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Do I need to study calculus in high school to be an accountant?

I've researched it and the internet says no but the people I talk to are giving me mixed messages. I don't know who to trust on this.

accounting classes financial-accounting calculus
Thank you comment icon It's not a necessity Tweneytta Harvey
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Paul’s Answer

Absolutely! The realm of accounting is vast and diverse, with numerous types of accountants, each with their specific needs. Some may need a profound understanding of specific mathematical topics, and calculus could indeed be beneficial. However, there are also accountants who may never find themselves needing to use calculus or its principles!

Furthermore, calculus serves as a solid base for more advanced mathematical courses in probability or statistics. These subjects often come into play in financial modeling, an area where accountants may be involved. Probability and Statistics are ubiquitous, popping up in everything from surveys to polling to cryptocurrency! They can also be genuinely enjoyable courses that offer a refreshing change from the standard mathematical curriculum.

The necessity of calculus in accounting can vary greatly. It all depends on the individual's role within the accounting field and the technicality of their work. So, the need for calculus isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but rather a matter of perspective and job requirements.
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Chih’s Answer

Hello Destynee,

Guess what? You absolutely don't need to dive into calculus in high school to chase your dream of becoming an accountant! But here's a little secret - dabbling in calculus might just give your problem-solving and critical thinking skills a nice little boost. These are pretty handy skills to have in any career, not just accounting. So, even though it's not a must, getting a taste of calculus could be a fun and useful adventure if you're up for it.
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Akshay’s Answer

Hello Destynee! In the dynamic corporate landscape, the role of an accountant can range from fundamental entry-level bookkeeping to the prestigious position of a controller, encompassing all roles in between. Although calculus isn't a mandatory requirement for accountants, its importance is steadily growing in reshaping corporate accounting practices. With an increasing number of information systems and a surge in analytics, calculus can be a powerful tool in your arsenal. It's particularly beneficial when managing the complex accounting systems of large corporations. Broadly speaking, every piece of knowledge you acquire can prove useful at some point in your career. So, my advice to you is to embrace this opportunity with open arms. Go for it, Destynee!
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Wenjie’s Answer

Hi Destynee,

It's recommended that you take calculus courses in high school. Even though Accounting is not only about numbers but also about the understanding and interpretation of numbers, it is one of the most fundamental skills that is required to become an accountant. Starting early in high school to understand the principles and apply formulas will allow you to get familiar with the logics behind the numbers and will definitely hone your analytical skills. These are necessary skills that you would need to become an accountant.

I hope this advice is helpful!
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Ankur’s Answer

You don't usually need high school calculus to become an accountant. It could be useful for advanced accounting or further studies, but it's not a must-have for entry-level jobs.

What's really important is being good at basic math. You need to know algebra and geometry, and be skilled in arithmetic, percentages, and basic statistics. These are the key skills for tasks like budgeting, analyzing finances, and preparing financial reports.
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Trevor’s Answer

You don't have to, but it would help!
Thank you comment icon Hi Trevor! Can you give some ways calculus might help Destyne? Sharyn Grose, Admin
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Doreen’s Answer

Destynee - While Calculus isn't a must-have for Accounting, having strong analytical skills can certainly help you excel in this field. I concur with David's viewpoint that a diverse education can be a great asset in any career path you choose. I've witnessed numerous individuals broaden their accounting expertise and experience into wider roles. Therefore, if you find Calculus interesting, you might want to delve into it, as it could potentially aid you in future positions after your accounting career. I hope for the very best in your new journey.
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Eileen’s Answer

Hi there! To become an accountant (in particular a CPA), you will need a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting at minimum. Most colleges won't require you to have taken calculus in high school, in order to get a degree from their business school. However, your college might require you to take some form of calculus as part of the business school curriculum (my college had business school "core" classes that any business major was required to take). You might find that you are better prepared for those classes if you have already taken it in high school. Also, to become a CPA it is required to have 150 college credits. A typical graduate of a four-year college program will graduate with just 120 credits, and so accounting majors with hopes of obtaining a CPA license need to take extra classes or pursue a master's degree or other further degree in order to obtain the extra 30 credits. One great way to get the additional credits needed is by taking AP classes in high school. You will need to obtain a certain grade on the AP exam in order for your college to accept it as credits, but AP Calculus can be a great way to get ahead of the path towards 150 credits.
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Garrett’s Answer

Hello Destynee, I concur with the previous statement that mastering calculus isn't a prerequisite for becoming an accountant. However, it's worth noting that a lot of four-year colleges include calculus in their business school's accounting program. So, if you've had some exposure to it during high school, it could potentially give you an edge and boost your chances of success.
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Peter’s Answer

Hello Destynee,

David's viewpoint is spot on - the principles and concepts taught in calculus don't directly apply to accounting. However, learning calculus can be beneficial as it can enhance your problem-solving capabilities. If you're seeking a more relevant subject in the mathematical domain, applied mathematics might be a better fit if it's an option for you.

If you're concerned about the potential effects of not studying calculus on your future accounting career, rest assured. In today's digital age, the emphasis in accounting has shifted from manual calculations to understanding and applying the correct procedures for recording financial transactions. Tools like Microsoft Excel and various Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can handle the mathematical aspects for you.

The key to being a proficient accountant lies in your ability to accurately record transactions and verify that the figures are correctly placed. In other words, it's about ensuring everything is accounted for accurately.
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Supratim’s Answer

Hello there,

Mastering calculus isn't a strict requirement for carving out a successful career as an Accountant. However, when you consider the bigger picture, you'll find that Calculus, along with other challenging problem-solving disciplines, can significantly enhance your problem-solving skills. Depending on the course you choose for your graduation, you might even encounter Calculus problems. So, having prior knowledge can indeed be beneficial. Embrace the learning process, as this is just the beginning of your journey! Best of luck to you.
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Shirley’s Answer

Hi Destynee,

Every college or university's accounting program may differ slightly. My college has two Calculus classes as a prerequisite in terms of admissions to the business school. If you're still in high school, I recommend taking AP Calculus BC because I was able to waive the required calculus classes in college. Check with your college's AP score requirements - some colleges require a AP score of 4 or 5 in order to obtain college credit.
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David’s Answer

Destynee,
While the technical skill of accounting does not use calculus, the concepts you will learn in calculus will carry into other subjects you may study in college. Calculus is a part of a well-rounded education which can make you a better accountant in the long run.
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Dylan’s Answer

Great question! It's not required but Calculus would definitely help improve critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills are very important in accounting when trying to problem solve.
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