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What are some things I should know about Finance or Accounting?
Hello I am a junior in high school interested in a financial or accounting type of jobs so i'm wondering about the finance and accountant classes, the things people do in those classes and which between the two I should choose.
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10 answers
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Alanna’s Answer
It’s fantastic that you’re looking into this now! I often tell people I wish everyone took basic accounting and finance classes—they are the "language of business" and are helpful in almost every career path. If you like numbers, both are great, but they use very different parts of your brain.
Accounting - focus on rules, accuracy, and solving complex puzzles. You are ensuring every dollar is tracked correctly and follows the accounting rules. Choose this if you love organization, high attention to detail, and the satisfaction of a balanced "bookshelf."
Finance - focus on strategy, trends, and big-picture thinking. More forward looking and strategic. Choose this if you enjoy planning, evaluating risks, and figuring out "what comes next."
Maybe start with accounting first - it will give you the foundation you'd need for a career in finance.
Accounting - focus on rules, accuracy, and solving complex puzzles. You are ensuring every dollar is tracked correctly and follows the accounting rules. Choose this if you love organization, high attention to detail, and the satisfaction of a balanced "bookshelf."
Finance - focus on strategy, trends, and big-picture thinking. More forward looking and strategic. Choose this if you enjoy planning, evaluating risks, and figuring out "what comes next."
Maybe start with accounting first - it will give you the foundation you'd need for a career in finance.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Kailan
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Often very safe jobs. You can likely find a job out of college, and can likely keep it, regardless of how the economy goes. Accounting is almost recession proof for a career. Although finance may pay more, accounting can be more stable (albeit just as demanding)
Thanks for the help.
Kailan
Updated
Gus’s Answer
If you had to compare the two, I would recommend starting with accounting. Understanding accounting basics will take you very far, as it represents the basis for how companies do business. As you get into more advanced classes, consider taking a finance class to see if that interests you. Your accounting background will go a long way in those early finance classes. Whatever you choose, both careers have a multitude of different opportunities in the marketplace.
Updated
Kodai’s Answer
Accounting gives you a strong foundation for both fields and it teaches how money moves through a business. Choose finance if you like strategy, investing, and business decision-making.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in finance account related careers.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to finance & accounting, e.g. Accountant, Auditor, Finance Manager, Financial Advisor, Financial Analyst, Banker, etc. you can find out more related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what careers you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Select the relevant subjects in your high school course
6. Attend information sessions hosted by relevant department of the colleges and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to finance & accounting, e.g. Accountant, Auditor, Finance Manager, Financial Advisor, Financial Analyst, Banker, etc. you can find out more related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what careers you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Select the relevant subjects in your high school course
6. Attend information sessions hosted by relevant department of the colleges and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Rebecca, thank you!
Kailan
Updated
MRINALINI’s Answer
Hi Kailan,
From a Career Perspective
A) Study Accounting if you like:
- Structure, rules, and detail
- Working with reports and accuracy
B) Study Finance if you like:
- Big-picture thinking
- Making decisions and analyzing opportunities
It is really helpful if you try to learn the basics of both Accounting and Finance.
From a Career Perspective
A) Study Accounting if you like:
- Structure, rules, and detail
- Working with reports and accuracy
B) Study Finance if you like:
- Big-picture thinking
- Making decisions and analyzing opportunities
It is really helpful if you try to learn the basics of both Accounting and Finance.
Updated
Danna’s Answer
Hi Kailan, I hope you're doing well!
It's important to know that while finance and accounting are connected, they can be quite different in the working world. You should start by figuring out which one interests you more. There are many topics in both fields, so you can choose what you want to focus on. I'm an accounting major, so I might be a little biased, but I believe accounting gives you a strong foundation for almost anything related to finance. Think about your personality: if you enjoy details and precision, accounting might be a good fit. If you prefer interpreting and analyzing, finance could be the way to go. Of course, you can always explore both areas!
It's important to know that while finance and accounting are connected, they can be quite different in the working world. You should start by figuring out which one interests you more. There are many topics in both fields, so you can choose what you want to focus on. I'm an accounting major, so I might be a little biased, but I believe accounting gives you a strong foundation for almost anything related to finance. Think about your personality: if you enjoy details and precision, accounting might be a good fit. If you prefer interpreting and analyzing, finance could be the way to go. Of course, you can always explore both areas!
Steven Graham
Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, VP Finance
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Steven’s Answer
Kailan,
The future of accounting will be very different than when I entered the profession. Please take a look at the March issue of the Journal of Accountancy for great articles as to what you should be focusing on in your studies. From a career standpoint, I found that it was a profession that was able to be adapted to many different industries and that there were always jobs - take a look a linkedin now and you can see how many jobs at all levels are available. As an example, I worked in fast foods, tech, health care and services during my career..very different but the backbone was always the same...
The future of accounting will be very different than when I entered the profession. Please take a look at the March issue of the Journal of Accountancy for great articles as to what you should be focusing on in your studies. From a career standpoint, I found that it was a profession that was able to be adapted to many different industries and that there were always jobs - take a look a linkedin now and you can see how many jobs at all levels are available. As an example, I worked in fast foods, tech, health care and services during my career..very different but the backbone was always the same...
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Kailan
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
In summary, Finance is the "broader" scope, Accounting is the basics, and as a previous answer states, you can start with it and then move into finance -you NEED accounting basics to learn finance. I suggest you to use Accounting as a way to learn the basics and then research more about Financial Analysis and the tools it uses. It's a fun world, complex, challenging and always exciting!
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Alice’s Answer
Hi Kailan, in finance, there are three main areas: operational finance, compliance/regulatory finance, and financing finance. Operational finance includes tasks like budgeting and planning. Compliance/regulatory finance involves accounting and auditing. Financing finance covers roles like banking and mergers. Each area requires a different mindset, and switching between them can be tough once you specialize. I suggest taking classes in each area to see which one you prefer. Also, consider doing internships in at least two of these areas. This will help you understand the work environment and mindset needed for each. For instance, both auditors and investment bankers work long hours, but auditors have more predictable schedules compared to investment bankers, who focus on deals.
Thank you for the advice, Alice.
Kailan