Managerial accounting or financial accounting? Which is better?

<p>I have decided that I want to major in Accounting, however when i went to change my major from undecided, I was asked if I wanted to do Financial Accounting or Managerial Accounting. I basically said I'll let you know in a couple of day's as I wanted to research what is what. I am leaning towards Financial Accounting as I want to work for a Big 4 firm in NY. </p>

<p>However I just wanted to know what other accounting majors are doing.</p>

<p>Also are the degree requirements the same for both? What i mean by that is, are the number of classes needed to graduate the same?</p>

<p>In my experience, the distinction in the accounting concentration is between financial accounting and tax.</p>

<p>Accounting Majors takes Financial Accounting and Cost Accounting.</p>

<p>I’ve been teaching accounting for 25 years at a 2 year college and have been involved in the American Accounting Association, the professional association for academic accountants throughout that time. I’ve never heard of someone distinguishing in undergrad between financial and managerial. To major in accounting will require that you take the introductory sequence of financial and managerial accounting. You’ll get some exposure to both areas, but you will really begin to see the distinction when you take Intermediate and Cost classes. At that point, you’ll know if you’re going to make it through the major, as those are typically weed-out classes. As well, hopefully you can get an internship that will help you refine your career goals.</p>

<p>I’d interpret those options as CPA track (financial) vs CMA track (managerial). CPA IMHO gives you more options.</p>