Online Business Accounting

college and accounting careers?

Hello.Im 29 years old and feel it is time for me to change my career.I have had a few hours at a community college and worked as a retail manager for almost 10 years now.I was a district manager for 2 years with a video company.Now I work in a valve-chemical plant...yeah I know big difference.I am very good with numbers,figuring out budgets and so on.I am curious about a career in accounting.I am debating on seeking a 4 year degree in accounting.I was hoping to from someone who has worked or is working as an accountant and finding out the good and bad sides.I have always been good with numbers..not geometry (like my current job).I would like to know anyones opinion and does it payoff in the long run,. Thanks

Public Comments

1. Well, I think it depends on if you want to work for someone or if you want to be self-employed. If you want to work for someone you really don't need a four year degree. You could take some classes at your local junior college and see if accounting is something that interest you. I would suggest a couple courses in basic accounting, a course in Excel, payroll accounting and QuickBooks. If you want to be self-employed and make more money you would probably want to become a CPA - Certified Public Accountant. To do that you need a four year degree and you will have to work for a CPA for a few years then pass the CPA exam to get certified. And by the way I've heard the CPA exam is tough to pass. Being a CPA is stressfull during tax season - you will have deadlines, but you get to slow down for the rest of the year. You can take summer vacations which is nice. I would highly suggest just taking a few courses to see if it is what you would like to do and if it is you can keep going in that direction. Good luck!