University applications
In the future,I plan on becoming a data analyst,accountant or something similar in finance but I'm not sure what degree to apply for
Should I apply for accounting and finance or economics or even banking and finance?At first I was sure on doing accounting and finance with a year with work experience but then every really successful accountant/data analyst has done a degree in economics.I believe my final AS score was AAB.Im just not really sure at all what to do.I also don't know much about gaining work experience.
Reply 1
In the future,I plan on becoming a data analyst,accountant or something similar in finance but I'm not sure what degree to apply for
Should I apply for accounting and finance or economics or even banking and finance?At first I was sure on doing accounting and finance with a year with work experience but then every really successful accountant/data analyst has done a degree in economics.I believe my final AS score was AAB.Im just not really sure at all what to do.I also don't know much about gaining work experience.
All I am gonna say is that if you are after the money and want a high paying finance job, then make sure you go to a good uni.
Doing eng lit or history degree at oxford is better than banking and finance at for eg leicester or uni which is not in top 20.
Make sure you go to some russell group uni!
Accounting is not that highly paid compared to investment banker. The most highly paid job is 'Quantitative developer' commonly referred to it as 'quants'. However, that requires you to have a PHD in maths or physics like a mathematical STEM subject. I think that pays abt more than 200k a year easily but I think thats only for reallyy smart people and not for some average accountant type of person.
Whatever degree you apply for acc and fin, bank and fin its all the same. Just make sure you go to a bloody good uni!!!!
Reply 2
Doing eng lit or history degree at oxford is better than banking and finance at for eg leicester or uni which is not in top 20.
Make sure you go to some russell group uni!
Accounting is not that highly paid compared to investment banker. The most highly paid job is 'quantitative developer' commonly referred to it as 'quants'. However, that requires you to have a phd in maths or physics like a mathematical stem subject. I think that pays abt more than 200k a year easily but i think thats only for reallyy smart people and not for some average accountant type of person.
Whatever degree you apply for acc and fin, bank and fin its all the same. Just make sure you go to a bloody good uni!!!!
aghhh alrighty thanks thats scary applying for a really good unj my gcses arent the best and i have no work experience
Reply 3
Sorry if that scared you a bit. I just don't want to be naive saying oh do whatever you like do whatever you enjoy and every uni is good. No, that's not the case. Honestly, accounting is a good job however, I would really encourage you to look more for finance, investments, banking these kinda stuff. They tend to get paid a bit more. If ur gcses arent that good maybe try resitting one or 2 of them and get a good grade. Try to smash your A levels. Watch yt videos and everything u can do. Now, I'm also not saying that you have to do something which u absolutely hate but beware of the pros and cons of whatever u pick.
Reply 4
Should I just do economics instead since I have more range?
Reply 5
Ah why do you not have any work experience. Mate , work experience is crucial for these jobs. Start with springpod to get some online virtual work experience and learn terminologies and all. Then make a steomg application to any other places u can
In the future,I plan on becoming a data analyst,accountant or something similar in finance but I'm not sure what degree to apply for
Should I apply for accounting and finance or economics or even banking and finance?At first I was sure on doing accounting and finance with a year with work experience but then every really successful accountant/data analyst has done a degree in economics.I believe my final AS score was AAB.Im just not really sure at all what to do.I also don't know much about gaining work experience.
Hey there!
Coventry University student ambassador here!
I am studying BSc Aviation Management, and a big part of this actually entails accountancy and data analysis, which are careers I am contemplating as well, having actual experience in projects like this now. I’ll note blow some points that you may want to consider for each career. Hope this helps!
Choosing between a career as a data analyst and an accountant depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Here’s a comparative analysis of both careers to help you make an informed decision:
Data Analyst
Pros:
1.
Growing Field:
High Demand: Increasing demand across various industries due to the growing importance of data-driven decision making.
2.
Diverse Applications:
Variety of Sectors: Opportunities to work in diverse sectors such as finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology.
3.
Innovation and Technology:
Cutting-Edge Tools: Exposure to advanced analytics tools, machine learning, and big data technologies.
4.
Problem-Solving:
Analytical Skills: Engaging in complex problem-solving and data interpretation.
5.
Flexibility:
Varied Work Environment: Potential for remote work and flexible hours.
1.
Constant Learning:
Ongoing Education: Need to continuously update skills and learn new technologies.
2.
Data Quality Issues:
Data Cleaning: Significant time spent on data cleaning and preparation.
3.
Job Pressure:
High Expectations: Pressure to deliver actionable insights from complex data sets.
Pros:
1.
Stable Career:
Job Security: Consistent demand for accounting professionals across all sectors.
2.
Clear Pathways:
Career Progression: Well-defined career paths with opportunities for advancement (e.g., CPA, CMA certifications).
3.
Versatility:
Diverse Roles: Opportunities to specialize in areas like tax, audit, management accounting, and forensic accounting.
4.
Regulatory Knowledge:
Essential Skills: Develops deep understanding of financial regulations and compliance.
5.
Financial Literacy:
Critical Skills: In-depth knowledge of financial management and reporting.
1.
Routine Work:
Repetitive Tasks: Potential for monotonous and repetitive tasks, especially in entry-level positions.
2.
Seasonal Workload:
Busy Seasons: Increased workload and stress during tax season or financial year-end.
3.
Regulatory Changes:
Continuous Learning: Need to stay updated with changing laws and regulations.
Data Analyst might be better if you:
•
Enjoy working with data and have strong analytical and technical skills.
•
Are interested in learning and using new technologies and tools.
•
Prefer a dynamic work environment with diverse applications.
•
Prefer a stable and predictable career path.
•
Have a keen interest in finance, numbers, and compliance.
•
Enjoy structure and clear regulatory frameworks.
Kind Regards,
Bianca (BSc Aviation Management - 1:1)
Reply 7
Coventry University student ambassador here!
I am studying BSc Aviation Management, and a big part of this actually entails accountancy and data analysis, which are careers I am contemplating as well, having actual experience in projects like this now. I’ll note blow some points that you may want to consider for each career. Hope this helps!
Choosing between a career as a data analyst and an accountant depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Here’s a comparative analysis of both careers to help you make an informed decision:
Data Analyst
Pros:
1.
Growing Field:
High Demand: Increasing demand across various industries due to the growing importance of data-driven decision making.
2.
Diverse Applications:
Variety of Sectors: Opportunities to work in diverse sectors such as finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology.
3.
Innovation and Technology:
Cutting-Edge Tools: Exposure to advanced analytics tools, machine learning, and big data technologies.
4.
Problem-Solving:
Analytical Skills: Engaging in complex problem-solving and data interpretation.
5.
Flexibility:
Varied Work Environment: Potential for remote work and flexible hours.
1.
Constant Learning:
Ongoing Education: Need to continuously update skills and learn new technologies.
2.
Data Quality Issues:
Data Cleaning: Significant time spent on data cleaning and preparation.
3.
Job Pressure:
High Expectations: Pressure to deliver actionable insights from complex data sets.
Pros:
1.
Stable Career:
Job Security: Consistent demand for accounting professionals across all sectors.
2.
Clear Pathways:
Career Progression: Well-defined career paths with opportunities for advancement (e.g., CPA, CMA certifications).
3.
Versatility:
Diverse Roles: Opportunities to specialize in areas like tax, audit, management accounting, and forensic accounting.
4.
Regulatory Knowledge:
Essential Skills: Develops deep understanding of financial regulations and compliance.
5.
Financial Literacy:
Critical Skills: In-depth knowledge of financial management and reporting.
1.
Routine Work:
Repetitive Tasks: Potential for monotonous and repetitive tasks, especially in entry-level positions.
2.
Seasonal Workload:
Busy Seasons: Increased workload and stress during tax season or financial year-end.
3.
Regulatory Changes:
Continuous Learning: Need to stay updated with changing laws and regulations.
Data Analyst might be better if you:
•
Enjoy working with data and have strong analytical and technical skills.
•
Are interested in learning and using new technologies and tools.
•
Prefer a dynamic work environment with diverse applications.
•
Prefer a stable and predictable career path.
•
Have a keen interest in finance, numbers, and compliance.
•
Enjoy structure and clear regulatory frameworks.
Kind Regards,
Bianca (BSc Aviation Management - 1:1)
Thank you so so much.I think I should focus on banking or accountancy rather then data analysis I love structure
No problem, I totally understand your struggle!
That sounds like a great idea though! Banking and accountancy are excellent fields for those who thrive in structured environments. Your love for structure will definitely be an asset in those areas. It's important to choose a career path that aligns with your strengths and interests. Best of luck with your decision
Kind Regards,
Bianca (BSc Aviation Management)
In the future,I plan on becoming a data analyst,accountant or something similar in finance but I'm not sure what degree to apply for
Should I apply for accounting and finance or economics or even banking and finance?At first I was sure on doing accounting and finance with a year with work experience but then every really successful accountant/data analyst has done a degree in economics.I believe my final AS score was AAB.Im just not really sure at all what to do.I also don't know much about gaining work experience.
Hi @bro_leave_me_be
There are loads of different routes to finance and many sectors within it. Accountancy and professional services are just one branch. Within Accountancy, there are other lines of service such as Tax, Audit, Management Accounting, Forensic Accounting and many more. Here's a link to TargetJobs with more information.
To become a Chartered Accountant, you need to obtain an accounting qualification - e.g. ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, CIMA, CIPFA etc. You can find out more information about becoming a Chartered Accountant here.
Most, if not all, public accounting firms such as Big 4 will provide training towards these qualifications. Salaries for trainee graduates typically start around £30,000-40,000 in London. At the most senior level, Partners can expect to earn upwards of £750,000, with PwC Partners in 2022 taking home an average of £1mn.
Studying towards an Accounting and Finance degree can help towards achieving those goals. For instance, our Accounting and Finance degree at Surrey offers exemptions from up to 8/15 exam exemptions for ICAEW or 9/14 for the ACCA qualification. Although an Economics degree may lead you into an accounting career, it may not provide as many exemptions as an Accounting degree.
I'm also glad you mentioned the professional training year. At Surrey, we pride ourselves on employability and placements, with 95% of our graduates in employment or further education! We have an award-winning Employability and Careers service that can support you with your CVs, cover letters, mock interviews, LinkedIn profiles and much more.
Throughout your time at Surrey, you will have compulsory and non-compulsory sessions that aim to support you in developing your employability skills and encourage you to explore different pathways. We also have an Accounting and Finance Professional Development module.
Work Experience is highly beneficial and will definitely support your CV and personal statements for university. You can also find Virtual Work Experience opportunities on SpringPod or at individual company websites.
Lastly, we have some upcoming open days if you are interested. They're a great way to get a feel of the university, the course and chat to some of our ambassadors and lecturers. Here's a link to our YouTube open day video here.
I hope this helps! Please feel free to reply if you have any other questions, and I'll try my best to get back to you.
All the best
Daniel
BSc Accounting and Finance
University of Surrey
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