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What classes should I take to be an accountant?
Im a 10th grader
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7 answers
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Daniel’s Answer
Great Question Braylon!
Accounting is a great career and almost every business has a AR/AP department. You could literally work in accounting at any company! Some college courses that you will need to take are below. This may not be all your core courses but this list is a good start.
1. Micro/Macro Economics
2. Intro to Accounting
3. Financial Accounting
4. Business Statistics
5. Managerial Finance
Good luck on the journey!
Accounting is a great career and almost every business has a AR/AP department. You could literally work in accounting at any company! Some college courses that you will need to take are below. This may not be all your core courses but this list is a good start.
1. Micro/Macro Economics
2. Intro to Accounting
3. Financial Accounting
4. Business Statistics
5. Managerial Finance
Good luck on the journey!
Updated
Clare’s Answer
Hi Braylon, I would echo everything listed above and add that when you are choosing a university to look at their course requirements to fulfill an accounting degree. There are also programs that allow you to complete your undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting in four years and fulfill the requirements to take the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam. While not necessary to be an accountant, a CPA is a great certification to have in the field of accounting.
Updated
John’s Answer
I would recommend going to into college with an open mind on exactly what you want to study. College is one of the places where you can truly dictate your own path. Especially in your first year, I would recommend trying to take a wide range of classes (various types of business courses, but also maybe some coding, engineering, or social studies courses for example). The fact that you know you want to study accounting is a great start! But also don't be afraid to pivot from that path if you find something you enjoy even more. Knowing you want to study accounting will allow you to choose a college with a good business or accounting division. This is important as it will affect your opportunities after you graduate: both in terms of your alumni network and the recruitment that may or may not happen on campus.
Updated
Paul E.’s Answer
Great question!
High School Curriculums differ depending on region. However, below are some classes that will help you on the journey if you believe Accounting is your path:
- 4 Years of Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry (if still offered), Pre-Cal and/or Calculus.
- Statistics
- Intro to Accounting
- Financial Literacy (I believe a lot of High Schools are now offering this)
- Intro to Business or Business 101
- I would also try to take an advanced literature class. Although this may not seem like it matters in accounting, you may find this helpful when reading into details. This is a bit of an outside the box approach but reading, understanding, and attention to detail is key.
Good Luck!
High School Curriculums differ depending on region. However, below are some classes that will help you on the journey if you believe Accounting is your path:
- 4 Years of Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry (if still offered), Pre-Cal and/or Calculus.
- Statistics
- Intro to Accounting
- Financial Literacy (I believe a lot of High Schools are now offering this)
- Intro to Business or Business 101
- I would also try to take an advanced literature class. Although this may not seem like it matters in accounting, you may find this helpful when reading into details. This is a bit of an outside the box approach but reading, understanding, and attention to detail is key.
Good Luck!
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Admission to an accounting program generally requires a minimum of four units of college-preparatory mathematics, including two years of high school algebra, geometry and one additional advanced math class, such as calculus or pre-calculus.
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Braylon! I definitely agree with the other response here that encourages taking classes such as economics and statistics. While not every high school offers accounting classes, many at least offer economics, statistics, or other business and financial literacy classes. However, a crucial skill often overlooked by people who want to be accountants is writing skills. Accountants often need to be able to very clearly and simply explain complex financial scenarios in reports or memos, so I’d also recommend you make sure to take communications and writing classes if they are offered at your high school. I would also definitely recommend taking any classes related to data analytics or coding if they are available and you are interested. Accountants are increasingly being asked to perform data analytics by coding or using advanced technical softwares, so strong data analysis skills are definitely becoming even more highly valued. Best of luck in picking your classes!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Accounting can involve a lot of variety.
Normally in college it is closely associated with business majors.
So, a combination of math courses, like Algebra, Calculus, and business oriented math are needed.
Also, it is good to take courses in Economics (both macro and micro), and classes in finance and taxes are also helpful in the area of accounting.
Normally in college it is closely associated with business majors.
So, a combination of math courses, like Algebra, Calculus, and business oriented math are needed.
Also, it is good to take courses in Economics (both macro and micro), and classes in finance and taxes are also helpful in the area of accounting.