8 answers
Jairo
Student
Hyattsville, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
398 views
What skills can I learn now to be well prepared and stay ahead of my college peers as a current high school senior in accounting ?
I am determined to learn as much as I can about accounting right now as a senior in High School, but I'm still kind of confused about what skills I should be learning.
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8 answers
Shirley L
Accountant
78
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hi Jairo,
I recommend watching youtube videos to learn about the basics of accounting such as preparing journal entries and how to prepare financial statements. If you have time, you can also look into helpful tips and tricks in Microsoft Excel.
I recommend watching youtube videos to learn about the basics of accounting such as preparing journal entries and how to prepare financial statements. If you have time, you can also look into helpful tips and tricks in Microsoft Excel.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Jairo. As a lecturer in accounting, I'm always pleased when students show strong motivation before they even start college. Your motivation as a high school senior will help you stand out from many of your future classmates. Accounting rewards people who prepare early, so the skills you build now can make your first year of college much easier and give you a strong head start.
First, you need to focus on strengthening your basic math skills. You don't need advanced math for accounting, but you should feel comfortable with algebra, fractions, percentages, and ratios. These types of problems show up all the time in accounting. If the basics feel easy, try practicing real-life examples like calculating interest, creating simple budgets, or comparing different costs.
Next, you should learn the basic ideas and vocabulary of accounting. Begin with simple concepts like assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses, and financial statements. There are many free videos and websites that explain these terms in a clear, beginner-friendly way. You don't have to understand every detail yet. Just knowing the general meaning of these words will make your college classes feel much more familiar when you get there. All the best to you.
First, you need to focus on strengthening your basic math skills. You don't need advanced math for accounting, but you should feel comfortable with algebra, fractions, percentages, and ratios. These types of problems show up all the time in accounting. If the basics feel easy, try practicing real-life examples like calculating interest, creating simple budgets, or comparing different costs.
Next, you should learn the basic ideas and vocabulary of accounting. Begin with simple concepts like assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses, and financial statements. There are many free videos and websites that explain these terms in a clear, beginner-friendly way. You don't have to understand every detail yet. Just knowing the general meaning of these words will make your college classes feel much more familiar when you get there. All the best to you.
Priyali Kasera (she/her)
Finance
8
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
Priyali’s Answer
Hi Jairo,
To get a head start in accounting for college, focus on a few key skills. First, learn the basics like debits and credits, financial statements, and how businesses track their money. A beginner's book or an online course can be really helpful.
Next, get familiar with Excel. You don’t need to know complex formulas yet, but learn how to organize data, use simple functions, and make basic spreadsheets. This will give you an advantage in your assignments.
Also, develop habits like paying attention to detail, staying organized, double-checking your work, and keeping clear notes. These simple habits will boost your confidence in class.
For a deeper understanding, watch quick videos on topics like budgeting, bookkeeping, or financial analysis on YouTube or Coursera. Even a little exposure will help you grasp these concepts faster in college.
The aim is not to master everything now, but to build enough knowledge so nothing feels completely new in your first class. A bit of practice now can make your college journey smoother and more confident.
Good luck!
To get a head start in accounting for college, focus on a few key skills. First, learn the basics like debits and credits, financial statements, and how businesses track their money. A beginner's book or an online course can be really helpful.
Next, get familiar with Excel. You don’t need to know complex formulas yet, but learn how to organize data, use simple functions, and make basic spreadsheets. This will give you an advantage in your assignments.
Also, develop habits like paying attention to detail, staying organized, double-checking your work, and keeping clear notes. These simple habits will boost your confidence in class.
For a deeper understanding, watch quick videos on topics like budgeting, bookkeeping, or financial analysis on YouTube or Coursera. Even a little exposure will help you grasp these concepts faster in college.
The aim is not to master everything now, but to build enough knowledge so nothing feels completely new in your first class. A bit of practice now can make your college journey smoother and more confident.
Good luck!
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
188
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Jairo,
It’s great to see your determination to dive deep into accounting even before starting college! The best way to expand beyond what you learn in the classroom is by gaining practical experience through volunteer work or internships. These opportunities give you hands-on exposure to real-world accounting tasks, help you build professional connections, and let you apply your knowledge in meaningful ways.
To secure an internship or volunteer role, start by reaching out to local accounting firms, small businesses, or nonprofit organizations—many welcome help during tax season or with basic bookkeeping. You can also check with your school’s career center or online platforms like LinkedIn for entry-level or remote internships. Networking through your family, friends, or your school’s alumni can also open doors to opportunities you might not find advertised.
As for skills to focus on now, besides mastering the basics of bookkeeping and financial statements, learning how to use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel will give you a strong advantage. Excel skills are very important and will still be needed in the field of accounting, even with the advance of AI. Developing your attention to detail, analytical thinking, and communication skills will also set you apart since accountants need to interpret data clearly and explain it to others. Additionally, brushing up on basic tax concepts and understanding ethical practices in accounting can prepare you well for college courses and beyond.
Keep building both your knowledge and practical skills, and you’ll definitely stay ahead and be ready to tackle your accounting studies with confidence!
It’s great to see your determination to dive deep into accounting even before starting college! The best way to expand beyond what you learn in the classroom is by gaining practical experience through volunteer work or internships. These opportunities give you hands-on exposure to real-world accounting tasks, help you build professional connections, and let you apply your knowledge in meaningful ways.
To secure an internship or volunteer role, start by reaching out to local accounting firms, small businesses, or nonprofit organizations—many welcome help during tax season or with basic bookkeeping. You can also check with your school’s career center or online platforms like LinkedIn for entry-level or remote internships. Networking through your family, friends, or your school’s alumni can also open doors to opportunities you might not find advertised.
As for skills to focus on now, besides mastering the basics of bookkeeping and financial statements, learning how to use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel will give you a strong advantage. Excel skills are very important and will still be needed in the field of accounting, even with the advance of AI. Developing your attention to detail, analytical thinking, and communication skills will also set you apart since accountants need to interpret data clearly and explain it to others. Additionally, brushing up on basic tax concepts and understanding ethical practices in accounting can prepare you well for college courses and beyond.
Keep building both your knowledge and practical skills, and you’ll definitely stay ahead and be ready to tackle your accounting studies with confidence!
Rachel Brewer
Customer Service Representative
1
Answer
Leland, North Carolina
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
I worked as an accounting assistant and used everything I learned from my accounting degree. Understanding debits, credits, and entry instructions is important. I also recommend learning tax preparation skills, as accounting offices do more than just basic entries and financial statements. Since tax laws change often, it's crucial to stay updated with annual refreshers. Good luck with your future plans!
Monica Ward, MBA
Accountant
2
Answers
Bronx, ID
Updated
Monica’s Answer
I would suggest if you are taking any classes in the accounting field now ; complete all the assignments for the class. In addition to the assignments I would suggest you advance to complete all the work from your textbook. With all the free online education platforms you may find more advanced accounting classes. Explore careers in Accounting and please don't get caught up in the "you have to be good in math" to be a Accountant. Hope this helps.
Maryann Holsberg
HR Director
3
Answers
Stony Brook, New York
Updated
Maryann’s Answer
You're doing great! Understanding accounting concepts before college gives you a strong start. It's also a good idea to explore how data, analytics, and AI are used in the field. You can easily learn more by reading articles and doing some research. Keep going; you're on the right path!
Lisa Burnison
Human Resources
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Besides improving your accounting and math skills, focus on building your human skills too. Skills like critical thinking, analytical thinking, communication, and business sense are very important and will help you stand out. Good luck as you prepare for college. Your motivation, determination, and hard work will be key to your success!