Want to Work in Accounting? - Q&A Advice from an Accountant

I've gotten a lot of questions about what it's like to work in accounting. Today's video is a Q&A format where I cover the following questions/topics based on questions I've been asked most frequently...
1. How to get an accounting degree? Recommendations for college
2. What kind of jobs can you get with an accounting degree?
3. How do you get a job in accounting?
4. Pros/Cons of being an accountant
5. My career advice
Some facts about myself:
1. I am 27 years old.
2. I have a degree in accounting and finance. I double majored.
3. I graduated in 2019 with 150 credits.
4. I do not have my CPA.
5. I have worked in public accounting and industry.
6. My current job title is Assistant Controller.
If you have any other questions related to accounting or what it's like being an accountant that I didn't answer in this video, please leave a comment down below. I hope this video answers some questions you may have had about accounting and thank you so much for watching!

[@rylieconstance]

Hi Everyone! I hope this video helped answer some of your questions about being an accountant. If you have any additional questions, please leave them below! :)

[@scholarlyanalyst7700]

This is VERY serious. Are you able to tell me if there is a genuine accountant shortage (not just CPA's!)? I keep hearing about an accounting shortage and I find it hard to believe because I spent many long years not being able to find an accounting job to save my life.

[@GnarshredProductions]

You dont need a CPA license to work in tax at all. Can become an "Enrolled Agent" by passing the SEE exam administered by the IRS and get licensed by the federal government and as far as tax work goes it gives you the same practice rights as a CPA without even needing a bachelors degree. Also working for a federal or state government agency like the IRS, SEC, State department of revenue, or Office of the State Auditor can be a good option as well and generally you get good benefits as a government employee. Public accounting is probably the best place to start your career and I would recommend spending a few years there at least before even thinking about going into industry as you will learn and get a lot of experience fast in public.

[@nik.sanchez]

Can you make a video on Forensic Accounting please? I'm really interested in that and would like to hear another point of view on the career.

[@maylysofia4416]

I really liked this video. Other videos I have seen haven’t been as optimistic and positive but that’s ok, like you said everyone has their own opinion. I am currently working on my associates at 30 years old. I have been working as an accounting clerk for over 5 years but I am feeling stuck. This is why I decided to peruse a degree. Thanks for such a good video.

[@rylieconstance]

Thank you so much! And that's awesome about pursuing your degree 😊

[@sharonjo7630]

How did you become an accounting clerk?

[@rylieconstance]

@@sharonjo7630 I got my Bachelor's degree in 2019 and I started as an auditor when I graduated. Over the last 5 years I gained experience in different departments such as fixed assets, accounts payable, accounts receivable and worked my way up to an assistant controller

[@Islandgyal_art]

Thank you so much for your video

[@dazzlenovak7519]

How do you feel about AI and Automation? Are you worried about the potential impact?

[@tr3b0r123]

I'm also about your age and graduated college around the same time working in industry. And everything you say, I agree with! I know you said you don't plan to take the cpa exam but I might next year. If you're ever curious, I can share my journey thus far and at that point. Just let me know and we can exchange emails and/or linkedins. But this contact info might me too personal so totally understand if you don't want to! Great video as always!

[@rylieconstance]

Thanks so much!!!

[@adrienne6246]

Starting my new job in Accounts Receivable tomorrow & I can't help but feel imposter syndrome! Im still in school pursing my degree in Finance.

[@rylieconstance]

That's awesome!! Congratulations! I just started a new job at the beginning of the year as an assistant controller and the first area I learned was our Accounts Receivable. That sounds like a great opportunity! Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, you'll do great 😊

[@mr_dna.]

Please am at my third year and I want to know that after graduation with no experience can I apply for accounting technician position as an entry level in Canada and am from Ghana 🇬🇭. Thank you

[@liazed5623]

Hi, Rylie! Thank you so much for your video and advice for those who are looking to get into the accounting world. This makes my goal a lot more clear! Do you have any advice for someone who wants to go in a self-learning/study path?

[@rylieconstance]

I'm so glad you found the video useful! And that sounds like a great idea. As long as you stay consistent and absorb as much info as you can, you'll do great!

[@kingasyper2049]

Thank you, this was helpful. Are you planning on pursuing CPA?

[@rylieconstance]

I actually studied for the CPA and passed 1 part of my exam a few years ago. But since I left public accounting I never pursued it any farther

[@akwasibaffourawuah4691]

Hi ma'am I am pursuing MSc Accounting and finance. I wanna write CPA when I am done. I live in Africa. Do you think I can get a remote job? Kindly help

[@vaishnavirana.]

Hello👐

[@ranpalsharma8048]

She is so beautiful ❤

[@OS1540]

Do you have any plans to get an accounting or finance related certification even if not CPA?

[@rylieconstance]

I don't have any plans currently. But it's something I will definitely think about in the future if it can help further my career

[@mathematicaleconomist4943]

Natural ​blonde is rare species now-a-days. I assume you don't dye your eyebrows? ​@@rylieconstance

[@rylieconstance]

@@mathematicaleconomist4943 I do not. I get highlights but my hair is naturally strawberry blonde. Honestly it looks different depending on the lighting, sometimes red sometimes blonde lol

[@andrewcastaneda2023]

I start my accounting career at PwC in September as an auditor and I currently have no accounting experience. I have my bachelor’s in accounting and have the 150 credit hours but I am fighting myself about the CPA exam. I don’t really see myself working in public accounting my whole life so idk if I should even pursue the CPA license. What do you think I should do?

[@rylieconstance]

If you're unsure you can always study for the exam and get your license as a back up. Even if you leave public accounting other companies still love to see you have your CPA. BUT definitely don't feel pressured. I was the exact same way but I knew after about 6 months I didn't want another job in public accounting and to me it wasn't worth the time and effort. I still have never found myself needing it and it was the right decision for me. Try and weigh the pros and cons and ask yourself where you would like to be in the next few years

[@MCrelationz]

Where did you get your degree from?

[@rylieconstance]

I graduated from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania

[@mathematicaleconomist4943]

​@@rylieconstanceMuch colder than Florida?

[@rylieconstance]

@@mathematicaleconomist4943 just a little lol

[@mathematicaleconomist4943]

@@rylieconstance Please. Copy/paste to Google the search "weather question of the day never below zero." It will take you to a 45-second news video that will SHOCK you (it's weather trivia that will SHOCK you!).

[@Ridoshirin]

How is cma?

[@rylieconstance]

I don't know much about CMAs or the certification. But it sounds like a great way to advance your career and potentially earn a higher salary

[@Ridoshirin]

@@rylieconstance thankyou so much for answering 💌