5 Great Benefits of a Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree

Increased Professional Contacts
Increased Job Opportunities
Increased Salary
Preparation for the CPA Exam
Job Placement Resources

When it comes to getting a Bachelor’s in Accounting, there are many benefits that can make the long, difficult process very worthwhile. Most accounting graduates look forward to applying for a job at a prestigious firm, such as:

Deloitte
PricewaterhouseCoopers
KPMG
Ernst & Young

The Big Four firms hold recruiting events every fall at the beginning of the school year, so graduating on time is an important first step. Most university accounting departments offer job placement resources for graduates to get a head start on a lucrative career in the financial world.

1. Increased Professional Contacts

One of the most important benefits of an accounting degree is the access to professional contacts right after graduation. Peers and mentors from accounting school can be called upon for connections to new opportunities and support during difficult times. Professional contacts are perhaps the most valuable asset that comes from graduating from an accounting school, aside from the degree itself.

2. Increased Job Opportunities

Getting a bachelor’s degree opens up many new employment prospects at firms all over the world. If the opportunities nearby aren’t enticing to you, job openings in other cities will certainly offer compelling benefits and better compensation. The Big Four accounting firms have branches in cities around the world. Most accounting graduates make it a point to apply for one of the Big Four companies immediately after graduation. They’re some of the most discerning and demanding employers in the industry.

3. Increased Salary

When you graduate from accounting school, you’re immediately qualified to begin earning a substantially larger salary than you would without the degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants with bachelor’s degrees earn a median salary of $69,350 per year. Half of all accountants earn more, and half earn less. The top-earning 10 percent take home around $122,220 or more per year. With a Certified Public Accountant license, potential earnings can increase dramatically.

4. Preparation for the CPA Exam

Taking the CPA exam is a rite of passage for many accounting graduates. Recruiters from the Big Four accounting firms typically include CPA testing as part of their hiring packages for new recruits. Becoming a CPA opens many new doors for accountants with bachelor’s degrees. Some universities offer five-year CPA-track programs to prepare students for the exam after granting a bachelor’s in accounting degree.

5. Job Placement Resources

In addition to Big Four recruiting events, university accounting departments offer job placement resources for graduates looking to jump-start their careers. Job placement resources include access to entry-level positions as well as valuable internships that can turn into full-time employment. Many accounting firms offer exclusive opportunities to recent graduates through the accounting departments at local universities.

Financial occupations are some of the most prestigious and well-paid careers on the market. Accountants earn much more money than workers in other industries, on average. Whether you’re thinking of changing your major or you expect to complete your bachelor’s in accounting degree soon, you can expect many excellent benefits upon graduation.

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