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• The answer to this is pretty straightforward. In the end it all boils down to what you really want to do. An accounting qualification on the whole, is more specialized than a Finance one, as your role in more specific. With FInance, it's more analytical, like Economics. Therefore, you will find yourself in roles like Financial Analysis, etc. If you combine the both of them, you are pretty much good to go, and set for a rewarding career.

  tua87443 02 Feb 2009

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• I have a BS in Accounting, and Master's in Finance. From what I've seen of the job market, it seems to me that the more advanced financial analysis/quantitative analysis requires a more of a mathematical/engineering background, which you have studied already. My opinion is that you should finish your Bachelor's in Computer Engineering, and a Minor in Finance. Trust me, you won't regret it.

  Rachel 05 Feb 2009

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• I'm not sure how marketable that makes me? What jobs will be in my future if I go that route?

  Will 10 Feb 2009

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• Well, it'll definitely open up alot more doors for you. For now, my only option is either stick with corporate accounting or corporate finance. I do not have the engineering/mathematical background, so most positions that require modeling using programming and intensive research analysis used in investment companies are closed to me. After all, if you're looking for better opportunities and a bigger paycheck, that's the way to go. In this type of market, you want to stand out. By completing your BS in Computer Engineering and minoring in finance, you can always have a way out, either in the engineering world or the business world. Also, it'll take you alot less time completing what you already started than retaking everything. After you complete your BS, getting your Master's in a MBA or MSF program will only take additional 10 classes, if you so choose to to go for your Master's.

  Rachel 10 Feb 2009

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• You're better off getting a BS in Accounting and intern in a related field and finance. You can obtain as many degrees and programing know-how all you want, but things are changing. You don't know anything until you are immersed in it. Trust me, a degree in accounting you can count on for the rest of your life - companies will always need them, while finance can help you break 6 figures. Just make sure you get some work experience. I studied two years in engineering, worked as an investment accounting for 2 years and currently a low level investment analyst. There are so many different strategies, models, and various financial interpretations where one cannot ignore quantitative and qualitive information. Fundamentals and education can get you so far, the left is up to experience and confidence.

  squid 19 Feb 2009

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• I'm pretty sure that working as a low level investment accountant still makes more than a corporate accountant. I mean it all depends on what you want to do in the future. If I had it my way, I would trade my BS Accounting for a BS in Engineering any time, any day. I've worked two years in a mid sized public accounting firm in Boston, and earned no more than 48K when I got out of it, and this was not too long ago. Now as a corporate financial analyst, I'm still earning that figure, except now I have my MSC in Finance. I graduated from pretty decent schools, and done well in the working environment. I mean honestly take a good look on all the job postings on Efinancial careers, and you'll see that 80% of them want a "quantitative" background, specifically in Computer Science. Unless, you obtain a CPA license or CFA license, it's pretty difficult to get a decent job nowadays. Accounting will guarantee a job maybe, but unless you want to work like a slave for 55 hours a week and not have an outside life, letting companies make the most out of you, it's time to step up and distinguish yourself from the rest of the resumes with only Business backgrounds.

  Rachel 19 Feb 2009

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