stompy wrote:
PwC public accountant here:
To get into accounting you need to have an accounting degree and learn your debits and credits. A masters in accounting is typically the route that post-undergrad individuals will take. Big 4 firms will recruit out of certain MSC programs - find out which ones and get into those. If you want a career in accounting your best bet is to start at a Big 4 firm.
Try taking a course and seeing if you like accounting. The accounting career path is the least lucrative of the various professional paths most people take. (ie: MC, IB, VC, PE,etc.) Also the detail can get pretty boring sometimes. The one very solid thing I can say about accounting is job stability. Every company needs accountants. Work at a Big 4 firm till you make manager (6 years) and then jump ship to a large company in a controller type role - you will be making around $120K not including options, benefits, bonuses, etc. And you will have job stability and pretty decent hours. You're not making the big bucks but you're definitely setting yourself up to still being rich enough imo. And usually a decent work-life balance. Not too shabby.
Thank I appreciate your input. I am studying for the GMAT now and I'm going to soon apply to the Masters of Accountancy program at my local state college. The program is 1 year long and involves a 3-4 month internship. Also I am told many big 4 companies recruit from this program. I know accounting may be less lucrative than Investment banking etc but I am not trying to be a millionaire before im 50.
Anyway I also had to take 3 accounting courses for my undergrad and I feel accounting offers the best mix of opportunity and compatibility for me.