Colorado Technical University

Accounting or Marketing?

I am a second year accounting major with a marketing concentration in my current university. This semester I am taking Financial Accounting, yet found it dull. So thinking of to switch to marketing major with a concentration in business administration. But before I do so, I have the following questions: 1)How is the job placement with a BA degree in marketing or business administration? 2)Is marketing very math oriented (Disclaimer: I hate math.)? I talked to my accounting professor yesterday and was informed that I have an A- in the class. However, I am working really hard to pull that A-. (Working really hard= reading and practicing accounting almost everyday!) Nevertheless this is only an introductory accounting course. If I continue in this pattern will I end up failing Intermediate Accounting? Lastly, can anyone provide me an insight of what “Cost Accounting” and “Auditing” is really like? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. First, CONGRATS for getting an A-!!! Everyone has to work hard for an A- in accounting! I think that there is no way you'll fail intermediate accounting. Yes, it's tough and you'll have to read and practice almost every day, but you can definitely do it, and get A's. 1) In my opinion, it's tough to get a job in marketing or business admin. Plus, in a tough economy like this, people with that background tend to lose their jobs and it's tough to get another one. I have a friend in marketing who just got laid off on Monday. I feel really bad for him - it'll take a while for him to find another job because most Companies are having to cut down on marketing to save money right now. But I have recruiters calling all the time - even in this economy - because good accountants are always needed. With A's in accounting, you can get a great job and get your CPA (or CA in Canada) and always be in high demand. You will also get paid a lot more than a marketing person. 2) I didn't major in marketing, but I do not believe it is math-oriented. But you also know that in accounting, we all use Excel and calculators, so it's ok if you hate math. Cost Accounting - Basically, cost accounting is accounting for the cost of a product. Say there's a company that makes clothes. The cost acctg dept calculates the cost to make the clothes. Say a certain style of jeans needs 1.2 yards of fabric at $15/ yard, plus 1 zipper at $0.50 each, and 1 button at $0.50 each. And it takes $10 in labor to cut, sew, and trim the jeans. That's cost accounting. Auditing - You go out to companies and review their financial statements to see if they are right. You test some transactions to make sure they are valid (no errors, no fraud). You analyze financial statements to make sure it makes sense. You test the company's internal controls. You learn a lot about how companies work. It is great experience!!! Now for the downside: You will continue to work hard. A good accountant is always thinking, and is expected to work overtime.