There is a subtle but definite difference between a finance degree and an accounting degree. Understanding the difference between the two is important if you are interested in pursuing a career that involves working with money.
Degree in Finance
A degree in finance will prepare you for a career that involves helping companies and individuals to make smart decisions about how, when, and where to invest their money. One such career is that of a financial analyst.
As part of the finance curriculum, the coursework will include areas such as corporate finance or managing financial portfolios.
Degree in Accounting
A degree in accounting will prepare you for a career as an accountant or an auditor. In these roles, you would be responsible for handling various types of financial records. After some experience, most accountants go on to pass a CPA exam and become certified public accountants. These professionals work in a wide range of settings, from non-profits and government offices to multi-national corporations.
An accounting curriculum includes classes in completely different subjects such as statistics, accounting theory, taxes, and business ethics.
There is no one specialty that is better or higher paying than others. Which one you choose depends on your individual career goals. The good news is, both fields are in high demand, so whether you choose a finance or accounting degree, you can look forward to excellent job prospects after you graduate.
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