advice for accounting majors in 2025
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- My advice to all students graduating with accounting degrees in 2025.
Free CPA Exam Questions here✅: www.smartercpa...
#cpa #accounting #graduation #cpaexam #classof2024 #big4 #deloitte #kpmg #pwc #ey
Just finished my 150 this semester and am starting full-time in November doing tax for a Big 4. I know it's not information many people care about, but this is really insightful for a few of us!
I’m glad you enjoyed!!
What is your starting salary if you don’t mind me asking? I graduate in 3 years and wondering what the pay range is currently
@@cadenjowersnot the same guy but starting big 4 in October in Audit at 72K. Medium cost of living city a little above national average expense.
Congrats!!!
damn your life about to suxxx
I, sadly, know a couple of people who are working in the big4 and 5 years later, they either can not pass the CPA Exams, or stopped the passion/studying. However, I do know some, now, accountants who have just recently passed after working at a big4 for some years. Not all hope is lost! Keep on going and do not loose the passion!
Joey, you are absolutely right. I decided to get an advanced degree in a completely different field and came back to accounting. I wish I had gotten the CPA done first then pursued another field.
I appreciate the honesty!
Yeah man, get right on that CPA! The longer you wait, the more you forget.
so true. It only gets harder and harder the longer you wait
A realistic and straightforward video, I really appreciate your insights!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for this video. I graduate May 2025. I’ve had 3 internships through my 4 years. My current job is a student assistant for accounting department but they don’t have any entry level full time jobs. So I’m gonna have to start looking for work hopefully I find something before I graduate. It was making me worry. But seeing your video is giving hope. And I will have 150 credits when I graduate so I plan on registering for the CPA exam.
That's great to hear! Feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions!
If you’re having difficulties passing/getting licensed I advice you to get a help like Prof Dylan
His availability is on tele gram
Thank you so much, this is helping me a lot, I am about to have an interview in a few hours and i am glad to hear about the attitude.
Oh so glad to hear this was helpful! And good luck with your interview. Just be calm and confident. You'll do great!
Thank you soooo much for this video, I’m starting my senior year soon and I feel so validated, this was so wise and helpful!
So happy to hear that! Good luck and enjoy your senior year!
This video contains a ton of straight talk. This is all great advice for emerging accounting professionals early in their career!
I like your video presentation. It is informative too, at the same time. Thanks a lot for your guidance!
No problem! Really happy you enjoyed!
Graduated last year, working at a big4s Indian office, man, it's brutal. I signed up for CPA too quick, and regretted that decision after my first busy. But now that I've signed up for it, might as well do it. I'm down to help/ talk to anyone who wants advice from me. And Joey, what an amazing job you've done compactly presenting the mostly bitter yet sweet corporate life for our new batch of accountants! Guys, you're in for a ride, this is gonna be tough l, but you'll figure it out, we all are!
Hey, congrats on getting through busy season. That is no joke. Yes this career can be taxing at times (pun intended) but there are a ton of great parts as well. Good luck with the CPA Exam, it will be tough but you can do it.
And glad you enjoyed the video, I really appreciate it.
Hello Friction,
I'm currently 26, have a degree in Economics, and have worked in Marketing for 5 years now. I'm worried that I chose a field that isn't secure and that I'll get constantly fired during recessions, although it hasn't happened to me yet. I've done accounting internships and did well despite sucking at math. I realize that accounting is more about logic and knowing what you're doing than it is about being good at math. My question is, if I switch to accounting now, will I be starting at ground zero. This is my biggest hurdle, I don't want to be paid shit.
I worked for Deloitte for couple years. Not as an accounting associate, but as a business/tech consultant. I feel like they are just all politics and internally what people do you know.
9:23 thank you for the advice just got a offer and I am thankful
that's awesome! congrats!!
This was a good video. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders!
Thank you! Really appreciate that
Thanks for your videos brother.
I'm shocked jobs aren't plentiful with the number of accountants exiting the field at all ages in droves and very few majoring in it. It seems like it's a battle between the supply of accountants and AI capabilities reducing demand.
to be honest from what I can see it's more an issue of outsourcing work to other countries. So many of the top firms are using cheaper labor from Asia instead of hiring more Americans. I think that is a bigger part of it than ai is... at least for now
and thank you for the support man! Really appreciate you
Also, the internship slot we have as part of the program will be from January to March, which is when the Big 4 specifically recruits from our university from.
Also, from what I've seen from previous students who have completed this program, the internship is mostly in "Audit", per what they put in their LinkedIn.
Again, any help is appreciated. Thanks again
Are you interested in audit? I don't think you necessarily need to do anything special. Recruiters know that when you get hired you will need to be trained. they don't really expect you to know a ton of stuff right off the bat. they just want to see you got good grades and are a good person to work with.
@@JoeyCPA truthfully no, but from what I've seen from candidates from the program, they usually get promoted to different specializations after the audit internship and then audit position. So, I don't mind grinding it out in audit for an internship and then position, if that is a need by the company and then maybe a specialization or switch.
As shared earlier, I come from the mental health field, and I'd much rather be staring at numbers and reaching out to employers regarding their numbers than hearing traumatic accounts or dealing with psych. patients that may cause me physical harm 😅.
Business simply isn't in most peoples blood. If schools taught this there wouldn't be any enrolment
Thank you for posting this helpful video
of course, thank you!
The cpa is worthless.You don't even need it.Firms are promoting people to senior without cpas and making 110000 and I'm over here unemployed with the cpa.You do not need it , you just need good connect
So true
@@Quruxsandsw 3 of my friends are not CPA's and they make a 130000 and I'm will be here unemployed. Trying to get ACP a just to prove myself. I'll even know if I'll use it. Because I hate the profession is so much so we'll see what happens as of now. I don't know what to do.
This is so true. This is why I’m not getting mine.
@@nakia4230 It boils down to who you know, my friend or co-worker. Because he's not. My friend has 2 houses and makes a 100 and 500000 with no cpa. And my boss told me. I needed to have ACP a to be a senior I was so mad. I quit my job immediately and now I'm unemployed so you can have a degree and not make money so here I am.
Srsly? You have a CPA and aren't making 100k+?
This is unmotivating as a first year accounting major lol
I generally think if you get the CPA, that will trump having both an undergrad and master's degree in accounting. Once I obtained my CPA, I noticed the immediate change in how others perceived me. It made me think, I should have just got this CPA years sooner.
100%, it is such a valuable license for your career, thanks for sharing
Entry level jobs in my area require 1-3 years experience to be a bookkeeper or an AP clerk LOL. I switched majors junior year because I cannot get anything in my area not even an internship (I was told to relocate to New York City or Boston).
Top 5 Books for Future Accounting Majors?
Ahh great idea. I will definitely work on that video!
Becker
My professor gave me all the answers to our intermediate and advanced acc text. Am i better off studying becker for CPA prep or is the textbook better?
Both
Both because most times you need help with the application part.They like to test whats being done in the industry ... so if you have no experience...application may be hard. Understanding the theory alone is not enough and yet the exams come with a lot of calculations that are based of the theory so you can find yourself in a situation where you know the definition but you can't read a scenario and identify that that is what is being tested.
So read the textbook a lot but also use Becker...just for guidance
Starting bachelors in accounting at 32 years old from having labor businesses, have any simple advice?
Omg, same! Well, I'm finishing my associates next year but will plan to start the BA by the time I'm 32 so it's definitely nerve-wracking to start "later" in the game with the workforce being younger and younger
On the same track. Idk If I want to jump into accounting but getting an accounting degree just to bridge into middle management.
My issue with accounting is the possible pay cut.
I'd say just don't get discouraged. I know for a lot of people the first few weeks and months of accounting can be frustrating and confusing but it really does get much more simple as you learn more. Obviously there is complexity but just don't get discouraged if it's hard and strange at first. Good luck with everything!
Im trying to start as well! im older too!
Great job starting your major accounting major. Get laser focused on being the best accountant you can be. Aim for big 4 or accounting role with private company (publicly traded companies as well). Give it 110% effort or none at all.
Hey I'm a sophomore in accounting do you think with the automation it's still a safe degree to get?
Thanks
I have a B.S in Info Sys I worked as a Software Dev for a year and hardware experience for 5 months. I’m leaving tech and going back to school for a second bachelors in Accounting. Given that I’ll have the hours in a year and half in school I’m aiming for CPA. Internship hunting🤞 taking all the advice I can find and get
Get an accounting certificate to get you up to 150 credits. You already have a B.S. a masters or another BS/BA is not required to get into accounting nor sit for CPA.
@ for advanced accounting courses it is. You need 21 hours of advanced accounting courses. Plus I want to start interning alongside school I think it’ll increase my odds ?
@ + a second bachelors is just three more hours over the 21 I already need 🤷🏻♀️
@@zzzeinabbb Accounting certificates do offer advanced accounting courses. The pre reqs are usually a BS/BA and financial accounting and managerial accounting. But if you’re already on the second BS path then just stick it out.
@ I enrolled for this spring it’ll take me a year and half
Passing the CPA exams is when you study hard, if you can't study or you don't have time for your studies I'd advise you get yourself a help like Mr Willard.
People keep talking about Willard all over
UA-cam, he must be a very awesome help.
I studied for months and couldn't pass, I guess passing is a blessing
@correct, everyone has a different fate.
passed mine after studying so hard, I'm not discouraging anyone just wanna say do whatever you believe will help you pass.
@prof_Willardpeters
Hi
Hopefully I will complete CMA in the coming month and planning to do another professional courses after that but im confused of which cert should i get whether CPA or CFA , i don't know which one would be great for a good career in accounts.
Hope you reply for this comment.
Thankyou
It depends what you want to do but in my personal opinion the CPA is more valuable than the CFA. The CPA license is very well respected and opens a lot of opportunities.
Thank you for replying
@@husnaparvin6223 no problem! Happy to help
Same here
Hey Joey, could you make a video about expectations versus reality after college for a first-time accounting job? I'm studying for a BBA in Accounting (junior year). I haven't begun networking yet, but I plan to do so by the end of the fall semester. Secondly, I haven't started my core accounting classes because I still need to finish the other business/general classes. Are the core accounting classes necessary for interning? Thanks in advance.
Hey, yeah I can definitely make that video! I think it would be really helpful. And no they are no required. You might want to take at least a few soon though. Have you taken financial accounting yet?
@@JoeyCPA Hey Joey, sorry for the late reply. I still need to take financial accounting (I think I'll take those classes next Spring). I have, however, taken a fundamentals of accounting class. I will be taking data analytics and excel with business for the upcoming Fall Semester. Peace!
I am actually planning a career shift into Accounting, planning a certificate program to learn and get some hours and then a Masters potentially (followed by CPA). I get mixed messaging on the job markets, I hear Accounting is in demand then the next day I hear no one is hiring. Either way do you think I am potentially wasting my time here? My current profession is just admin stuff admittedly, unrelated bachelor's in Poli Sci, hence the cert desire. I am really excited about the profession but I would have to drop like $50,000 on education to find out it was a waste.
Hey! So I wonder if you would be able to make a switch into accounting before having to drop $50k? Maybe you find an entry level role and work in that for a little while before deciding to go all in on it? I just think $50k plus a couple years of school is a big investment in something you're not 100% sure of. If you can find a way to test it out a bit before investing that much time and money, I would recommend that.
@@JoeyCPA That is a fair compromise honestly, I am currently in what I call the credential capital of the planet (DC Metro) so they do what some sort of, well, proof that you can do accounting which is probably where that certification could come in handy. (Conveniently this is a requirement for local Masters programs as well so two birds, one stone). Good call.
Check out wgu they have an accounting degree and it’s cost 3500 for six months to knock out as many courses as possible. People have graduated with a bachelors in six Months
@ I heard they were actually not considered very good.
if a company lies to you leave.. it won't get better
Just so you know, you never need a big four company go wherever you want
True! You definitely don't NEED a big 4 job. Plenty of other great options out there
I graduated in May 2024 and had a job in February 2024. Currently studying for FAR as my first exam. I had intended to do so earlier but I lost my grandfather 2 weeks after I graduated. Currently finishing my last 21 credits to get to the 150 requirement. Any advice?
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather.
As for the exam, what you're doing is smart. Get it done as soon as you can. As your career progresses it will only get more difficult. Just stay consistent and even though you may be busy make your studies a priority.
Also, the exam should be your priority ahead of the credits. You can always get the credits after you pass the exam. The exam is harder so finish that asap.
Is being a CPA a good career choice for someone who desires self-employment and entrepreneurship ? Is a CPA firm scalable ?
Yes! It is a great career choice. Starting your own CPA firm is an option but as someone who will 'speak the language of business' the possibilities are endless. You could start any kind of business you think of
Do you suggest taking cpa if you don’t want to be in public? I obvious know it wouldn’t hurt to get it regardless but I’m speaking from a value perspective within having it in private accounting
I do, I'm not sure what your goals are but if you aim to be in an executive position someday not having it may really limit you. If you have it you will be far more qualified and looked at for those sorts of positions (CFO, CEO, VP of Finance, etc.)
I am from Bangladesh,Can i do C.P.A in other country?I mean wanna do post-grad in USA
Hey, sorry not sure I understand the question. You want to move to america and become a CPA?
You have to learn US GAAP (US Accounting standards).
Is the CMA sought after/worth it? Or is the CPA/taxation aspect more important/useful?
Hey, to be honest I really am not familiar with the CMA. I do know that a CPA is very value able though and will set you apart from your peers who don’t have it
@Ephesians514 If you go into industry vs public and especially manufacturing sector CMA is very valuable. Depends on the job though and industry itself but I think everyone should do 1-2 years public accounting get some experience then figure out long term niche or job role and pursue accreditations for that long term role. Use 1-2 years to see if you like tax or audit or advisory and get a feel for what you can. Mid or small sized firms usually give you a broader range quicker than big 4.
CMA isn't worth it.
Hey, thanks for all your videos. I know you answered this previously, but for someone pivoting to the Accounting profession, what do you recommend in terms completing the CPA. Just to provide some context I'm in a 1.5 year masters program where I'll receive the 150 credits to sit for the exam.
Also, what certifications or things should I do to better prepare myself for internships? My university has a networking event during the summer (July) specifically for our program with the Big 4. Just want to best prepare myself for that event.
Per the program director 80% of individuals in the program receive internships with the Big 4. On the off chance I'm in the 20% I want to best prepare myself not to be in that bucket 😅.
I'm a bit scared as I will only have 1 semester of courses by the time the event occurs. If you have any tips for me, it would be much appreciated.
Thank you so much!
Hey I'm glad you enjoy the videos! And congrats on the masters program.
Are you sitting for any exams before graduating from the master's program? That's one thing that will make you stand out to recruiters. Other than that I would just say go to any and all networking events. Get to know the recruiters. You don't necessarily need to do anything crazy to impress them. Just introduce yourself and be friendly. And obviously getting good grades in your program will be a big plus as well. But overall just be nice, normal, and friendly and get good grades and you should have a decent shot.
But also, don't worry if you don't get into big 4. I know it seems like a big deal but you will be ok if you don't. There are so many great firms out there and no matter where you end up you can make it a great expedience. So don't stress too much. But it does sound like you have a decent shot at Big 4.
@@JoeyCPA yes, they've been really helpful. I'm currently waking up around 5:00 AM, and trying my best to study and then try to get some more study time in after work, but it's been hard. I most likely will have to stop working for the last two semesters as the course work seems a lot harder.
In my state (NJ), you just need to have 150 credits (in business and accounting), and so I will be eligible to sit for the exam near the end of the program.
Ah ok, that is very reassuring. I'm a little bit of an introvert and so I hope that doesn't affect the probabilities of me being accepted.
I don't mind the grind in Big 4, as my previous profession is very intensive (mental health), but the pay isn't there, especially in my HCOL city (live in a city in NJ very near NYC). While, I can grind it out in accounting and be financially compensated for it.
Thanks again for all the tips.
Best jobs to start looking for while in the early stages of your education? Like pre-associates degree?
So are you in college yet? Or even before college? If its before college don't stress about what type of job it is. Just do something that you hopefully enjoy. If you're in college maybe try for some internships. Either at an accounting firm or in the accounting department of a business. I never did internships at firms but did intern at a small business in their accounting department.
@@JoeyCPA awesome. Thanks for the response man
Are you worried about AI and automation? I'm almost two years shy from getting my Bachelors in Accounting.
Just my two cents as an accounting major studying the use of AI in accounting. If I were you, rather than being worried about it (which you may not be), I would focus on learning how to utilize AI in your specific accounting career path. AI may not replace accountants, but if you can use it effectively, you will be much more productive and efficient when you actually get into accounting work. God bless!
@@emmanuelagyepong739 Hey, yes I agree. AI is here to stay so we just need to figure out how to utilize it. Accounting jobs will probably be reduced bc of AI but so will every other industry. There will still be plenty of work to be done so I don't think it is anything you should lose sleep over.
Not at all! Ask chatgpt anything related to accounting or finance. I guarantee it will give you the wrong answer. Just learn to use the tools after you graduate and it will help you out!
@@rachelsmith6820 chatgpt never gives the right math anwsers its so frustrating
@@rachelsmith6820it doesn’t, I got an A in my accounting principles class with chatgpt
Hi Joey. In the US, do you know if the Big 4 companies take in international students as accountants aswell? As we need additional visa paperwork and cost from the companies.
I'm really not too sure. I would talk to a review provider like Miles, they specialise in international CPA students
@@JoeyCPA Thanks, that's a great pointer! Is he on UA-cam aswell?
Halo from indonesian accountant...
Hello!!
It might seem like a silly question but, why is CPA so important?
not a silly question but I think a CPA is a stamp of approval that shows your competence and ability. It will set you so far apart from the people that don't have it. If your aim is to someday work in an executive position your odds will be much much higher if you are a cpa.
You look like Homelander
hahaha i just googled him and I kinda see it
Don't watch the show. It's gruesome😂 btw, I'm taking the CPA just for the opportunities. Can't hurt taking it. I'm taking FAR first. What tips do you recommend for my first time@@JoeyCPA
Oh nooo
Any advice for someone that’s getting a Masters in Accounting? My undergrad is just Business Admin with no concentration :/ lol
i think that's a great idea. My only advice would be to also try to get your CPA. With both of those you'll have a great starting base for your career
Fire
Thank you man
Don't you have to take CPA exam continually for certain period of times...? Happy New Year and thank you for sharing...!!!
you need to pass the remaining 3 within like 18 months of passing your first I believe ( may vary from state to state)
I passed mine serially and not have to wait for 18months
I had to subscribe to questions and answers from this Prof Dylan,which I got and studied them and saw exactly on each of my exams
Have you not heard of him? He’s really a professional in this field
His availability is on tele gram
I’m gonna be graduating with a 2.5 gpa. Is that too low to succeed on this field?
Hey Stanley, you won't be able to get a job at a huge firm but you will be able to find a job. And once you secure your first job then no one will ever ask about your GPA again. They will only care about your work experience. And if you're able to get your CPA as well then you will be set up for success. Good luck!
We hear a lot about business/data analytics these days, would you recommend studying python, sql, ect with accounting major?
i am
I def don't think it would hurt. I know nothing about computer science or coding or anything like that. But data analytics is pretty big in my company. Things like alteryx and powerbi
I recently read someone talking about being an accountant in a tech company. He is making some great money.
I'm a cpa and I hate this profession.... the job is fair the pay is too, but the people ans expectations are crazy 🤪. I have been unemployed 12 months now and my body does not want to even look at accounting jobs
My soul knows the outcome + dread it's like going to get jumped by a gang my body knows and it rejects this
Do you work in public, industry, government?
Hi, I was planning on getting my cpa just because that’s the expectation the industry has been pushing, but I feel like I would end up like you, able to do it but hates it. Do you have any advice on other career paths? Perhaps on finance?
@@stop08it sorry I just saw this I work in public industry is a bit crazy because you don't have much support you are the accountant and you are expected to know because that's why they hired you for you are the accountant there is no support there is no help in public there is help everywhere as you are surrounded by other accountants I have not worked in government so I can't say to that but it sounds boring
@@Jason-qf7tm actually I made my stay in public worse because I didn't want to be an accountant I wanted to be a singer so I never really cared but the people are mean the expectations are crazy and I found a job now so I'm making $110,000 we will see what happens but my advice is just really care about your job even though they don't pay you well because I acted my wage and it got me nowhere I stayed at a job for 6 years making 45,000 through 2023 and because I didn't care I didn't get promoted and because I didn't get promoted I didn't care
I heard people getting rejected for being overqualified for having a CPA. Mixed signals
hm i have not heard of that tbh. I wonder what sort of jobs they are being rejected from
My advice? Run.
Can I get a job with Associate Degree in Accounting?
maybe in a private company somewhere but to work at most big companies or to become a CPA you will need a bachelors degree
Hi Joey Any accounting remote job ?am a CPA
Unfortunately I don't have anything to help you. Best wishes.
How many people have a cpa
I think there's like 650k CPAs in the US
Started bba accounting major this year didn’t know what I was doing where i would be going but i have set my eyes on cpa. I am studying it from a mediocre college.As an international student I don’t have many options with me I can’t work full time and study at the same time so I decided after completing my bachelor I would work so as to complete the 24 months requirement and then move forward with the cpa exams. What do you think? Have any suggestions?
Hey, In general, I am a big advocate for getting the exams done ASAP. I know too many people who say "i'll wait a year or 2 and then do it", but then they never actually do it. For tat reason, I recommend trying to do it while you're working or before you start working. Why can't you work full time and study? I think that would be the best option but I don't have all the context.
The states accounting degree sounds like a joke compared to the degree you will get from good university in south africa. No wonder so many us firms try to get accountants from south africa.
Yeah okayyy
Don't. Just don't. Accounting is a dying profession. It's one of the easiest professions to take over by AI as it's all about rules and numbers and matching things up and analyzing verbiage (laws, rules etc). The number of accountants and CPA jobs (especially entry and mid level) is going to free fall in the next 10 years. IF (and that's a big IF) you want to get into this field make sure your course has a stong AI component so that you are the 1 person in the team who knows how to use these new tools well and to how to upskill as AI will upskill. Accounting is not a career anymore. Don't get in debt for a job that won't exist in 5 years.
hello!! This a backdoor we're talking about not
some kind of extra classes, you really won't
expect him to have youtubeChannel is not safe for him
I've heard a lot of good stories about this
Man all over UA-cam channels can he
really help
Everyone has their own way, Dylan worked for me and studying didn't .
My friend tried him out and recommended me to him, he's awesome.
I think I'm blessed cuz if not I wouldn't have met someone as spectacular as Mr Dylan