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What is the hardest part about studying and becoming and accountant ?
Freshman in college next year, business administration pathway, taking accounting classes to see if it interests me.
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5 answers
Steven Graham
Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, VP Finance
28
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Boynton Beach, Florida
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Steven’s Answer
Mason - the "hard" part is just like learning any profession - understanding and being able to apply the basics...once you have the first couple of accounting courses "down" and you understand the basics, the accounting theory and related courses will flow easier - it's not easy but then nothing in life is easy! Complicating matters is that you will have to take AI courses during college and be capable of applying that in accounting situations - all firms big and small and non - accounting firms are using AI is their work and anyone coming out of college from today on will have to be conversant in its use or they will be left behind...
Good luck
Good luck
Updated
Ali’s Answer
Hi Mason - building a foundation of basic accounting knowledge is key and can be hard. Once you have that down, the rest of accounting will fall into place. If you run into any roadblocks on the foundations of accounting, don't hesitate to ask your instructor for some extra explanation. I only took a few accounting courses in undergrad and grad school and now work in accounting - asking a lot of questions is that only way I got through my first year in the field. Accounting is important work for a lot of people and companies so there is no stupid question.
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Irene’s Answer
Hi Mason, I’m a Tax Manager at a Big 4 accounting firm and I also hold a CPA license. For me, the hardest part has been learning to manage the pressure that comes with multiple deadlines while also adapting to the constant changes in tax law. Over time, I’ve found that staying flexible, organized, and grounded helps me manage it better. That said, you’re already building these skills by balancing schoolwork, school events, and maybe a part-time job or hobby at the same time. I’d encourage you to keep exploring what interests you in school, stay curious, and learn as much as you can along the way. Accounting is a great starting point if you want to explore business careers. With an accounting background, you could pursue roles such as auditor, tax consultant, or advisor. Studying accounting can open the door to many different opportunities in business. Additionally, having accounting-related credits in school can make you eligible to take the CPA exam and obtain a CPA license, which can definitely make you more competitive and valuable in the business world. Wishing you all the best!
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Jada’s Answer
Hi Mason,
I also took the business administration path in undergraduate. As a freshman you will more than likely start with some beginner level courses. Business Administration has so many topics and subjects under its umbrella, so I think the hardest part might be taking some business courses that you may not have a strong interest. Courses like business analytics, statistics, or even Finance are courses you will may have to take along side your accounting courses.
However, use those classes as an opportunity to really see where your interest lies within the field. College is the time to explore and find yourself, your interest may change between now and freshman year. Take each class with a grain of salt and which ever class or subject challenges you the most in the way that you feel excited or inspired to overcome the challenge. That is how I found my love for accounting. Learning something new is always going to be hard in some aspect, but when you are excited to learn more is how you know you've found something you love!
I also took the business administration path in undergraduate. As a freshman you will more than likely start with some beginner level courses. Business Administration has so many topics and subjects under its umbrella, so I think the hardest part might be taking some business courses that you may not have a strong interest. Courses like business analytics, statistics, or even Finance are courses you will may have to take along side your accounting courses.
However, use those classes as an opportunity to really see where your interest lies within the field. College is the time to explore and find yourself, your interest may change between now and freshman year. Take each class with a grain of salt and which ever class or subject challenges you the most in the way that you feel excited or inspired to overcome the challenge. That is how I found my love for accounting. Learning something new is always going to be hard in some aspect, but when you are excited to learn more is how you know you've found something you love!
Updated
Jorge’s Answer
Hi Mason,
The hardest part of studying accounting is completing the program. Thanks so much for your question!
Best regards.
The hardest part of studying accounting is completing the program. Thanks so much for your question!
Best regards.