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What degree did you need to become and accountant?
What degree did you need to become an accountant?
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Vianne’s Answer
Most people who want to become accountants start with a bachelor's degree in accounting. Some choose finance or business, but accounting is usually the easiest path because it teaches skills like taxes, financial statements, and managing money, which employers want. If you enjoy organizing, numbers, or solving problems, accounting might be a good fit for you.
If you're aiming to become a CPA, which is highly respected in accounting, you'll need to take a few extra steps. In the U.S., most states require about 150 college credits before you can take the CPA exam. Many students get a master's degree or take extra classes after their bachelor's. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants helps guide the profession, and having a CPA can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
The nice thing about accounting is that the career path is clear and stable. You can work in areas like corporate accounting, tax, payroll, auditing, or even forensic accounting. My best advice is to focus on internships or part-time jobs while you're in school because real-world experience is really helpful when you're looking for a job.
If you're aiming to become a CPA, which is highly respected in accounting, you'll need to take a few extra steps. In the U.S., most states require about 150 college credits before you can take the CPA exam. Many students get a master's degree or take extra classes after their bachelor's. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants helps guide the profession, and having a CPA can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
The nice thing about accounting is that the career path is clear and stable. You can work in areas like corporate accounting, tax, payroll, auditing, or even forensic accounting. My best advice is to focus on internships or part-time jobs while you're in school because real-world experience is really helpful when you're looking for a job.
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Hovendra’s Answer
To become an accountant, it's usually best to get a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related business field. Many employers also look for candidates who are on the CPA path, which might require extra accounting credits beyond a bachelor's degree and, in some states, a total of 150 semester hours to take the CPA exam. If you're aiming for a career in public accounting, focus more on whether your degree covers the courses needed for licensure and gives you a solid base in audit, tax, or advisory work. A good step is to check your state board's CPA education rules and pick a program that matches them.
Career paths with an accounting degree:
- Public accounting: Work in audit, tax, or advisory roles at firms. This is great if you want to become a CPA and advance in a structured way.
- Corporate accounting: Positions like staff accountant, SEC reporting, internal audit, or FP&A roles within a company.
- Government/nonprofit: Stable jobs in agencies, municipalities, or organizations with a mission.
- Specialized paths: Options like forensic accounting, compliance, risk management, internal controls, or consulting.
Best degree by goal:
- Want to be an accountant/CPA: Accounting is the best choice.
- Want broader finance careers: A finance degree might suit you better.
- Not sure yet: Business administration offers flexibility but is less focused on accounting.
- Want a quicker start: An associate degree can get you started, but a bachelor's degree offers better long-term opportunities.
My advice:
If you're already set on accounting, major in accounting and plan your courses to meet CPA requirements in your state. It's the most efficient path and keeps many options open in accounting, audit, tax, and controllership.
Career paths with an accounting degree:
- Public accounting: Work in audit, tax, or advisory roles at firms. This is great if you want to become a CPA and advance in a structured way.
- Corporate accounting: Positions like staff accountant, SEC reporting, internal audit, or FP&A roles within a company.
- Government/nonprofit: Stable jobs in agencies, municipalities, or organizations with a mission.
- Specialized paths: Options like forensic accounting, compliance, risk management, internal controls, or consulting.
Best degree by goal:
- Want to be an accountant/CPA: Accounting is the best choice.
- Want broader finance careers: A finance degree might suit you better.
- Not sure yet: Business administration offers flexibility but is less focused on accounting.
- Want a quicker start: An associate degree can get you started, but a bachelor's degree offers better long-term opportunities.
My advice:
If you're already set on accounting, major in accounting and plan your courses to meet CPA requirements in your state. It's the most efficient path and keeps many options open in accounting, audit, tax, and controllership.
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Daniel’s Answer
I got a Bachelor of Science in Finance. There is no set degree for becoming an accountant. (accounting degree is definitely best)
If you're positive about becoming an accountant - then I would recommend a bachelor of science in Accounting! This will give you the best chance at getting a job and you'll already be set up to take the CPA if you choose!
If you're like me - and was not sure about what you wanted to do - I would recommend a bachelor of science in Finance because it will allow you pick from more options.... the only downside of this is you may not be CPA eligible if you choose that route.
I am a tax accountant at Deloitte and I work with people with these 3 main Majors (Accounting / Finance / Economincs).
Good Luck!!!
If you're positive about becoming an accountant - then I would recommend a bachelor of science in Accounting! This will give you the best chance at getting a job and you'll already be set up to take the CPA if you choose!
If you're like me - and was not sure about what you wanted to do - I would recommend a bachelor of science in Finance because it will allow you pick from more options.... the only downside of this is you may not be CPA eligible if you choose that route.
I am a tax accountant at Deloitte and I work with people with these 3 main Majors (Accounting / Finance / Economincs).
Good Luck!!!
Updated
Lucas’s Answer
I also got a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. You can also do Finance, but if you are planning on going down the Accounting route, I would definitely choose to get an Accounting degree rather than a Finance degree. One reason I chose to get an Accounting degree rather than Finance is because it is much harder to shift into Accounting from Finance than to shift from Finance into Accounting. With Accounting, you can more or less choose both Finance/Accounting occupations, but with a Finance degree, not that it is impossible to go down the Accounting route, but it is much more difficult. Hope this helps!
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Lisa’s Answer
I studied accounting, and I think it's a great choice. Going for your CPA license can really open doors. You can either get a master's in accounting or check out what you need to do to get your CPA without a master's. Keep going—you're on the right track!
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Michael’s Answer
I got a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. The program usually takes five years to meet the education needed to become a certified public accountant. Some colleges let you earn an MBA in the fifth year. I highly recommend getting the CPA credential, as it can lead to more opportunities in your career.