the top 25, according to whoever (or is it whomever?) https://goingconcern.com/here-are-the-top-25-online-graduate-accounting-degree-programs-in-2019-according-to-some-site/
Hi all, I have been wondering about how accounting as a discipline is approached from a US perspective. I would appreciate it if someone would oblige me by answering the following questions that come to mind: 1. Is accounting offered to students as a subject/module/course during their high school years? 2. Are there undergraduate degrees that have accounting as the major focus or is it taken as part of a larger business studies degree? 3. Can you qualify to do a post-graduate degree in accounting if you were not exposed to the subject in your undergraduate studies? 4. What is understood as an accounting degree? ( Does it entail doing financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and tax). 5. What method of testing is most popular? (case studies, multiple choice, or written assignments). 6. Are there degrees that focus only on one of the disciplines mentioned above or must they be taken as a package? 7. Is the content of the degree decided upon by the university or does the university take instructions from the accounting bodies? 8. Why has the discipline grown in popularity in recent years? (This may not be the case, but seems that way to me). 9. Why is there a shortage of accounting professors considering the maturity of the markets and education system in the US?
OK, a lot of questions. some you can answer for yourself by browsing some university websites. here's my answers 1. in some schools 2. yes 3. at some schools 4. yes 5. each school/program/course varies 6. yes 7. both 8. apparently it pays well 9. they can make more money outside of the university
Number 8 may not be true much longer; the accounting firms are highering fewer accountants... in our digital world, they find those skills more valuable than accounting. Fewer students are also going into the profession. This is not to say the profession is dying but could be the start of a trend.
I suppose I could ask a question like . . . how many accountants went out of business because of TurboTax? Maybe more than a few have been replaced with software. It might be a nice combo to have the accounting degree and an IT degree too. If I remember correctly, there have been a few discussions about forensic accounting as a specialty area. I know very little about this stuff but in general, when a field gets saturated then people begin to specialize. We see that in the MBA universe all the time now.
@Greg, That's interesting and I agree. The new technologies being implemented such as AI and blockchain presents a serious game changer to the way the profession is going in this "new" industrial revolution. If you take a look at accounting bodies, they are attempting to reposition the profession in line with these changes and sell the idea of "the accountant of the future" because the 'robots' are coming and where does that leave us. Most will punt the idea, that a different skill set that goes beyond technical ability is important such as interpersonal skills, sound judgement, emotional intelligence and critical thinking. I wonder to what extent does that attract or discourage students from entering the profession. @Kizmet, I am also onboard with the idea of a multidisciplinary approach being taken, particularly the integration of IT beyond the basics into accounting degrees as you mention. This will also potentially make a candidate more marketable taking into account my initial comments. Do you know what gives the accounting degree credibility and prestige in the US. Is it the fact that the degree is earned from a university that is approved by an accounting body, despite not being RA. Is it more credible from a university that is RA but does not have approval from an accounting body. I would assume RA plus approval by the accounting bodies would be the best, but are the other options still at play to potentially have a successful career within the top firms in the US.
The scope of practice for the accounting practitioner is becoming broader. It is much more that accounting. It is all Corporate Services, plus strategy. Any accredited MBA with a CPA designation will make the accountant an indispensable business partner.
The school means something; tbe big 4 only recruit from certain scholls... I've never run across graduates from "Pheonix" type institutions. However, tbe key is really tbe CPA. Somewhat like law; I may have a degree from a respected school but my path will be limited without passing the bar.
