Why Choose a Career in Accounting?

Here are 10 reasons you might choose a career in accounting:
#1: Job security
#2: Opportunities for advancement
#3: Multiple paths
#4: Good wages
#5: Prestige
#6: Work life balance
#7: Working into old age
#8: Improve your finances
#9: Insight for starting a business
#10: You get to help people

Some drawbacks to a career in accounting are that:
(a) You'll need a bachelor's degree
(b) You career options will be somewhat limited if you don't obtain a professional certification (e.g., the CPA if you're in the U.S.)
(c) You'll have to deal with the stress of busy season if you go into public accounting
(d) Accounting might not be a good fit for your personality and skillset

0:00 Introduction
0:23 #1: Job security
0:49 #2: Opportunities for advancement
1:06 #3: Multiple paths
1:29 #4: Good wages
1:59 #5: Prestige
2:16 #6: Work life balance
2:42 #7: Working into old age
3:04 #8: Improve your finances
3:23 #9 Insight for starting a business
3:41 #10 You get to help people
4:02 Drawbacks to a career in accounting
4:31 How to know if accounting is right for you
4:48 People who should avoid accounting
5:05 Accounting profession is changing
5:24 Ways to test accounting as a career
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[MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

I'm a CPA 7 years into my career. This was a great, concise introduction to the profession. One thing I'd add that could be a selling point to a lot of people is that literally every business of a decent size needs at least one accountant, so no matter what industry you're interested in, you could probably get exposure to that industry through being an accountant. In my audit days, I conducted inventory counts of motorcycles for a well-known Japanese brand (and also audited them, though that was no fun). My first job in private was for a famous, beloved fast food chain. Now, I work for a real estate investment trust in the healthcare industry. Recruiters have reached out to me regarding accounting positions in industries as varied as entertainment, medical technology, cryptocurrency, and even cannabis. No matter what you're interested in, there's an accounting job in that industry (of course, industries do tend to be geographically concentrated in certain regions, although even this is becoming less of a factor nowadays thanks to remote work).

Of course, I'm sure none of this is news to Edspira, but I figured this might be helpful for any students reading this.

[RVC]

Accounting is a very valuable skill to have.

[hollaforadolla]

very good video! I like how you chose not to be biased and provided facts on all sides on whether why there are benefits to being in the accounting professional while also mentioning how some other jobs might be more beneficial depending on the person!

[jasminej]

Love it!! Look forward to more videos about career management!

[PezerettaDarling]

I love your videos! They have help me so much in my courses towards my degree.

[joshsimkins]

you help me a lot. keep up the good work.

[dieterdelaet]

I don’t get how your channel doesn’t have 20k views or more. Might it be interesting to also make a video that explains te overlap with the other roles in finance or compare similar finance roles to the accounting roles you mentioned?

[ericgol]

Small suggestion: try to avoid cutting between takes so much cause we can't see you blink and that may be a little off putting to some. That said, this was an awesome video as always, thanks for helping me get through my undergrad!

[espresso]

Great video. Just wondering, are you planning to release new “Scheme” episodes? Love that podcast

[lynaaaa-rb]

Is there such a thing to be specialized in only one particular area of accounting? For instance, you only specialize in cost accounting advise and reports?...And still not provide the other services under management and financial accounting?

I am just really curious on how specialized the profession can be within its own scope of work... hopefully that makes sense.

[tiffanytran]

I want the whole world to know that I am on my way to becoming a CPA all thanks to you, Dr. McLaughlin.

[hhattingh]

Until accountants are not pigeon holed as bookkeepers rather than business advisors, value centers rather than cost centers. The value of a good accountant will always be overlooked. Only considered useful to mop up messes. Rather than be part of the long term strategy plan of an entity.

[erikadeleon-gjsc]

I have dealership accounting, I only have a GED and I am going for a professional accounting certificate program. I know I cant get a CPA unless I have a Bachelor's But what could I be without it? Please Help...

[jjg]

I’m being blocked illegally from working in my field

I already have degree but not in accounting

[manitou]

😂😂 90 degree. That was a good one. The sun be like”I need you “🫵🏼