Monday, May 25, 2015

Accountants in Dubai: 6 Types of Accounting Degrees

Choosing a course in college is a very tough job especially if you don’t know what you really want to be after school. This is true for me because upon finishing High School, I also had problems concerning what course to take. I also don’t know what job should I pursue. I’m really confused that’s why I seek my parents’ opinions regarding this matter. They told me: “Son, be practical. Since you were a kid you enjoyed arithmetic and numbers. We think that you are a good fit to take accountancy. You can be an accountant in Dubai.” To further support their claim, accountancy jobs are really in demand if you would really think of it especially to countries like UAE and of course to its prominent city Dubai. 

Why Dubai? I’ve read several articles across the internet and it just got me excited to take the course. Dubai has developed to be a global city and business hub of the Middle East and the South Asia and later this 2020 they will be hosting the World Expo which means more investments and more jobs. Well, that was just an assumption and if it is true, I’m glad to be one of the beneficiaries of its blessings.

Now that I’ve decided to be an accountant someday, I didn’t realize that there plenty of degrees to choose from. Can you help me decide for the second time? 

Accounting Degrees:

a.) Associate’s Degree in Accounting

An associate’s degree in accounting is a two-year degree program that focuses on accounting basics. It will give you a solid base in career-specific accounting skills, including basic accounting, cost accounting, taxation, financial statement analysis and payroll accounting. By taking up an Associate’s degree, you can be a Bookkeeper, Billing Clerk, Accounting Assistant, Management Trainee and Payroll Clerk.  

Position: entry level

b.)Bachelors in Accounting

There are three types of undergraduate degrees or three specializations of the Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting: B.S. Accounting, B.S. Finance and B.S Auditing. 

B.S. Accounting

Students who get a degree in B.S. Accounting, specializes in analyzing financial records and allowing them to report to managers and make recommendations regarding financial activities.

B.S. Finance 

Students who earn an undergraduate degree in specializes investment banking, government auditors and financial analyst positions.

B.S Auditing 

Auditors who earn the degree may work within an organization as internal auditors, or they may work outside of a company as a forensic auditor. They examine financial records for accuracy, fraudulent activity and mismanagement. As Internal auditors, they report to managers, make recommendations on improving financial performance and reducing inefficient spending practices of institution.

Position: entry level to mid-level employment

c.)Master’s Degree in Accounting

Having a Master’s Degree in Accounting is a great advantage when applying to management level positions. Many employers prefer job candidates with an MBA in accounting because having this degree means you are an expert in problem solving and making sound financial decisions. Degree course work includes budgeting, cost analysis, financial reporting, business economics, business management and related accounting principles. In most MBA programs, students participate in mock business projects which provide them with experience in all financial aspects of managing a business from launching to closing the books. Earning an MBA qualifies candidates to sit for professional certification exams, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Position: Management Level Positions

d.)PhD in Accounting

The highest degree in accounting where the most advanced accounting principles are taught.  It is a 2 year degree which includes course work in economics, business accounting and business accounting research. It also requires dissertation and comprehensive exams. Individuals who earn a PhD in accounting are frequently employed in top management positions, including Controller, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Business Economist. Individuals with a PhD in accounting may also qualify to teach business and finance courses at colleges and universities. 

Position: Top Management Positions

So now, are you decided on which accounting degree to take? Actually, it is not for you to choose. It is a hierarchy where you can start from the lowest position to the top position. Start by getting an associate degree in accounting first, do well on your job and get the succeeding degrees. Good luck on your journey!