Second thoughts on an accounting career..

College Majors Business Major
1

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>I'm in my last year of undergrad (accounting major) and am enrolled in the 5 year Masters of Accounting program at my university. This June I will have my bachelors, and June 2015 I will have my masters and be eligible to sit for the CPA exams, which I have planned to do right away.</p>

<p>However, lately, I've been thinking twice about a career as an accountant.</p>

<p>I was originally a Finance major but had ZERO plan at all as to what I would do in the industry. Furthermore, with a 3.2 GPA, I am by no means the top of my class, which worried me even more about having a degree in Finance. The idea of switching into Accounting provided me an "ease" of job security.</p>

<p>But I don't think it's what I can do my entire life.</p>

<p>My current "plan" is to go through with the 5 year program, obtain my CPA, work public audit for a few years and then move into the Finance industry afterwords. Maybe at some point earn my MBA-Finance.</p>

<p>I guess what I'm asking is, is this dumb plan? Am I wasting my time going for a CPA if I just want to end up in Finance anyways? </p>

<p>I think part of this feeling is stress from classes, but it doesn't hurt to discuss it.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>What you have described is a very common. Getting a CPA and having a good understanding of “the numbers” can be a huge advantage later in your career. Combine your CPA with additional experience/degree in finance or treasury, and you have the makings of a good CFO candidate. </p>

<p>You do not have to commit to being a public accountant for the rest of your life to major in accounting - in fact, some accounting majors never practice (many states don’t require your work experience be soley in public accounting). These persons go into internal audit or corporate accounting jobs without first working in public accounting.</p>

3

<p>ChicagoBear, nailed it. My professor (former CFO) said finance is a must to be a CFO. You can go managerial or finance. Also, if it ain’t a top ten MBA don’t consider it (so I’ve heard). I plan on getting my CPA and CFA. My goal is to be a portfolio manager.</p>