Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not impact our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
The ideal accounting student enjoys numbers and puzzles, has a keen eye for detail, and great organizational skills. If this is you, a bachelor’s degree in accounting could help you develop your strengths for an accounting career.
With this practical degree, you can pursue a variety of accounting and finance jobs or advance to a master’s degree program. A bachelor’s degree in accounting is also the first step toward the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.
If you’re wondering how to become an accountant, read on to learn about undergraduate accounting programs and what they entail.
What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting?
A bachelor’s degree in accounting is a four-year degree that teaches the basic skills needed for entry-level jobs in the field. This degree also lays the groundwork for a master’s degree in accounting or an MBA.
Bachelor of Accounting students develop practical accounting skills and knowledge within a broad business context. They learn how the field of accounting relates to other business disciplines such as finance and management.
Curriculum
Bachelor’s degree programs in accounting cover industry practices such as financial accounting, cost accounting, and managerial accounting. Students learn to navigate accounting information systems and use industry-standard software. They also explore potential areas of specialization through classes in subjects such as auditing and taxation.
Courses for a bachelor’s degree in accounting typically include a healthy dose of business and math. Courses in algebra, calculus, and statistics help develop strong math skills to support a numbers-driven accounting career. Accounting programs may offer business law and ethics as stand-alone classes, or these topics may be integrated into other core courses.
In addition to core and elective courses, accounting degree programs typically include general education courses, which may include writing classes and courses in the arts, humanities, and sciences.
Format
Some schools offer accounting as a stand-alone major, while others include it as a concentration within a bachelor’s degree in business administration. A school may offer its accounting degree programs in person, online, or in a hybrid format.
Bachelor’s degree programs typically consist of about 120 semester hours. In most U.S. states, CPA licensure requires 150 semester hours of training, so some institutions offer five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in accounting to meet these requirements.
Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Accounting
College admission requirements for most bachelor’s degree programs, including accounting programs, include a high school diploma or GED certificate and transcripts showing a minimum GPA, typically between 2.5 and 3.0.
If you have a low GPA in high school, starting at a community college can help you improve your grades to meet admission standards for a four-year university. Classes at a community college also allow you to complete general education requirements and lower-level courses at a relatively low tuition cost.
In addition to high school transcripts and/or previous college transcripts, application materials typically include a personal essay, letters of recommendation, a list of extracurricular activities, and an application fee.
Applicants may also be required to submit ACT or SAT scores, although many higher education institutions are moving to test-optional or test-free admissions policies.
Common Courses for a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
Accounting degree curricula vary by school, but the following are some key courses that are common among most accounting programs.
Financial Accounting
Financial accounting is a fundamental subfield of accounting and focuses on how accountants record, analyze, and report business transactions. Students in this class examine the accounting cycle and learn how to prepare financial statements and disclosures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Students also explore how to communicate financial information to various stakeholders. This course may also cover business ethics and professional responsibility.
Audit principles
Auditing is an accounting discipline concerned with reviewing financial records for accuracy and compliance. This course covers the procedures, standards, and frameworks involved in preparing for and conducting an audit. Students learn how to plan an audit, assess risk, gather evidence, and report the results.
Most people working in accounting and finance will have to deal with audits at some point in their career, whether they are performing an audit or being audited. For this reason, auditing is a key competency for future accounting professionals.
Taxes
Many accounting professionals prepare income tax returns for individuals and corporations. This course covers tax laws, concepts, policies, and strategies. The curriculum may focus on individual taxation or may also cover different types of tax entities, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
Students learn about tax filing, tax planning, and the potential tax consequences of financial decisions. They gain skills in researching complex tax issues and communicating with stakeholders. Some classes include hands-on tax return preparation.
Degrees for Accounting Graduates
What can you do with an accounting degree? A bachelor’s degree in accounting can help you qualify for a variety of careers in finance and accounting. Let’s explore some popular options.
We obtained the following salary data from: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Stock Exchange).
Accountant or Auditor
Average annual salary: $78,000
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +4%
Work description: Accountants keep financial records, write financial statements, and prepare tax returns for businesses and individuals. They work for corporations, nonprofit organizations, government entities, and accounting firms. An accountant may specialize in a subfield of accounting, such as managerial accounting, or in a particular industry, such as government, health care, or banking.
What does an auditor do? There are different types of auditors, including internal and external. Both focus on reviewing financial records and identifying discrepancies, risks, fraud, and noncompliance. An internal auditor works for the organization they audit, and external auditors work for outside organizations. Auditors may specialize in areas such as risk management and assurance.
Budget Analyst
Average annual salary:$82,260
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +3%
Work description: Budget analysts may work for public or private entities. They work with managers to analyze departmental budget plans and determine the costs and benefits of various programs and projects. Based on this information, budget analysts may help develop organizational budgets.
The duties of budget analysts include preparing budget reports, monitoring expenditure, and making budget recommendations. Analysts working in government may also provide input into policy considerations and legislation.
Tax Examiner or Collector, or Revenue Agent
Average annual salary: $57,950
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +1%
Work description: These professionals work for federal, state, and local governments, ensuring that individuals and businesses pay the correct amount of taxes. Depending on the level of government they work for, these tax experts may focus on income tax, sales tax, or property tax.
Tax examiners evaluate personal and small business tax returns to ensure they are accurate and complete. Tax agents pursue a similar goal, but focus on complex tax issues involving large businesses and corporations. Finally, tax collectors investigate and settle overdue tax payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Bachelor of Accounting
Which is better: BA or BS in accounting?
It depends on your goals. A bachelor of science (BS) program typically focuses more on math and science, which can benefit aspiring accountants. A bachelor of arts degree includes more humanities courses and electives, making it a good choice for students who are considering a double major or planning to pursue a master’s degree in accounting.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Worth It?
Many graduates would say yes. If you’re looking for a career in accounting, a bachelor’s degree in the subject can prepare you to land a clerkship or apply for a master’s program. A bachelor’s degree in accounting can also help you qualify for a CPA license.
Which degree is best for accounting?
To qualify for most accounting jobs, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, either a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. For higher-level positions, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in accounting or an MBA.
JOBs Apply News
For the Latest JOBs Apply News, Follow ©JOBs Apply News on Twitter and Linkedin Page.
