11 answers
Margaret
Student
Lafayette, Louisiana
4
Questions
Asked
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Is there a difference in job opportunities for those with associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, or a certificate in accounting? Which option would be best for someone who already has a bachelors in an unrelated field to pursue if they wanted to become an accountant?
I am finishing up my degree in Psychology but am considering a career as an accountant. I could get a second Bachelor's in accounting, an associate's in accounting, or a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in accounting. Which would be the better option? #accounting #accountant #business #financial-accounting #finance
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11 answers
Niki Rahimi
CPA
1
Answer
San Ramon, California
Updated
Niki’s Answer
Hi There, I'd like to add that I have a Bachelor's degree in another subject area and decided to go into Accounting. I did not want to get a Master's degree so I took the additional coursework required to sit for the CPA exam in California. During my time taking courses in Accounting, I was able to attend Career events and got an internship in Accounting with Big Four. I am now working full-time as a CPA.
Samantha Brooks
Investigations & Forensics Associate
55
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Margaret,
I would recommend pursuing a Master’s degree in Accounting. There are many Master’s of Science programs that are friendly to individuals who are making a career change and do not have an undergraduate background in accounting, and I definitely saw that in my M.S. in Accounting program. Some M.S. in Accounting programs may have a few prerequisite accounting courses for individuals who did not study business or accounting in college, but you can often find budget friendly ways to take these basic accounting classes at community colleges or universities local to you or even online. Taking these prerequisite accounting courses could also be a great way to confirm that you do enjoy accounting and want to make this career switch. I would recommend looking into prerequisites for M.S. in Accounting programs you might be interested in to see if which programs might be the best fit for someone switching careers. Speaking to admissions officers for these programs could also be a great way to better understand any requirements you might need to meet before enrolling. I would also recommend researching the education requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in whatever state you want to work in, as having your CPA or even just being eligible for CPA certification (even if you haven’t finished passing the exams yet) will provide you with more job opportunities. Certain states will have stricter education requirements than others, so it’s important to ensure that whatever graduate programs you enroll in will help you meet those requirements. Additionally, you’ll need to pass 4 accounting exams to become a CPA and the study process can be long and difficult at times, so I would recommend looking for a M.S. in Accounting program that provides a lot of support in helping their students prepare for and pass the CPA exams. Best of luck on your journey! Making a career switch can be challenging, but there are definitely resources to help you as you transition into a new industry!
Research prerequisite courses for M.S. in Accounting Programs
Research CPA education requirements for the state you want to work in
I would recommend pursuing a Master’s degree in Accounting. There are many Master’s of Science programs that are friendly to individuals who are making a career change and do not have an undergraduate background in accounting, and I definitely saw that in my M.S. in Accounting program. Some M.S. in Accounting programs may have a few prerequisite accounting courses for individuals who did not study business or accounting in college, but you can often find budget friendly ways to take these basic accounting classes at community colleges or universities local to you or even online. Taking these prerequisite accounting courses could also be a great way to confirm that you do enjoy accounting and want to make this career switch. I would recommend looking into prerequisites for M.S. in Accounting programs you might be interested in to see if which programs might be the best fit for someone switching careers. Speaking to admissions officers for these programs could also be a great way to better understand any requirements you might need to meet before enrolling. I would also recommend researching the education requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in whatever state you want to work in, as having your CPA or even just being eligible for CPA certification (even if you haven’t finished passing the exams yet) will provide you with more job opportunities. Certain states will have stricter education requirements than others, so it’s important to ensure that whatever graduate programs you enroll in will help you meet those requirements. Additionally, you’ll need to pass 4 accounting exams to become a CPA and the study process can be long and difficult at times, so I would recommend looking for a M.S. in Accounting program that provides a lot of support in helping their students prepare for and pass the CPA exams. Best of luck on your journey! Making a career switch can be challenging, but there are definitely resources to help you as you transition into a new industry!
Samantha recommends the following next steps:
Huong Pham
Accountant
2
Answers
Yorba Linda, California
Updated
Huong’s Answer
Hi Margaret,
Since you have to take a significant number of accounting/business classes anyway, I'd say to go for a Master and CPA exams if it's financially feasible for you. If not, taking additional classes to fulfill CPA exams' requirements is totally ok. As long as you could use the school's connection to get an internship, you will be fine. I've seen candidates with relevant experience being chosen over ones with master degree so while a master degree does have an edge but the more valuable quality is experience in the field and the second is CPA license.
Best of Luck!
Since you have to take a significant number of accounting/business classes anyway, I'd say to go for a Master and CPA exams if it's financially feasible for you. If not, taking additional classes to fulfill CPA exams' requirements is totally ok. As long as you could use the school's connection to get an internship, you will be fine. I've seen candidates with relevant experience being chosen over ones with master degree so while a master degree does have an edge but the more valuable quality is experience in the field and the second is CPA license.
Best of Luck!
Eleanor Harowicz
Business Operations Support
47
Answers
Wind Gap, Pennsylvania
Updated
Eleanor’s Answer
Hi Margaret! This really depends on how deeply you want to go into accountancy. Do you want to become a CPA or do you want to be a bookkeeper (or somewhere in between). If your goal is to become a CPA, then you must have a bachelor's degree and sit the CPA exam. The hours of study in each course vary by state. Here's the requirements for Louisiana https://www.becker.com/cpa-review/louisiana-cpa-requirements.
Another option is taking a tax certification course through one of the major tax firms (H&R Block for example) and working as a tax preparer, which would not require a degree (though it helps). You can determine how much you want to pursue the profession before committing yourself to another degree.
Good luck!
Another option is taking a tax certification course through one of the major tax firms (H&R Block for example) and working as a tax preparer, which would not require a degree (though it helps). You can determine how much you want to pursue the profession before committing yourself to another degree.
Good luck!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Margaret
When you say I need a bachelor's for the CPA do you mean I need a bachelor's specifically in accounting?
Margaret
Yes, there are hour requirements for classes specific to an accounting degree.
Eleanor Harowicz
Winnie Mwanthi
Assurance
7
Answers
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Winnie’s Answer
Hi Margaret,
I would recommend pursuing a Master's in Accounting because you will have more opportunities and flexibility when you want to try different accounting careers. Since you already have a Bachelor's degree, universities have programs for non accounting majors to pursue a graduate degree. There are prerequisites that have to be taken but it will cost considering doing another bachelor's degree.
I would recommend pursuing a Master's in Accounting because you will have more opportunities and flexibility when you want to try different accounting careers. Since you already have a Bachelor's degree, universities have programs for non accounting majors to pursue a graduate degree. There are prerequisites that have to be taken but it will cost considering doing another bachelor's degree.
Kevin Wilson
Business Transformation
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Have you considered a Masters in Public Accounting? It would likely require some core accounting classes as prereqs in advance, but you would not need to get a second Bachelors degree
I have considered a Masters. My concern was that I wasn't sure how well it would prepare me for accounting since my undergraduate wasn't in accounting.
Margaret
Talk with some admissions personnel. I think they will tell you a degree is Psychology is a great foundation for a Masters in Accounting, contrary to popular belief. Yes, you will need to take some core coursework first, but I expect it will be less costly and more lucrative than a second bachelors degree.
Kevin Wilson
Thank you so much for the advice!
Margaret
Anthony Kofi Hene-Amoah
Translation, Editing, Project Management, Research and Evangelism
174
Answers
Jema, Brong Ahafo Region
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Please, note the following :-
1. Possession of a bachelor's
degree in an unrelated field.
2. Consideration of your major
goal (BECOMING AN
ACCOUNTANT).
3. The need to study accounting.
(It could be a certificate in
accounting level which can get
you a job, and thereby
proceeding to the professional
level later).
4. Best wishes.
1. Possession of a bachelor's
degree in an unrelated field.
2. Consideration of your major
goal (BECOMING AN
ACCOUNTANT).
3. The need to study accounting.
(It could be a certificate in
accounting level which can get
you a job, and thereby
proceeding to the professional
level later).
4. Best wishes.
Thank you for the advice!
Margaret
Supreet Brar
Accounting Consultant
1
Answer
Cleburne, Texas
Updated
Supreet’s Answer
Hi Margaret,
I think Masters in Accounting would open up so many more opportunities for you. And Accounting is one of the few fields that allow you to go for Masters in Accounting even if you don't have a Bachelors in Accounting. No certificate or post baccalaureate certification will be as helpful as Masters in Accounting. Once you are in the accounting field, you can go many different routes in Accounting, depending on your interests. Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Reach out to a college/university who offers Masters in Accounting
Ask for any pre-requisite courses that you might have to take to get enrolled
Enroll in the program and go from there!
I think Masters in Accounting would open up so many more opportunities for you. And Accounting is one of the few fields that allow you to go for Masters in Accounting even if you don't have a Bachelors in Accounting. No certificate or post baccalaureate certification will be as helpful as Masters in Accounting. Once you are in the accounting field, you can go many different routes in Accounting, depending on your interests. Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Supreet recommends the following next steps:
Alyssa Saksa
Internal Auditor
2
Answers
Lebanon, New Jersey
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
As was mentioned earlier, it will depend on what you want to do with your accounting career. If you are hesistant on jumping into a masters in accounting, you can also consider a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a concentration in accounting. It will likely require some prerequisite courses before you can jump into the graduate degree. The M.B.A. will also help you learn other areas of business as you make the switch from psychology which I think is beneficial in going into a corporate environment.
Think about what you want to do with your accounting career.
Look at different graduate degrees to see where you would be a best fit.
Shadow someone / connect with someone in the accounting field to see if its truly something you want to pursue.
Alyssa recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice! I appreciate it!
Margaret
Omoyemi Florence Akinribade, CPA
5
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Omoyemi Florence’s Answer
If you plan on progressing in a career in accounting (such as becoming a manager in public accounting firm) you will need to consider becoming a CPA. I would consider looking at your state's certification requirements. - PwC Indy
Catherine Catherine
Business Manager / CPA / Accountant
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Hi Margaret,
I think the degrees and certifications are good but in my opinion, the fastest/best way in your case to become an Accountant is to gain the experience first. I would recommend that you look for a job in the accounting industry to gain some of those experiences while pursuing the accounting degree or the more prestigious CPA credential.
When it comes to accounting, most people mention audit, tax, and consulting... but my life as an accountant is in the 4th category: business management. I am a personal CFO (aka Business Manager) for the clients, managing their accounting, bookkeeping, tax planning, and everything else related to their financial universe. We connect with vendors, insurance brokers, estate and entertainment attorneys, etc. Some of our people are Accounting majors, but some are not... or didn't start as one, similar to you, Margaret...
Hope this helps! Best of luck on your accounting journey...
I think the degrees and certifications are good but in my opinion, the fastest/best way in your case to become an Accountant is to gain the experience first. I would recommend that you look for a job in the accounting industry to gain some of those experiences while pursuing the accounting degree or the more prestigious CPA credential.
When it comes to accounting, most people mention audit, tax, and consulting... but my life as an accountant is in the 4th category: business management. I am a personal CFO (aka Business Manager) for the clients, managing their accounting, bookkeeping, tax planning, and everything else related to their financial universe. We connect with vendors, insurance brokers, estate and entertainment attorneys, etc. Some of our people are Accounting majors, but some are not... or didn't start as one, similar to you, Margaret...
Hope this helps! Best of luck on your accounting journey...