9 answers
Genevieve
Student
Cedar Rapids
78
Questions
Asked
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What majors complement an accounting minor?
Specifically, degrees other than business administration. Would software engineering/systems analyst be an option? I could work on accounting software/automating repetitious parts of accounting. I'm open to ANY suggestions!
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9 answers
Amanda Kishfy
People in Deals Senior Associate
13
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Genevieve,
First off, it's great that you are open to any options - the world is full of a countless number of courses and degrees!
I majored in Economics and now work for an accounting firm that offers audit, tax, and advisory services. Economics is applicable to a variety of jobs and outlets, and also helps you stay informed with the global economy. Some folks who are part of the same functional team as myself have their CPA, but also have a finance minor or major. Lastly, I know someone who works at the accounting firm and majored in English. Knowing how to write eloquently and read with an attentive eye comes into play in any position that you take.
I recommend that you make a list of any pros and cons of the majors I listed above (and any others suggested in this post). From there, you may be able to see which ones are more interesting to you over others. Best of luck!
First off, it's great that you are open to any options - the world is full of a countless number of courses and degrees!
I majored in Economics and now work for an accounting firm that offers audit, tax, and advisory services. Economics is applicable to a variety of jobs and outlets, and also helps you stay informed with the global economy. Some folks who are part of the same functional team as myself have their CPA, but also have a finance minor or major. Lastly, I know someone who works at the accounting firm and majored in English. Knowing how to write eloquently and read with an attentive eye comes into play in any position that you take.
I recommend that you make a list of any pros and cons of the majors I listed above (and any others suggested in this post). From there, you may be able to see which ones are more interesting to you over others. Best of luck!
Thank you! You're advise was really helpful!
Genevieve
Cindy Cline
Certified Public Accountant
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Software engineering/systems analyst would be an excellent option. The accounting minor gives you insight into the financial functioning of the business. It builds your skills in logic and analysis.
In addition to majors where the accounting minor is directly applicable, it can also be useful in any field where you're responsible for budgeting or accountable for financial measures. Many (maybe most) people in management have some financial responsibility. For example, a civil engineer might be responsible for meeting a construction budget, People working in law enforcement might be working financial fraud cases (the FBI hires a lot of accountants).
The accounting minor can give you that extra edge that you need to distinguish yourself from other job candidates and accounting is applicable to almost any field.
In addition to majors where the accounting minor is directly applicable, it can also be useful in any field where you're responsible for budgeting or accountable for financial measures. Many (maybe most) people in management have some financial responsibility. For example, a civil engineer might be responsible for meeting a construction budget, People working in law enforcement might be working financial fraud cases (the FBI hires a lot of accountants).
The accounting minor can give you that extra edge that you need to distinguish yourself from other job candidates and accounting is applicable to almost any field.
Thank you Cindy! This was really helpful!
Genevieve
Marcos Quiroz, CPA
Tax Consultant
22
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Marcos’s Answer
Hello,
In terms of the best item that complements the accounting degree, I would say that anything related to IT. While there are many degrees that can complement it, it all depends in the area of work that you will be going into. For example, if you are an accountant for an auto manufacturer, I highly recommend that you go have some insight on manufacturing processes. If you do accounting for an IT company, I suggest you have some insight on IT terms, etc.
The reason I say that it would be nice to pair and accounting degree with a computer science/IT related degree is because of the need in today's for accountants to understand accounting IT terms since the accounting world is shifting rapidly. Having an accounting degree is very beneficial and will definitely open new doors in your career.
I am a double major. I majored in both accounting and finance and I can tell you that they are very beneficial. While they are very similar, my finance knowledge is extremely helpful when working with clients in the financial markets, etc.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks!
In terms of the best item that complements the accounting degree, I would say that anything related to IT. While there are many degrees that can complement it, it all depends in the area of work that you will be going into. For example, if you are an accountant for an auto manufacturer, I highly recommend that you go have some insight on manufacturing processes. If you do accounting for an IT company, I suggest you have some insight on IT terms, etc.
The reason I say that it would be nice to pair and accounting degree with a computer science/IT related degree is because of the need in today's for accountants to understand accounting IT terms since the accounting world is shifting rapidly. Having an accounting degree is very beneficial and will definitely open new doors in your career.
I am a double major. I majored in both accounting and finance and I can tell you that they are very beneficial. While they are very similar, my finance knowledge is extremely helpful when working with clients in the financial markets, etc.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks!
I appreciate your support, Marcos. Its funny that you mentioned IT and Accounting, as I was seriously considering double majoring in these fields when I pursue my bachelor's degree. Thank you!! :)
Genevieve
Daaniyaal Hussain
Consulting
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Daaniyaal’s Answer
Hi,
The good thing about an accounting minor is that there are plenty of majors that can be paired with it. I would first try to gauge where your interests lie in terms of what line of work you would enjoy. Finance is a solid major to pair with accounting and can lead to many banking roles which will involve a greater use of analysis type work. Any technology related degree such as computer science, information systems, etc. would lead to more development and digital architecture work. Hope this helps.
The good thing about an accounting minor is that there are plenty of majors that can be paired with it. I would first try to gauge where your interests lie in terms of what line of work you would enjoy. Finance is a solid major to pair with accounting and can lead to many banking roles which will involve a greater use of analysis type work. Any technology related degree such as computer science, information systems, etc. would lead to more development and digital architecture work. Hope this helps.
Thank you! This was really helpful! :)
Genevieve
Jessica Tolentino, HRM
Recruiting
8
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi!
Another option aside from software engineering, which is an awesome choice, would be management information systems! This is pretty data focused and can be used to make decisions at companies. As time goes on, data analysis roles have been and are becoming more prevalent so there are many jobs. It can coincide well with the skills needed for accounting so can help further that career path for you or help you see other options where skills are transferrable!
Another option aside from software engineering, which is an awesome choice, would be management information systems! This is pretty data focused and can be used to make decisions at companies. As time goes on, data analysis roles have been and are becoming more prevalent so there are many jobs. It can coincide well with the skills needed for accounting so can help further that career path for you or help you see other options where skills are transferrable!
Thank you!
Genevieve
LaQuinta Scott
Talent Acquisition Recruiter
4
Answers
Clayton, North Carolina
Updated
LaQuinta’s Answer
Hey Genevieve! I am a recruiter with Verizon for our Campus Finance students, so I help students start internship, co-ops, and leadership development programs with Verizon. One thing we always love to see our accounting students to incorporate with their degree is something in the technology space. So adding computer science, data analytics, IT, information systems, etc. are always a plus. Also, look into gaining certificates as well. It helps your resume stand out from others as well as shows your genuine determination whenever you have certifications and membership associations listed on your resume. I hope this helps!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Genevieve
Zachary Joslyn
Risk and Reg
5
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
Hi,
This really depends on what field you want to work in. I would assume if you are looking at accounting and software, you are looking for something in the tech field. I would suggest something in international finance/business would also be helpful as the economy/world have shifted to global economies. You can compliment your degree with certifications in software/programming as you progress in your career as you navigate where you want to go without being stuck in a path that you may not be entirely happy with.
Do what feels most helpful in the path that you want to choose.
This really depends on what field you want to work in. I would assume if you are looking at accounting and software, you are looking for something in the tech field. I would suggest something in international finance/business would also be helpful as the economy/world have shifted to global economies. You can compliment your degree with certifications in software/programming as you progress in your career as you navigate where you want to go without being stuck in a path that you may not be entirely happy with.
Do what feels most helpful in the path that you want to choose.
Thank you!
Genevieve
Scott Foster
Consulting
31
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Accounting major here with a Computer Information Systems minor FYI. If I could do it over again I would minor in Accounting and major in Information Systems. In today's ever changing world, a technical background is very helpful! However, I would say you don't necessarily need the degree in Information System to go into a technical field. There are a ton of learning opportunities and certifications one can obtain outside of school.
Research a few career paths
Look at relevant job postings for that career to identify what employers are looking for
Scott recommends the following next steps:
Cool! Thank you!
Genevieve
Orain McLeggon
PwC Cyber, Risk and Regulatory Manager
29
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Orain’s Answer
Hello Genevieve,
I hope all is well with you.
If you are interested in IT (Systems and Tools) Audit, Cyber Audit etc, Computer Science would be a great supplement to your Accounting minor. I have seen over the years IT becoming apart of a lot of audit firm services and the shortage of resources in that space gives the resources somewhat of a negotiation power in compensation and benefit packages when being offered a job. If you need additional information, please feel free to reach out.
I hope this helps.
Thanks
O.M
I hope all is well with you.
If you are interested in IT (Systems and Tools) Audit, Cyber Audit etc, Computer Science would be a great supplement to your Accounting minor. I have seen over the years IT becoming apart of a lot of audit firm services and the shortage of resources in that space gives the resources somewhat of a negotiation power in compensation and benefit packages when being offered a job. If you need additional information, please feel free to reach out.
I hope this helps.
Thanks
O.M
Great suggestion! I could become a cyber financial analyst...I'll think about it! Thanks again!! :)
Genevieve