Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting is a challenging but rewarding academic experience that opens doors to numerous career opportunities. While general education courses in subjects such as English, history, and science, will be required to earn a degree, students in the accounting program will also focus on coursework in taxation, managerial accounting, auditing, financial accounting, and accounting information systems. Learn more about Pepperdine’s accounting program and the degree in general below
Which bachelor degree is the best choice to become an accountant?
While multiple fields of study can lead to a career as an accountant, earning a bachelor of science in accounting is the most direct option. Students who study accounting learn the fundamentals of accounting principles, auditing procedures, and taxation laws. Beyond earning a degree in accounting, a bachelor of science in finance can also be advantageous as students gain foundational knowledge in both accounting and finance.
What are some of the requirements to become an accountant?
Though requirements vary according to the company or location, accountants generally must have earned a college degree, passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, and have some professional experience. Honing analytical and communication skills, as well as being familiar with financial markets and business operations are also critical components to becoming an accountant.
Can I major in accounting if math is not my strongest subject?
The primary focus of accounting entails analyzing financial data, preparing financial statements, and assuring adherence to tax laws and regulations. Earning a degree in accounting can be challenging due to the complex nature of the subject matter, however it is not necessarily categorized as math-heavy. Students who are dedicated, diligent, and hard-working can successfully earn an accounting degree.
What does the path after graduation look like for an accountant?
Obtaining a degree in accounting is the first step to entering the field. Many accounting programs offer internships that allow students to gain relevant work experience before graduating. Additionally, obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license may require several years of work experience but there are alternative paths to entry-level accounting positions that do not require licensure.
What is the average salary of an accountant?
Obtaining a bachelor of science degree in accounting can be a beneficial investment in one's future. In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that accountants and auditors earned a median annual salary of $73,561. Job opportunities for accountants and auditors are forecasted to grow at a rate of 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, surpassing the average growth rate of all occupations.
What is the difference between earning a BA or BS in accounting?
The disparity between a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS) in accounting is centered on the distinct curriculum for each program. A bachelor of science in accounting generally requires rigorous coursework in mathematics and natural sciences, whereas a bachelor of arts in accounting is concerned with a more expansive exposure to liberal arts coursework. Both degrees can lead to a flourishing profession in accounting.
What classes are required for an accounting degree?
The specific classes required for an accounting degree may vary depending on the program, but typically include courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, information systems, economics, and business law. Additionally, the majority of accounting programs require courses based in mathematics such as calculus and statistics.
What skills do you need to be an accountant?
Successful accountants are skilled in the following areas: analytical and critical thinking abilities, unwavering focus on details, exceptional communication, and the capacity to perform effectively under demanding circ*mstances. Having proficient knowledge of financial markets, tax regulations, and business operations is also indispensable.
In summary, the study of accounting can lead to a successful post-academic career for those interested in accounting principles and financial markets. While the degree requires hard work, dedication, and attention to detail, anyone can succeed in the program with effort. Obtaining an undergraduate degree in accounting is the first step towards a successful career and opportunities for work experience, available through internships and alternative entry-level positions, can help make it a reality. If you’re interested in becoming an accountant, explore more about Pepperdine’s accounting degree program.
FAQs
All accounting students are required to take courses in Algebra and Statistics in their first two years of study. These mathematic courses usually include College Algebra, Elementary Statistics and Business Statistics. As a student dives deeper into the major, they will come across many new math classes.
What to know before majoring in accounting? ›
Essential skills for accounting majors may include1:
- Strong math and analytical skills.
- Problem solving.
- Strict attention to detail.
- Organization and planning.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks, and other popular finance and accounting software.
- Knowledge of GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles)
Familiarizing yourself with common accounting terms can go a long way towards making you much more comfortable with the entire accounting process.
- Double-entry accounting. ...
- Debits and credits. ...
- Chart of accounts. ...
- Cash accounting method. ...
- Accrual accounting method. ...
- Assets. ...
- Liabilities. ...
- Revenue and income.
The standard education requirement for accountants is a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. You may also become an accountant with a related major like business. During your undergraduate accounting education, you learn the fundamentals of being an accountant by taking courses on topics like: Tax law.
Is a bachelor's in accounting hard? ›
Earning a degree in accounting can be challenging due to the complex nature of the subject matter, however it is not necessarily categorized as math-heavy. Students who are dedicated, diligent, and hard-working can successfully earn an accounting degree.
Is accounting a lot of math? ›
Expertise in mathematics is not required to succeed as a bookkeeper or an accountant. What is needed, however, is the confidence and ability to be able to add, subtract, multiply, divide as well as use decimals, fractions and percentages.
Is a bachelor's in accounting worth it? ›
An accounting degree lays the foundation for many careers in business, including entrepreneurial ones. Once you gain experience and establish business contacts, you may consider starting your own business. Whether in tax accounting or consulting, you can pursue several avenues with an accounting background.
Is it hard to pass accounting? ›
The overall CPA Exam pass rates hover slightly below 50%. This makes passing the CPA Exam a difficult, but achievable, goal. You'll need to study wisely, set a strategy for managing your time, and call on your support network, but with the right plan and good study materials, you will conquer it.
How do I know if accounting is for me? ›
Examine your interests and skills to determine which accounting career resonates with you the most. Consider areas where you excel—like financial analysis, problem-solving, or attention to detail. This will help you choose a path that aligns with your natural abilities.
What are the 3 basics of accounting? ›
What are the Golden Rules of Accounting?
- Debit what comes in - credit what goes out.
- Credit the giver and Debit the Receiver.
- Credit all income and debit all expenses.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Understanding the Accounting Equation. ...
- Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Financial Statements. ...
- Step 3: Learning to Record Business Transactions. ...
- Step 4: Posting Journal Entries to the Ledger. ...
- Step 5: Prepare the Trial Balance. ...
- Step 6: Make Adjusting Entries. ...
- Step 7: Prepare Financial Statements.
Important technical skills include deep knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, the ability to prepare financial documents, and proficiency with accounting information systems and software tools.
What do you need for an accounting degree? ›
To earn this Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, students must successfully complete 120 semester-credit hours of coursework in areas that include accounting finance and management, communications, humanities, social sciences and mathematics.
What kind of math is used for accounting? ›
Algebra. Double-entry accounting requires an understanding of algebra to balance debits and credits. Accountants also use algebra to calculate liabilities and depreciation. Understanding algebraic equations helps accountants manage financial data and recommend strategies.
What do we need to study accounting? ›
Those applying to study accounting are usually required to demonstrate a strong background in mathematics, while those who have taken courses in statistics or business will be at an additional advantage.
What do I need to know if I want to be an accountant? ›
How to become an accountant
- Obtain a bachelor's degree. While not all accounting positions require a bachelor's degree, many do. ...
- Get an internship or entry-level position. ...
- Choose a specialty. ...
- Determine whether to pursue certification. ...
- Pass all required exams. ...
- Consider pursuing continuing education.
Accounting is considered one of the most difficult subjects at University, and likely the most challenging in the college of business. From my experience, there are several folks who will attempt to get an accounting degree and ultimately fail due only to lack of ability and not lack of dedication.
What knowledge should an accountant have? ›
Despite wide variation in their respective duties, successful accounting professionals all possess the same main skills. Key examples include financial analysis, critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence with specialized financial software platforms.
What do first year accounting students do? ›
A first year of study will typically function as a foundation year, allowing a student to understand the overall function of an accountant, usually with a focus on courses such as the study of company structure or business computing.
