Comments on: How Do You Get Started In Accounting?

By: KGL

KGL — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:49:53 +0000

you need an accounting degree and CPA

By: LongIsla

LongIsla — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:51:44 +0000

It will be tough without an accounting degree and a CPA is a big plus. It takes time and learning to understand the theory of accounting. Most people have absolutely no idea how complex accounting can actually get. I would look around for local colleges offering degrees in accounting as a first start.
Best,
MBA CPA Professional
http://www.lifepathunlimited.us

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:31:20 +0000

Son, if you want to be a real accountant you need an accounting degree. There are positions in the accounting departments of companies but they are not really accountants. The jobs involve things like preparing spreadsheets, analyzing accounts, doing payroll and accounts payable, etc. If you’re happy with a position like that, a business degree will do. But a business degree is a long way from an accounting degree and much less valuable. Graduates with business degrees are a dime a dozen.
It will probably take at least a year of full time study to obtain the necessary credits for an accounting degree. You can then interview with companies who routinely recruit on college campuses. Despite the ecomony, accounting firms still recruit, although less than before.
If going back to school is not an option, then you will be in the same boat with millions of other recent grads. The competition for entry level jobs is fierce. You may want to try places like local banks and brokerage firms, insurance agencies, car dealerships, distributors and contractors. But without a degree in accounting, don’t expect to get a job in an accounting firm or in the accounting department of a major company.
Sorry to be so brutally honest but these are the cold hard facts.

By: James T

James T — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:10:25 +0000

Right now it is tough because the economy is down. Once it gets turned back around accounting will again become a high demand profession.
Beings how you have a business degree you are not in as bad of a position as you might think. I am assuming that you had to take one or two accounting classes towards your business degree. You should emphasize that on your resume. Plus you should look as something that is entry level to gain the experience you need. Very few entry level employees in accounting have a degree. Most businesses are concerned with a degree only when they hire a controller or other higher level positions. Accounting experience plus a business degree should put you in good shape once you get the experience.
Also, you don’t need to be a CPA to get into accounting unless you want to work at a public accounting firm. Otherwise you are better off getting a CMA if you want to bother getting a certification.