If Math Isn’t My Best Subject, Should I Still Pursue an Accounting Degree?

Are you interested in entering the field of accounting? If you want to become an accountant for a large tax firm or you are interested in becoming an independent professional, you need to earn your accounting degree before you can compete in the field. There are a number of different exciting opportunities available to choose from when you possess an accounting degree. From forensic accounting in the criminal justice department to accounting positions within the healthcare industries, there is a growing need for professionals who are experts in accountancy, but do you need to be an expert in math to earn your degree? If you are wondering just how much math is involved in the program, and whether or not your math skills will impede you, read on and learn what you need to know.

How Much Math is There in Accounting?

You might think that you need to be a numbers person to become a professional in the accounting field, and in some aspects this is true. When you think of math, you might think of mind-numbing equations, fractions, and long division, but only basic mathematical formulas are used to answer specific accounting questions. As an accountant, you will use the numbers to answer questions in an effort to analyze a firm’s financial standings or their budgetary constraints. After running the numbers into a software program or a spreadsheet, you will use basic math to compare revenues and expenses to determine income. The mind-numbing math that you are not so fond of is typically not involved in the profession. To earn your accounting degree, you will need to complete some required math courses, but you are not going to need to learn math at the same level as a computer engineer or a rocket scientist.

What Type of Math Courses are Required in an Accounting Degree Program?

Not a lot of math is needed to study accounting in a university setting. If you are entering into an accounting degree program, it is important to review the math course requirements so that you are prepared for what the future holds. If you have a basic understanding of arithmetic and algebra, you should have no problem applying math skills to complete all of the introductory accounting courses. While accounting is all about numerical data, you will only really be using addition and subtraction to record and analyze the data. With this being said, to major in accounting you will need to complete the required curriculum and math is a degree requirement.

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You may need to know the basic mathematical principles of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, but you do not need to be a math whiz to become a successful accountant. As an accountant you will need to learn about all of the tax laws, bookkeeping, financial statements, and the ins and outs of corporate accounting, but there is limited use for advanced math processes in this field. If you are comfortable with basic algebra, do not be intimidated by taking college math courses to earn your accounting degree.

Additional Resource: Math in Accounting? Not As Much As You Think