Does a computer science knowledge help in accounting?
I'm currently at UT, and their accounting and computer science are both fairly good. I was wondering whether it would be beneficial to have some knowledge in computer science (a minor) and whether it would help in any way with my career path of becoming an accountant (CPA). If anyone has any feedback that would be great.
I'm probably one of the quantiest people currently in Big 4 accountancy. Short answer is go for it, but expect a culture clash in the first few years. I'm doing a big technology initiative in one of their more accepting departments (forensics), so with luck, a new wave of demand will be there by when you graduate.
There's a huge lack of people with accounting and computer skillsets, but low demand as well because the dinosaurs at the top have no idea what a computer does, but change is coming.
Thanks; that ws very insightful. Do you think it is necessary to major though? Or is a basic foundation decent enough. Also, what is your opinion of that combination? Do you think another field in business can benefit more with a computer science background?
So from that standpoint, CS can be realistically applied to a lot of different fields. I have no experience in accounting so I can't comment on the combination of the two but I am a CS major. Going into any other field after a CS major will be a social shock just because for the most part CS majors are...weird.
it depends. it's not going to be something that holds you up in your career, but it could be something that helps you stick out in a positive way. is it worth the investment of time and energy? it is if you enjoy it and don't mind taking classes. might not be worth if it you are interested in CS for no other reason and have intentions of working as a CPA. in my opinion, you would be better off picking up a information systems minor, and then learning excel and if you really want to impress, access, cold.
Caveat: I worked at a Big 4 in audit. I also attempted (but did not complete) a computer science minor.
SirBarney is somewhat correct. While I wouldn't call the CS minor worthless, minoring in CS is usually so involving that you might as well major in it. You will learn, but the cost/benefit doesn't really make it worth the time. That's part of the reason I ended up dropping the minor.
With that said, if you are dead set on being an accountant I don't think CS will help. CS is not equivalent to "computer skills." Learn it if you're interested in it, or have an interest in a field that could make use of it. Accountancy will not.
The way the CS minor works at UT is a little different though.
You only need 12 hours of relevant CS material (3 hours lower division (intro), and 9 hours of upper division (diversified). It's only 4 classes, so the problem is it's actually the opposite: doing the bare minimum to obtain the CS minor might actually be too easy and under-prepare you.
Are you in the MPA program?
And UT is #1 for accounting...
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