Accountancy or Business?

[loysy]

i've been at that crossroad before and i believe at the end of the day you just have to be crystal clear about what you want. To clarify, what i'm sharing is just what i've found out by talking to people and finding it out myself. Similar to you, i've yet to step in university.

As freyy pointed out, accountancy is a professional degree. In that sense, it can be an advantage compared to many other degrees out there. Having a professional degree does provide some advantage in employablilty. Also, there is a serious lack of certified accountants in the industry. Specialising does not close all the doors for you, with an accountancy degree... you can go into business. But i'm sure you already know all about the good stuff.

So, do accountants just deal with figures, stats and charts all the time? It would be great if you do get to chat with some accountants since the job scope can be huge. There are some aspects like tax reviews where you take ur client's case to IRAS and prove to them why ur client's money shouldn't be taxed. I personally find a bit exciting, especially when compared to "figues, stats and charts". This is just one example and you should go find out more for yourselves.

Is business too general then? Or do they have a better chance to get to management positions? Frankly, I don't know. But this is my opinion. Compared to accountancy, business can be more general. Yet, that does not mean you're a jack of all trades, master of none. Depending on what you specialise in ur business degree, it can still be a very powerful degree to have. I know a SMU biz grad who is now with an European bank at a regional level position. So to answer your question allen, business does not make it more challenging to find jobs.


In summary, all accountancy and biz degrees in the 3 universities in Singapore are very good. They do have some bits that set them apart. I believe though that what determines your career rests more on your person, than on your choice of degree. Please take note that I said "more", and not completely.

If you do have an end in mind, that will give you an edge over others who will still be thinking about their career paths through university. Instead of using the time in U to figure out where you wanna go, you can use it to set yourself apart. That can make all the difference.

I hope others can bring more insight into this discussion, especially those currently studying said courses and graduates!

[whitetiger89]

hmm...another question here..Is being an accountant so stressful?

I talked to a few friends who know accountants, and the feedback I got were rather negative, mostly being about how busy and how stressful is it, be it to study accountancy or to work as an accountant..

to those who are accountants or those studying accountancy, is this true?

[ssx]

From what I've heard, it's more stressful (longer hours) to work in an accounting firm than company, but working in an accounting firm gives you a better exposure.

[GSC1989]

You can end up working from 8-9 am to 11 pm (and most of the days, later), if you are working in the Big 4.

The stress rate is so high that almost daily someone will resign. Why do you think the Big 4 always open its doors for fresh graduates?

[no0b1]

Originally Posted by GSC1989

You can end up working from 8-9 am to 11 pm (and most of the days, later), if you are working in the Big 4.

The stress rate is so high that almost daily someone will resign. Why do you think the Big 4 always open its doors for fresh graduates?

Woa.. I think I'm starting to rethink about accountancy. What do accountants do that they are so stressed? Meeting clients? Giving presentations? Or is it just a very 'rush' job?

[GSC1989]

The demands of the clients and seniors I guess.

But you shouldn't let the attrition rate bother you that much. The truth is, accountancy is a profession where if you don't like what you are doing, you will feel horrible even earning that type of money. Many people that go for accountancy courses just for the prestige/pay end up switching to some other profession. However, that can be said for almost every other profession as well.

[jimjoker1]

Is the Business degree the most versatile of all the degrees available today? Are the job prospects great?

[williamparkar]

NUS may have a big name but in the business area, Nanyang Business School trumps NUS's. Seems like you have A LOT of support for NUS.


Mod Haecceity Edit: Link Removed

[williamparkar]

Now that is just a flawed view. Nanyang Business School is the top Business School in this region. If employers are so stupid not as to know this, then they aren't worth working for.

Mod Haecceity Edit: Link Removed. Please note that no advertising is allowed.

[Haecceity]

Originally Posted by williamparkar

Now that is just a flawed view. Nanyang Business School is the top Business School in this region. If employers are so stupid not as to know this, then they aren't worth working for.

Can you substantiate such statements? That is a very subjective comment; both NUS and NTU have their own strengths and weaknesses. Also, please try to stay on topic.