and investing money for the future.
My suggestion is to get involved in both areas, taking courses or talk with your professors to learn from their experiences. In accounting, you can build a career as an accountant, auditor (internal or external), tax specialist, or controller. These are all interesting and rewarding paths.
If you want more exposure, consider applying for internships in the area that interests you most. The experience can help you decide which field is the best fit for you.
Rachel Fossen
Accountant
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
I do not think you need to worry about not having experience before looking into a career in accounting. I personally did not have any experience in accounting before I started college. If you enjoy business and math, accounting could be a good fit for you!
If business in general interests you, you can start off in college seeking a business degree. Most universities require you to take the first two years of pre-requisites anyways, which will include financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, marketing, and potentially other general business courses, depending on the university. I knew that I liked business but had no idea what particular field of business I wanted to work in. I really enjoyed my first accounting class, and that helped me determine that accounting could be a great career path for me. In addition, taking the other business pre-requisite courses helped me filter those out as areas that I was not as interested in.
I think it is difficult to describe what an accountant does in a general sense because there are so many different paths you can take. If you become a CPA, you have so many different areas of accounting you can look into. For example, you can work in public accounting in audit or tax. You can also work in accounting at a company, which can be in financial reporting, tax, internal audit, and other areas. The great thing about accounting is that you can always shift your career to another path if you determine you do not like the area you are currently in.
Lastly, most people get accounting internships as a junior or senior in college, and that is the first working experience most people have in accounting. These internships are a great way to determine if you like a particular type of accounting!
I do not think you need to worry about not having experience before looking into a career in accounting. I personally did not have any experience in accounting before I started college. If you enjoy business and math, accounting could be a good fit for you!
If business in general interests you, you can start off in college seeking a business degree. Most universities require you to take the first two years of pre-requisites anyways, which will include financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, marketing, and potentially other general business courses, depending on the university. I knew that I liked business but had no idea what particular field of business I wanted to work in. I really enjoyed my first accounting class, and that helped me determine that accounting could be a great career path for me. In addition, taking the other business pre-requisite courses helped me filter those out as areas that I was not as interested in.
I think it is difficult to describe what an accountant does in a general sense because there are so many different paths you can take. If you become a CPA, you have so many different areas of accounting you can look into. For example, you can work in public accounting in audit or tax. You can also work in accounting at a company, which can be in financial reporting, tax, internal audit, and other areas. The great thing about accounting is that you can always shift your career to another path if you determine you do not like the area you are currently in.
Lastly, most people get accounting internships as a junior or senior in college, and that is the first working experience most people have in accounting. These internships are a great way to determine if you like a particular type of accounting!
Justin M
Consultant
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi There, I think the best way is to learn by doing. Start a small "business" selling candy bars or cheap jewelry or Pokeman cards or whatever you are interested in. Track how much money it takes to buy the things you are going to sell, how much money you make by selling them, and how much profit you make. As you have questions try Youtube or ChatGPT. Good luck!
Annamalai Perianan
Consultant
13
Answers
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Updated
Annamalai’s Answer
Hi, first off — it’s great that you already know you’re interested in accounting or finance. Being strong in math definitely helps, though the level and type of math you’ll use can vary between the two. Accounting tends to focus more on structured, formulaic work (think ledgers and reconciliations), while finance can be broader, involving analysis, forecasting, and investing.
I personally majored in finance and information systems, and I’ve always enjoyed math. What really drew me into finance was getting into investing early — handling small amounts of money, researching companies, and reading books gave me a better sense of how money works and what parts of the field I liked most.
If you’re deciding between the two, I’d recommend trying a beginner course in accounting (either through school or free resources online) to see if you can picture yourself doing that work. Also, building basic skills like Excel and understanding financial statements can help in both fields.
Ultimately, gaining exposure is the best way to figure out what suits you — and there’s still plenty of time to explore. Good luck as you move forward!
I personally majored in finance and information systems, and I’ve always enjoyed math. What really drew me into finance was getting into investing early — handling small amounts of money, researching companies, and reading books gave me a better sense of how money works and what parts of the field I liked most.
If you’re deciding between the two, I’d recommend trying a beginner course in accounting (either through school or free resources online) to see if you can picture yourself doing that work. Also, building basic skills like Excel and understanding financial statements can help in both fields.
Ultimately, gaining exposure is the best way to figure out what suits you — and there’s still plenty of time to explore. Good luck as you move forward!
Thank you so much for your amazing advice!
Cathy
Margaret O'Connor
Senior ERP Consultant
4
Answers
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Margaret’s Answer
When I started school, I never considered accounting. But after taking a few classes, I discovered I really enjoy the challenges it offers. It's a fantastic career choice!
Nika Mirnezam
Audit & Assurance Associate
8
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Nika’s Answer
I currently work in public accounting and started in this field straight after college. I think you already have a great start as I would also recommend taking different accounting/finance/business courses to confirm that that is the career path you feel best suited. Next, I highly recommend looking into summer internships - the best way to learn is to be hands on and directly involved in the work. You are not expected to step into the start of your career knowing 100%, so as long as you put in the effort to learn and work - you will find what suits you best!
Claire Hammond
Technology Assurance Consultant
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Hi Cathy, this is a great question!
In an introductory accounting or finance course, you shouldn't be expected to have field experience. I majored in finance, and I didn't have much (if any) knowledge about finance foundational topics before starting my degree program.
The best ways to get an accurate picture of what accountants or financial analysts do in their day-to-day jobs would be through an internship/apprenticeship or by having conversations with people currently in the role. From my experience, business courses don't always help to create an understanding of what the full-time job in that field actually looks like.
One resource I found helpful in deciding potential career paths is the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/a-z-index.htm#A). This link contains a comprehensive list of all job options in the United States, along with median pay, education requirements, job outlook, and a detailed explanation of what people in each job actually do.
Hopefully this helps!
In an introductory accounting or finance course, you shouldn't be expected to have field experience. I majored in finance, and I didn't have much (if any) knowledge about finance foundational topics before starting my degree program.
The best ways to get an accurate picture of what accountants or financial analysts do in their day-to-day jobs would be through an internship/apprenticeship or by having conversations with people currently in the role. From my experience, business courses don't always help to create an understanding of what the full-time job in that field actually looks like.
One resource I found helpful in deciding potential career paths is the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/a-z-index.htm#A). This link contains a comprehensive list of all job options in the United States, along with median pay, education requirements, job outlook, and a detailed explanation of what people in each job actually do.
Hopefully this helps!
I'll definitely take a look at it. Thank you so much!
Cathy
Morgan Wells
Tax Consultant
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
Hi Cathy! I would say that finance and accounting are both great fields to aim for when picking your career. In my experience, I had to take an introduction course for many business-related majors before selecting one to major in (accounting, finance, marketing, logistics, etc.) and this was very helpful in my decision-making. I would see if you can find a similar opportunity to take a beginner course for both accounting and finance. Another great resource would be speaking to any professors teaching these classes, as it is very common for people to work in these fields before deciding to pivot to higher education later in life. They may be able to provide some helpful insight as well. Both of these fields are also very wide, offering many different roles/experiences within them. I encourage you to research each field to see if maybe there is a particular aspect that speaks to you - so for accounting this may be audit, tax, or any of the many smaller niches within these practices.
David Tierney
1
Answer
Updated
David’s Answer
If you're interested, keep taking classes. Over time, you'll learn more detailed things. Being interested is important because this knowledge is valuable for life, even if you choose a different career.
Kevin Maura
Accountant
1
Answer
Miami, Florida
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Honestly, I was in a similar position before I chose my major—I liked math but hadn’t done any real accounting work. Once I took an introductory accounting class in college, I realized it was more about problem-solving and understanding how businesses operate than just handling money. I also talked to a few professionals and did a short internship, which helped me see what the day-to-day job was actually like. If you’re curious, I’d recommend trying a beginner course or reaching out to someone in the field for a quick chat—it really helped me decide.
Joseph Weinstein
Audit & Assurance
3
Answers
Manasquan, New Jersey
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hi Cathy! Its good to see you are interested. I would recommend to start by taking classes to see if you want to continue to pursue Accounting. Its always okay to switch if not.
Satya Prakash Gupta
IT Consulting
3
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Satya Prakash’s Answer
Hi Cathy, don't worry about having deep knowledge right now. You'll gain that with experience. Keep doing what you're doing. Accounting and Finance offer great career opportunities.
Nicholas Holton, CPA
Tax Manager
2
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
Many people here provide helpful advice and cover a lot of situations. One more thing you could try is connecting with professionals in the jobs you're interested in and spending a day shadowing them. Seeing what a job is like every day can really help you make these important decisions.
Eyram Bansah
Internal Auditor
1
Answer
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Eyram’s Answer
Honestly if you really love maths and you good at it , I'd entreat you to learn data analytics or business analytics instead
Hi Eyram, can you explain why you would recommend data analytics or business analytics instead of finance/accounting?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Shankar Venugopalan
2
Answers
Updated
Shankar’s Answer
It's great that you enjoy math and are considering how your skills might translate into a career! Accounting is a field that values strong analytical and numerical abilities, but it also involves much more than just math. Here’s an overview to help you understand what being an accountant involves and whether it might be a good fit for you.
What Do Accountants Actually Do?
Accountants are responsible for managing, analyzing, and reporting financial information for individuals, businesses, or organizations. Their work can include:
Bookkeeping: Recording financial transactions (income, expenses, assets, liabilities).
Financial Reporting: Preparing financial statements like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
Tax Preparation and Planning: Calculating taxes owed, preparing tax returns, and helping clients minimize tax liabilities.
Auditing: Reviewing financial records for accuracy and compliance with laws/regulations.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Helping organizations plan for the future by analyzing trends and making financial projections.
Advisory Services: Offering guidance on business decisions, mergers, investments, or cost-saving strategies.
Skills Needed Beyond Math
While math is important, accountants also rely on:
Attention to Detail: Small errors can have big consequences.
Analytical Thinking: Interpreting data and spotting trends or irregularities.
Communication: Explaining financial information clearly to clients or colleagues who may not have a financial background.
Organization: Managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and records efficiently.
Ethics and Integrity: Handling sensitive financial information responsibly.
Typical Pathways Into Accounting
Education: Most accountants have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field (finance, business, economics).
Certifications: Many pursue credentials like CPA (Certified Public Accountant), which require passing exams and meeting experience requirements.
Experience: Internships or entry-level positions help build practical skills.
How to Explore Further
Take an Introductory Accounting Course: Many community colleges and online platforms offer beginner courses.
Job Shadow or Informational Interviews: Talk to or shadow an accountant to see what their day is like.
Internships or Part-Time Roles: Even basic bookkeeping or office assistant jobs can provide valuable exposure.
Is Accounting Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Do you enjoy working with numbers and details?
Are you comfortable with repetitive tasks and structured processes?
Do you like problem-solving and helping others make decisions?
Are you interested in business, finance, or economics?
If you answered yes to most of these, accounting could be a strong fit!
What Do Accountants Actually Do?
Accountants are responsible for managing, analyzing, and reporting financial information for individuals, businesses, or organizations. Their work can include:
Bookkeeping: Recording financial transactions (income, expenses, assets, liabilities).
Financial Reporting: Preparing financial statements like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
Tax Preparation and Planning: Calculating taxes owed, preparing tax returns, and helping clients minimize tax liabilities.
Auditing: Reviewing financial records for accuracy and compliance with laws/regulations.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Helping organizations plan for the future by analyzing trends and making financial projections.
Advisory Services: Offering guidance on business decisions, mergers, investments, or cost-saving strategies.
Skills Needed Beyond Math
While math is important, accountants also rely on:
Attention to Detail: Small errors can have big consequences.
Analytical Thinking: Interpreting data and spotting trends or irregularities.
Communication: Explaining financial information clearly to clients or colleagues who may not have a financial background.
Organization: Managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and records efficiently.
Ethics and Integrity: Handling sensitive financial information responsibly.
Typical Pathways Into Accounting
Education: Most accountants have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field (finance, business, economics).
Certifications: Many pursue credentials like CPA (Certified Public Accountant), which require passing exams and meeting experience requirements.
Experience: Internships or entry-level positions help build practical skills.
How to Explore Further
Take an Introductory Accounting Course: Many community colleges and online platforms offer beginner courses.
Job Shadow or Informational Interviews: Talk to or shadow an accountant to see what their day is like.
Internships or Part-Time Roles: Even basic bookkeeping or office assistant jobs can provide valuable exposure.
Is Accounting Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Do you enjoy working with numbers and details?
Are you comfortable with repetitive tasks and structured processes?
Do you like problem-solving and helping others make decisions?
Are you interested in business, finance, or economics?
If you answered yes to most of these, accounting could be a strong fit!
Yana K
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Yana’s Answer
Thats what school is for! You will learn all the necessary skills during your years at school.
My biggest advice is take initiative - dont expect everything to be perfect and dont expect opportunities to be thrown at you. You have to be proactive and be willing to learn,
My biggest advice is take initiative - dont expect everything to be perfect and dont expect opportunities to be thrown at you. You have to be proactive and be willing to learn,
I love your advice. Thank you so much!
Cathy
Chloe （Wenjing） Han
1
Answer
Updated
Chloe （Wenjing）’s Answer
Hi Cathy! Glad to hear you have enthusiasm for accounting and finance. I would suggest go with finance. There's not much math involved in accounting compared to finance. Accounting is more about compliance and paying attention to details.
Gene Barrett
3
Answers
Updated
Gene’s Answer
Loving math is a great start. Accounting and Finance math are the core of explaining business financials. My recommendation is to have conversations with early-career accounting professionals and ask them about their jobs, how they acquired their skill set, and what advice they have for you as you take courses. Use your network (family, friends, LinkedIn) to identify these individuals. I think you will hear stories from them that resonate with your background as well. And if not, you'll at least get advice as to if Accounting is right for you and if yes, how to prepare for that career!
Barb Darsow
Consulting
10
Answers
DeBary, Florida
Updated
Barb’s Answer
Hello! I recommend trying a few accounting classes, not just general business ones. It might take some time, but these classes can help you see if you enjoy accounting and want to pursue it as a lifelong career.
Desirae Scruggs
Finance Consultant
5
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Desirae’s Answer
Accounting is a great career path, and luckily you can always gain more experience with time and education! Personally, I majored in engineering and now work as a Consultant in the Finance industry because the skills I am proficient at, project management/excel/coding/building workflows, still apply and are still considered value add in the Accounting and Finance industry! You could even work on projects within accounting to implement new tools/softwares if you choose to do IT/Engineering/Project Management.
Anthony Scicchitano
CPA, External Auditor
1
Answer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Cathy, pursuing a career in accounting is a smart choice that can lead to many job opportunities. It's great that you're interested. I suggest taking an introductory course at school if you can. If that's not possible, you can find many free videos and textbooks online. Accounting is the language of business and is valuable knowledge for anyone.
Valerie Wong
Consulting
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Valerie’s Answer
Hi Cathy,
I was in your shoes not too long ago and understand how you may be feeling. I would say the best thing to do is to try and get experience in any form you can. This can take the form of finance/accounting classes, internships, volunteer opportunities, etc. There are many different types of roles/practices for accounting and finance and alot of the times you won't know what best fits you until you try it out. If you have the opportunity to take classes, try and take different types of accounting/finance courses to see what speaks to you. There are also tons of resources online and at book shops to try and enhance your understanding of topics that you are interested in. Try to get as much experience as you can!
I was in your shoes not too long ago and understand how you may be feeling. I would say the best thing to do is to try and get experience in any form you can. This can take the form of finance/accounting classes, internships, volunteer opportunities, etc. There are many different types of roles/practices for accounting and finance and alot of the times you won't know what best fits you until you try it out. If you have the opportunity to take classes, try and take different types of accounting/finance courses to see what speaks to you. There are also tons of resources online and at book shops to try and enhance your understanding of topics that you are interested in. Try to get as much experience as you can!
Chau Tran
Tax Consultant
2
Answers
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Chau’s Answer
You just need to start working and then you'll have experience. Internships and volunteer opportunities can be useful ways to build your resume when you're just beginning your accounting career. Consider applying for these opportunities while you're still completing your accounting education. Some companies eventually offer paid positions to interns or volunteers working in unpaid positions upon program completion.
An accounting internship can help you accumulate useful skills and increase your financial reporting knowledge, further preparing you for the workforce. Consider interning or volunteering for startups, large corporations and government agencies to challenge yourself and enhance your resume.
An accounting internship can help you accumulate useful skills and increase your financial reporting knowledge, further preparing you for the workforce. Consider interning or volunteering for startups, large corporations and government agencies to challenge yourself and enhance your resume.
Michael Blum
Consultant
5
Answers
Asheville, North Carolina
Updated
Michael’s Answer
You lack experience? Sounds like getting even a part-time job where you are handling money could be of use. You can also try starting your own business or side hustle and getting used to handling money.
Kazutoshi Okamoto
Auditor
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazutoshi’s Answer
I majored in political science at university, but now I have obtained my CPA qualification and work in auditing. The fact that you are already interested in becoming an accountant is wonderful. Studying business will be useful no matter which industry you end up in, so I recommend majoring in a business-related field to start with. Both finance and accounting begin with understanding business. Once you have a solid understanding of business, I don’t think it’s too late to decide whether to pursue finance or accounting. Just as I moved into accounting after studying political science…
Abigail Cooper
I am a Senior Auditor Staff, and I work primarily in the Energy, Resources, and Industrial industry.
5
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Many people have wrong ideas about the accounting field. I work in corporate accounting, and for me, handling money or school math isn't crucial. My college accounting courses provided a solid base, but real learning came from working on the job.
I suggest contacting various accounting firms—public, corporate, private, and non-profit—and asking if someone can share their experiences. Everyone's experience is different, but this can help you understand the different areas of accounting and see if they suit you.
I suggest contacting various accounting firms—public, corporate, private, and non-profit—and asking if someone can share their experiences. Everyone's experience is different, but this can help you understand the different areas of accounting and see if they suit you.
Thuy Do, CPA
CPA - Audit & Assurance
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Thuy’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
You're doing great! Many students start college without knowing much about finance or accounting, so you're not alone. If you like both areas, think about doing a major and a minor. A good base in accounting can really help if you're interested in business. Finance is about looking at financial numbers to see how a company is doing, while accounting focuses on recording (or auditing) those numbers. If you enjoy details, accounting is a strong choice. But if you like analyzing and researching how a company is performing overall, finance might be for you. Accounting also has many different paths, like tax, audit, and fraud specialist roles. Keep exploring and talk to people in the field to learn more. You're on the right track!
You're doing great! Many students start college without knowing much about finance or accounting, so you're not alone. If you like both areas, think about doing a major and a minor. A good base in accounting can really help if you're interested in business. Finance is about looking at financial numbers to see how a company is doing, while accounting focuses on recording (or auditing) those numbers. If you enjoy details, accounting is a strong choice. But if you like analyzing and researching how a company is performing overall, finance might be for you. Accounting also has many different paths, like tax, audit, and fraud specialist roles. Keep exploring and talk to people in the field to learn more. You're on the right track!
Jason Luke
3
Answers
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Cathy! Finance/Accounting is a great career path to consider and I also did the same thing. I graduated with my B.S. in Accounting and am now doing my MBA in Finance. What helped me was, during undergrad, I worked as a cashier; bank teller; accounting intern; and auditor, till I graduated and then moved into my full-time role. Working these different roles helped me understand how to manage money while getting an understanding of accounting, not only from school, and helps you solidify your understanding and knowledge of accounting/finance. I would recommend you start of getting a PT job that aligns with accounting/finance, so maybe a bank teller or a junior auditor at a hotel, and then with that take courses in school that will broaden your understanding and once you graduate, you will be set to move into your full-time accounting/finance role. Hope this helps and good luck!
Nathan C. John
6
Answers
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
Hey Cathy!
It's common to feel uncertain about choosing finance or accounting if you haven't had much hands-on experience. Here are practical steps to help you make an informed decision and gain relevant exposure.
1. Take Introductory Courses. Enroll in entry-level classes in both finance and accounting. These will give you a foundational understanding and help you gauge your interest and aptitude.
2. Join Student Organizations. Look for finance or accounting clubs at your school. These often host guest speakers, workshops, and networking events, and sometimes run student-managed investment funds or offer case competitions.
3. Pursue Mini-Experiences. Try online simulations or games (like Stock Market simulators or business case competitions).
Volunteer as a treasurer or financial officer for a student organization or local nonprofit.
4. Seek Internships or Job Shadowing. Apply for internships, even if they’re short-term or part-time. Many firms offer summer programs or job shadowing for students interested in business fields.
5. Talk to Professionals. Conduct informational interviews with people working in finance or accounting. Ask about their day-to-day work, challenges, and what they enjoy about the field.
6. Explore Online Resources. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Khan Academy offer free or low-cost courses in finance and accounting basics.
Read books or articles on personal finance, investing, or accounting principles.
7. Reflect on Your Interests. Think about what aspects of business excite you: Do you enjoy analyzing numbers, making investment decisions, or understanding how companies operate financially?
Best of luck!
It's common to feel uncertain about choosing finance or accounting if you haven't had much hands-on experience. Here are practical steps to help you make an informed decision and gain relevant exposure.
1. Take Introductory Courses. Enroll in entry-level classes in both finance and accounting. These will give you a foundational understanding and help you gauge your interest and aptitude.
2. Join Student Organizations. Look for finance or accounting clubs at your school. These often host guest speakers, workshops, and networking events, and sometimes run student-managed investment funds or offer case competitions.
3. Pursue Mini-Experiences. Try online simulations or games (like Stock Market simulators or business case competitions).
Volunteer as a treasurer or financial officer for a student organization or local nonprofit.
4. Seek Internships or Job Shadowing. Apply for internships, even if they’re short-term or part-time. Many firms offer summer programs or job shadowing for students interested in business fields.
5. Talk to Professionals. Conduct informational interviews with people working in finance or accounting. Ask about their day-to-day work, challenges, and what they enjoy about the field.
6. Explore Online Resources. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Khan Academy offer free or low-cost courses in finance and accounting basics.
Read books or articles on personal finance, investing, or accounting principles.
7. Reflect on Your Interests. Think about what aspects of business excite you: Do you enjoy analyzing numbers, making investment decisions, or understanding how companies operate financially?
Best of luck!
Cristina Moore
Finance Manager
5
Answers
Highland Park, Illinois
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Hi Cathy!
It’s great that you’re thinking carefully about your future major and career path! Your strong math skills are a solid foundation for both finance and accounting, but you’re right—these fields involve much more than just math, and hands-on experience can help you decide if they’re a good fit.
Here are few suggestions:
Watch Videos: Platforms like YouTube have “day in the life” videos for accountants and finance professionals.
Job Shadowing: Reach out to local accounting firms, banks, or finance departments and ask if you can shadow someone for a day.
Internships: Even short-term or part-time internships (including virtual ones) can give you a sense of the work.
Volunteer: Offer to help a local nonprofit or student club with budgeting or bookkeeping.
Informational Interviews: Connect with accountants or finance professionals (family, friends, alumni, or LinkedIn) and ask about their jobs, what they like/dislike, and what skills are most important.
Hope this helps!
It’s great that you’re thinking carefully about your future major and career path! Your strong math skills are a solid foundation for both finance and accounting, but you’re right—these fields involve much more than just math, and hands-on experience can help you decide if they’re a good fit.
Here are few suggestions:
Watch Videos: Platforms like YouTube have “day in the life” videos for accountants and finance professionals.
Job Shadowing: Reach out to local accounting firms, banks, or finance departments and ask if you can shadow someone for a day.
Internships: Even short-term or part-time internships (including virtual ones) can give you a sense of the work.
Volunteer: Offer to help a local nonprofit or student club with budgeting or bookkeeping.
Informational Interviews: Connect with accountants or finance professionals (family, friends, alumni, or LinkedIn) and ask about their jobs, what they like/dislike, and what skills are most important.
Hope this helps!
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