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Do you need a business degree if you want to be an accountant ?
If so why do I need one is it important.is there another way of becoming an accountant without one. Do I evens need to to collage to at all to be an accountant.
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6 answers
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Heather’s Answer
I earned my bachelor's degree in business, focusing on accounting. If you're considering a career in accounting, I believe it's wise to obtain a degree in this field. You'll gain a solid understanding of accounting principles and discover various career options within the industry that may interest you. Having an accounting degree can open up more opportunities for you. Many employers may prefer to hire someone with an accounting degree over someone without one. Best of luck!
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Jeremy’s Answer
Hello Lillian!
Definitely, yes! Although you can find some basic book-keeping jobs without a degree, most accounting roles need higher education. Plus, if you're looking to work in public accounting, having a CPA is important, and that requires around 150 credit-hours, including several accounting courses. Without a degree, climbing the career ladder might be tough, as many industries require certifications for top positions.
Wishing you all the best!
Definitely, yes! Although you can find some basic book-keeping jobs without a degree, most accounting roles need higher education. Plus, if you're looking to work in public accounting, having a CPA is important, and that requires around 150 credit-hours, including several accounting courses. Without a degree, climbing the career ladder might be tough, as many industries require certifications for top positions.
Wishing you all the best!
Updated
Ileana’s Answer
If you want to become a professional accountant you should consider getting a college degree in accounting. A general business degree will not help you gain the specific skills you need to become a professional accountant. If you are considering becoming a CPA, you may want to look into which specific courses/degree you need to satisfy the educational requirement with your state's board of accounting.
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Luke’s Answer
To become an accountant, a business degree, particularly in accounting or a related field, is often considered beneficial and can provide a solid foundation for the profession. However, having a business degree is not always a strict requirement to pursue a career in accounting. Here are some points to consider:
Education Requirements: The educational requirements to become an accountant can vary depending on the country and the specific type of accounting you wish to pursue. In many countries, including the United States, a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is typically required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or to gain entry-level positions in accounting firms and organizations.
Knowledge and Skills: A business degree with a specialization in accounting equips you with relevant knowledge and skills in areas such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. It provides a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and relevant software tools.
Professional Certifications: While a business degree can be helpful, it's important to note that obtaining professional certifications, such as the CPA designation, can be equally important or even more valuable in the accounting field. These certifications often have specific educational requirements and exams that need to be completed.
Alternative Paths: If you don't have a business degree, there are alternative paths to becoming an accountant. Some individuals pursue an associate degree in accounting or take specialized accounting courses to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Additionally, some accounting firms or employers may offer training programs or apprenticeships to help individuals gain practical experience and on-the-job training.
Experience and Continuing Education: In the accounting field, practical experience and ongoing professional development are highly valued. While a business degree can provide a foundation, gaining real-world experience through internships, entry-level positions, or working under the supervision of experienced accountants is crucial for career advancement. Furthermore, accountants often engage in continuing education to stay updated with changing regulations and industry practices.
Ultimately, the importance of a business degree for a career in accounting can depend on various factors, including the specific job requirements, employer preferences, and the local job market. It's advisable to research the requirements in your desired location and seek guidance from accounting professionals or academic advisors to determine the best educational path for your specific career goals.
Education Requirements: The educational requirements to become an accountant can vary depending on the country and the specific type of accounting you wish to pursue. In many countries, including the United States, a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is typically required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or to gain entry-level positions in accounting firms and organizations.
Knowledge and Skills: A business degree with a specialization in accounting equips you with relevant knowledge and skills in areas such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. It provides a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and relevant software tools.
Professional Certifications: While a business degree can be helpful, it's important to note that obtaining professional certifications, such as the CPA designation, can be equally important or even more valuable in the accounting field. These certifications often have specific educational requirements and exams that need to be completed.
Alternative Paths: If you don't have a business degree, there are alternative paths to becoming an accountant. Some individuals pursue an associate degree in accounting or take specialized accounting courses to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Additionally, some accounting firms or employers may offer training programs or apprenticeships to help individuals gain practical experience and on-the-job training.
Experience and Continuing Education: In the accounting field, practical experience and ongoing professional development are highly valued. While a business degree can provide a foundation, gaining real-world experience through internships, entry-level positions, or working under the supervision of experienced accountants is crucial for career advancement. Furthermore, accountants often engage in continuing education to stay updated with changing regulations and industry practices.
Ultimately, the importance of a business degree for a career in accounting can depend on various factors, including the specific job requirements, employer preferences, and the local job market. It's advisable to research the requirements in your desired location and seek guidance from accounting professionals or academic advisors to determine the best educational path for your specific career goals.
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T.J.’s Answer
Hello Lillian!
For many employers, they expect candidates to have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. So, the answer will frequently stand at, "Yes."
For other places, the answer might be, "No."
- Yes, it is absolutely necessary to have a degree to become a CMA certified accountant.
- No, it is not necessary to have a degree to enter other roles, such as an accounting clerk or bookkeeper.
Read and watch these videos to learn more about entering accounting:
- Indeed | Everything You Need To Know About How To Become an Accountant | https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-an-accountant
- Fehzan Mehdi | Self-study vs University | https://youtu.be/KclWWkuKxfs
- Corporately Nicole | 😱 Accounting Advice | https://youtu.be/bD4deBxKIec
Ultimately, it depends on your goals for the field.
If you're against college, do another route! If you're adamant about being a certified accountant...then you need to get your degree.
Sending you good luck as you enter accounting :)
For many employers, they expect candidates to have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. So, the answer will frequently stand at, "Yes."
For other places, the answer might be, "No."
- Yes, it is absolutely necessary to have a degree to become a CMA certified accountant.
- No, it is not necessary to have a degree to enter other roles, such as an accounting clerk or bookkeeper.
Read and watch these videos to learn more about entering accounting:
- Indeed | Everything You Need To Know About How To Become an Accountant | https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-an-accountant
- Fehzan Mehdi | Self-study vs University | https://youtu.be/KclWWkuKxfs
- Corporately Nicole | 😱 Accounting Advice | https://youtu.be/bD4deBxKIec
Ultimately, it depends on your goals for the field.
If you're against college, do another route! If you're adamant about being a certified accountant...then you need to get your degree.
Sending you good luck as you enter accounting :)
Updated
Ching’s Answer
No. I am a computer scientist and a CPA.