A Career in Accounting?

Little background, currently have a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and have been trying to get a job in law enforcement, specifically, police officer. The local economy around here has taken a hit, just like many other areas, and due to that, very little departments hiring, and many are only taking experienced individuals...with that said, I had originally started a thread a month ago expressing my interest in the electronic field, but after having done some research and soul searching, I think I am going to go back to school to get my degree in accounting.

It seems like a no-brainer, as there are a lot of jobs around here looking for accountants. Not to mention, the accounting degree is far more versatile than the current piece of paper I have.

With that said, just looking for suggestions or comments in regards to this field...anything I should know beforehand, certain areas to study, etc etc???

Thanks in advance!

 

If you want to work for Big 4 ie PwC, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Deloitte, expect to graduate top of your class.

If you want to do corporate accounting/finance, be ready to hate your life.

Best bet is to intern with an accounting firm as early as possible.

Most popular and well paid fields are audit and tax. It's slave driving for 4 years before you can make manager.

 

Low job satisfaction?? lol

 

Depends on what makes you happy. Money or crunching numbers?

 

ehh crunching numbers while making money...

 

How fond of spreadsheets are you?

 

umm, indifferent at this time I suppose.

 

Liking the classes thus far, although its only week 2.

 

My wife has been in the accounting field her entire life. Let me tell you, she is an Excel genius. You pretty much have to be. She has loved it, mostly working for bigger companies, and a few small ones in years past. Also, she is and always has been able to pick and choose jobs, although she doesn't since that isn't in an accountants DNA. Lots of opportunities out there if that is what you want to do. Also, and I don't mind saying, she make quite a bit more than me.... and I'm not doing bad!

 

Thanks for the input, I am starting to find out that it will be in my best interest to take some computer and spreadsheet classes. Seems like there is a lot of job opportunities out there in regards to accounting. What I have also found promising is the opportunities the degree can provide to me, aside from just accounting. After searching through various job postings, the common denominator among companies that I have viewed seems to require a bachelor's in accounting, finance, or business. So having the accounting degree may open up other avenues!

 

What is the reasoning for that? High stress, crazy deadlines, continuous paperwork?

 

Accounting is mind numbing work each and every day. Keeping track of other peoples money in an uber spreadsheet is not my idea of a rewarding career. My suggestion is to keep trying the law enforcement route.

 

Good advice for a NON-accountant.

That being said, I'll bring up this point. Since my wife has done this for 24+ years, I've known a lot of other acccountants and finance people. They are different. THEY LIKE DOING THIS STUFF! from what I can see, you either love it or hate it. Love it, succeed. Don't love it, doom and gloom. What does your gut say?....

 

Well, as I said, thus far I am enjoying it. Hard for me to say at this time if its something I am 100 Percent sure on. However, in the event I do not come to like it, the experience and education about business, finance, and economics may lead to other career paths, or so I hope.

 

I'd say take acct 101 see how you like it. If you do well try managerial acct and if you still like it then congrats your one of the few people that actually enjoy accounting. Fyi it may get you a better shot a a decent job but its not easy and it doesnt get any better

 

Hmm. Honestly, my 1st choice is still law enforcement, but I always like to have a contingency plan in place. I had taken some accounting classes in high school and enjoyed them, my brother is currently majoring in accounting and he enjoys it as well, so after having talked to him about it, it seemed like a pretty good idea. I'd say the most attractive part is the job opportunities it provides, but also the education itself, as it teaches more of a skill than the criminal justice degree I have.

I have always dreamed of getting into the FBI, so it may not be a bad thing...

 

I'm currently enrolled in Accounting I Financial, along with taking Micro and Macro Economics. Accounting II Managerial is the summer semester. Thus far, no complaints!

 

I would suggest you first assess the job market for accounting, for example in my state an accounting degree limits you to a specific area as apposed to a business degree with hours in accounting which will open alot more areas and allow for movement.