10 answers
Karina
Student
Moody, Alabama
1
Question
Updated
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Is going for accounting a safe decision?
I know my way around excel, and my cousin works as an accountant. He says its a good career path, but he's worried about offshoring. What do you guys think?
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10 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
737
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Karina. Choosing accounting as a career can be a safe and practical decision, but it has both advantages and challenges.
One concern your cousin mentioned is offshoring. Some entry-level accounting tasks, like bookkeeping, payroll, and basic reporting, can be outsourced to other countries. This means competition for those jobs might increase. However, higher-level roles like auditing, tax planning, management accounting, and consulting are less likely to be offshored because they require direct interaction with clients and knowledge of local laws.
Technology is another factor to keep in mind. Automation and artificial intelligence are taking over repetitive tasks, so learning to work with new tools and using data to make decisions will make you more valuable. Accountants who can interpret data, advise on financial strategy, and make complex decisions are always in demand.
Accounting also offers flexibility. You can work in many industries like corporate finance, government, non-profits, or consulting. There is also room for growth if you are ambitious and willing to keep learning. You can pursue certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to strengthen your career, boost your competitiveness, and qualify for higher-paying positions.
While some basic jobs may face challenges, developing specialized skills and certifications can give you stability and long-term career growth. Wishing you all the best.
One concern your cousin mentioned is offshoring. Some entry-level accounting tasks, like bookkeeping, payroll, and basic reporting, can be outsourced to other countries. This means competition for those jobs might increase. However, higher-level roles like auditing, tax planning, management accounting, and consulting are less likely to be offshored because they require direct interaction with clients and knowledge of local laws.
Technology is another factor to keep in mind. Automation and artificial intelligence are taking over repetitive tasks, so learning to work with new tools and using data to make decisions will make you more valuable. Accountants who can interpret data, advise on financial strategy, and make complex decisions are always in demand.
Accounting also offers flexibility. You can work in many industries like corporate finance, government, non-profits, or consulting. There is also room for growth if you are ambitious and willing to keep learning. You can pursue certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to strengthen your career, boost your competitiveness, and qualify for higher-paying positions.
While some basic jobs may face challenges, developing specialized skills and certifications can give you stability and long-term career growth. Wishing you all the best.
Bethany (Dawson) Rodriguez, CPA
Accountant
7
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Bethany’s Answer
Hi Karina! To answer your question, yes!
It’s great that you already have a solid foundation in Excel because it is a powerful tool that can really set you apart as you learn more and continue using it. While it’s true that some accounting tasks are being offshored or automated, there’s still a strong demand for professionals who can bring expertise and provide insight aside from just number crunching in accounting.
By specializing and honing your skills like advanced Excel techniques, financial analysis, data visualization, or even learning other tools you can become a subject matter expert or someone that knows a lot about a tool that other people come to for help. This expertise not only makes you valuable but also positions you to help lead others, drive decision-making, and solve problems that outside of routine tasks. Focusing on developing your own unique high-level skills will help future-proof your career and open doors to leadership opportunities in accounting and beyond!
Wishing you all the best!
It’s great that you already have a solid foundation in Excel because it is a powerful tool that can really set you apart as you learn more and continue using it. While it’s true that some accounting tasks are being offshored or automated, there’s still a strong demand for professionals who can bring expertise and provide insight aside from just number crunching in accounting.
By specializing and honing your skills like advanced Excel techniques, financial analysis, data visualization, or even learning other tools you can become a subject matter expert or someone that knows a lot about a tool that other people come to for help. This expertise not only makes you valuable but also positions you to help lead others, drive decision-making, and solve problems that outside of routine tasks. Focusing on developing your own unique high-level skills will help future-proof your career and open doors to leadership opportunities in accounting and beyond!
Wishing you all the best!
Michele Guglielmi Busic
Human Resources
2
Answers
Stony Brook, New York
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Majoring in accounting is a strong and reliable choice, offering job security, steady growth, and competitive salaries—especially now, when demand is high and fewer students are entering the field. The work can be challenging at times, but if you enjoy problem‑solving, working with numbers, and continuously learning, accounting opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. One of the best parts of an accounting degree is the versatility it gives you. I started my own career with a bachelor’s in accounting at a large public firm and later transitioned into areas like campus recruiting and human resources. I truly don’t think I would have had such a rewarding and varied career without that foundation. It’s a degree that can take you in many directions—and help you grow in ways you may not even expect.
Jessica Sandler
Chief of Staff
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Accounting is a great career choice that offers stability and security. While some tasks might be automated or moved overseas, the more complex parts of accounting, like making decisions, analyzing data, and communicating with clients or management, are much harder to replace. If you're good with Excel and eager to learn more about data and technical skills, you're in a great spot. Accountants who can understand and explain numbers are in demand . There are many exciting paths in accounting, including corporate accounting, management, auditing, taxes, consulting, and advisory roles. It's a solid career choice if you're ready to keep learning and adapting as the field changes.
julian infante
sales
8
Answers
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Updated
julian’s Answer
As all thing if you like and live for it, woould be a safe one, on the other hand if you only do cause you can do it, the answer is not, for accounting or else
Saul Castillo
Tax Trainee
2
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Saul’s Answer
Hi, I’m from Mexico City, and nowadays, in April 2026, the situation here is like this: going for Accounting is actually a very safe decision.
In Mexico, Accounting is an excellent choice for jobs. There is a lot of demand across many industries companies are always looking for accountants and it’s generally a well‑paid career, especially as you gain experience and specialize.
From my experience, the work environment is usually good, and there are many opportunities for growth. You can move into different areas such as tax, audit, finance, consulting, or management roles. Even with concerns like offshoring, there is still strong local demand, and professionals who build solid skills (like Excel, analysis, and business understanding) remain very valuable.
Overall, I honestly think Accounting is a stable career with many paths and long‑term opportunities here in Mexico.
In Mexico, Accounting is an excellent choice for jobs. There is a lot of demand across many industries companies are always looking for accountants and it’s generally a well‑paid career, especially as you gain experience and specialize.
From my experience, the work environment is usually good, and there are many opportunities for growth. You can move into different areas such as tax, audit, finance, consulting, or management roles. Even with concerns like offshoring, there is still strong local demand, and professionals who build solid skills (like Excel, analysis, and business understanding) remain very valuable.
Overall, I honestly think Accounting is a stable career with many paths and long‑term opportunities here in Mexico.
Ayisha Gimala
Senior Associate (Accounting Firm)
6
Answers
Springfield, Massachusetts
Updated
Ayisha’s Answer
Hi Karina!
I agree with the answers above. I just want to add that with the growth of technology in accounting, many new doors are opening in the industry. An accounting degree can help you explore different paths like business administration, data analytics, accounting IT systems, and even management roles. If you're passionate about this field and have strong Excel skills, I believe you will do great in your career.
I agree with the answers above. I just want to add that with the growth of technology in accounting, many new doors are opening in the industry. An accounting degree can help you explore different paths like business administration, data analytics, accounting IT systems, and even management roles. If you're passionate about this field and have strong Excel skills, I believe you will do great in your career.
Jannie Cooper
Accountant
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Jannie’s Answer
Accounting is generally a stable and practical major with plenty of career opportunities, making it a “safe” choice for many. But the best decision comes from matching the major with your interests and strengths. If you enjoy working with numbers, problem-solving, and have attention to detail, accounting could be a rewarding path. If you’re unsure, try introductory courses or internships to see how you feel about the work before committing.
Franny Buzimkich
Executive Concierge
23
Answers
Wolcott, Connecticut
Updated
Franny’s Answer
Hi Karina,
Choosing to pursue a career in accounting can be considered a "safe" decision in many respects, but it depends on your interests, goals, and the context of the job market. Here are some points to consider:
Why Accounting Can Be a Safe Choice:
Steady Demand: Almost every business needs accounting professionals to handle finances, taxes, auditing, and compliance. This creates a steady demand for qualified accountants.
Diverse Opportunities: Accounting skills are applicable across industries like finance, government, non-profits, healthcare, and more.
Clear Career Path: There are well-defined career milestones in accounting, such
Choosing to pursue a career in accounting can be considered a "safe" decision in many respects, but it depends on your interests, goals, and the context of the job market. Here are some points to consider:
Why Accounting Can Be a Safe Choice:
Steady Demand: Almost every business needs accounting professionals to handle finances, taxes, auditing, and compliance. This creates a steady demand for qualified accountants.
Diverse Opportunities: Accounting skills are applicable across industries like finance, government, non-profits, healthcare, and more.
Clear Career Path: There are well-defined career milestones in accounting, such
Caitlin Canton
Human Resources Manager
31
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Karina!
It's definitely scary when we have heard about a lot of layoffs and know emerging technology is going to change our job landscape over the next several years. It's very normal to be worried about this.
I think that having a good understanding of business (accounting is a great way to achieve that) is going to be really helpful no matter the industry you work in. Accounting can be challenging, but there are so many different types of jobs out there. There are firms of all sizes, and it is something you can eventually be skilled in to potentially go into business for yourself. Every company, whether 1 employee or thousands, needs accountants to manage the income and expenses. And public companies need to meet other regulatory requirements that often create the need for accounting (both within the company and external accountants like at a Big 4).
I think that AI might help create efficiencies with repeatable tasks, but in accounting you will always need humans to stay on top of regulatory changes, check the quality of the work being done, and use professional judgement that AI just cannot do. I personally think accounting is a "safe" choice, but also want to encourage you to choose something that also feels interesting (even to some degree). Many people choose it because it feels safe, but they hate it. If you really can't stand doing something, it will be hard to be motivated to perform at your best and invest the time necessary to really excel and grow in your career. But it is a great starting point to learn the foundations of business, along with other important skills like analytical thinking, problem solving, communication, and skepticism. Good luck!!
It's definitely scary when we have heard about a lot of layoffs and know emerging technology is going to change our job landscape over the next several years. It's very normal to be worried about this.
I think that having a good understanding of business (accounting is a great way to achieve that) is going to be really helpful no matter the industry you work in. Accounting can be challenging, but there are so many different types of jobs out there. There are firms of all sizes, and it is something you can eventually be skilled in to potentially go into business for yourself. Every company, whether 1 employee or thousands, needs accountants to manage the income and expenses. And public companies need to meet other regulatory requirements that often create the need for accounting (both within the company and external accountants like at a Big 4).
I think that AI might help create efficiencies with repeatable tasks, but in accounting you will always need humans to stay on top of regulatory changes, check the quality of the work being done, and use professional judgement that AI just cannot do. I personally think accounting is a "safe" choice, but also want to encourage you to choose something that also feels interesting (even to some degree). Many people choose it because it feels safe, but they hate it. If you really can't stand doing something, it will be hard to be motivated to perform at your best and invest the time necessary to really excel and grow in your career. But it is a great starting point to learn the foundations of business, along with other important skills like analytical thinking, problem solving, communication, and skepticism. Good luck!!