I have my BS in Communications but really want to be an accountant. How would you advise me to go about getting a job in the accounting field since my background is not what most accounting firms are looking for? Thank you!

RE: Roberta

If you don't go for a BS in accounting I would recommend obtaining at least a certificate in accounting from a university. No firm is going to consider your resume without some degree in accounting or related field unless you have related experience.

I am currently a 2nd year accounting student (double majoring in international studies.) Would a minor in computer science be worth my time and valuable to both myself and prospective employers in the future? Would a double minor in english and finance be better? Do any of them matter?

It really depends on what firms or jobs you apply to. Personally I think focusing on your accounting classes and getting a high GPA for your major would be much more beneficial than any minor. Computer science may be useful if you want to go into job dealing with accounting systems or auditing information systems but I think a MIS degree is would be better geared for that anyway. International studies may help you if your applying for a big firm or international company with international clients. I don't think english would do anything for an accounting major. I'm not really sure if finance is helpful or not or if it improves your chances at all.

What is your annal vacation time?

I get 3 weeks after being with same firm 5 years. Had 2 weeks up until last year. I can take pay instead of taking vacation, carry over, or take them.

Also you may have to schedule your vacation around tax seasons (For us that is February 25 - April 15th and August 25-October 15th). That's not a rule, but it just wouldn't be fair to other coworkers.

TJ,

I am currently a Junior accounting major. Would you recommend double majoring in Finance as well? I would have to take four additional Finance classes resulting in an extra semester of school. Do you think it is worth the investment?

Also in today's market, how important is it to pursue a masters degree??

Thanks.

Louie,

I don't really think it will help much. I'm not sure how much the big four value minors though. If you aren't sure you want to do accounting your whole life you might want to have the minor to broaden your options, even though you have many different options with just an accounting degree to start out with (public or private or government agencies, audit, tax, law ). Finance is a lot different then accounting so I don't think the stuff you learn will come into much use. It would be much more valuable to use that extra semester to study and take the CPA exam if you don't already plan to do that. Also as mentioned in previous comments, I think getting a higher GPA for your accounting degree is better than a lower GPA with a minor.

A masters degree can be used to distinguish you from the people with only a bachelors. It's good when jobs are sparse. I think in accounting though a CPA license is much more valuable.

I just got a bachelors degree in Math with a concentration in computer science. I want to have a career in accounting though. Would it better try for business school and go for an MS in accounting then get another Bachelors?

Im doing my diploma in accounting at the moment.people say you need a BCOM only to be able to be a c.a......so is they any other way for me to a c.a? is they any hope at all

I am about to be a senior in high school and I am planning to attend college and major in accounting. Can I get any tips on college programs that I should apply to such a AACSB accredited. What can I do during my spare time to prepare for a major in accounting?

Look for internships they will help beef up your resume and might give you an extra edge. Also it might be a little late for this now but my school offered an accounting class in high school that helped me learn the basics.

In your spare time you can read the codifications :)

RE: TJ

I don't have an accounting class in high school, but I've learned some of the basics online. I guess I'll just read the codifications and try to look for internships in NYC somehow (online isn't really helping). Is knowledge in math and calculus important for accounting or do I just have to be comfortable with basic math and numbers?
Thanks for your time :)

Hello fellow NYer, I live and work in Westchester.

Most likely advanced math won't be necessary in the field (though you maybe required to take those courses). Knowing Microsoft Excel is important so definitely make sure your college has that in their curriculum or take a course as an elective.

If you really eager you could try cold calling (or send email) to some of the firms in your area to see if they are looking for interns. I got my full time job right out of school by sending my resume to all firms I could in Westchester regardless if they had a help wanted posting.

I'm enrolled in the CPA program (post-bac) at my university, having graduated with a bachelors in biology. My GPA right now is only 2.39 and I still have 5 more classes to complete until I finish and can sit for the CPA exam. If I graduate with a GPA above 2.5, which isn't very high, but pass the CPA exam, will it be nearly impossible for me to find a job working as a CPA?

I think passing the CPA will erase some of the negative effect of having a bad grade. You might not get an interview with the Big Four but the smaller firms could overlook your GPA if you have other positive points on your resume (your location, CPA, internship experience). What is a CPA program? Do you still receive a bachelor in accounting or is it just a certificate?

Hey TJ, thanks for the post. I am currently in my 1st semester at corning c.c. working toward my assoc. in accounting. If I am not really concerned with the big 4 does it matter where I go to get my bachelors? I would like to stay in the s.u.n.y. system(tuition rates are awesome compared to az.). I'm 33, should I be concerned with the big 4? How/what should I focus/concentrate on?

Hello TJ,

I' am a first year accounting student with an online university. I would like
to know how intense is the math on Th CPA and on the job? Also, how would you rate the CPA out of scale of 1- 10( 10, being the highest)? I' am coming from a law enforcement background and this field is new to me. I would appreciate if you can paint a picture for me?? Thank you

You get a calculator when you take the CPA exam. The math isn't really complex on the CPA exam or on the job either. Most of the accounting is more with dealing with the numbers rather than computing them. The CPA exam is definitely a 10 because it is the hardest test I will ever have to take and it covers a large depth of information but I believe if you really set your mind to it you and spend the time you should be able to pass it.

I currently have my Masters in Accounting and have sent emails to some local accounting firms with my resume. should I start cold calling i.e. just show up after 5:00 pm when the secretary has gone home?