USA Newbie seeking education advice

[Gerard Skennion]

I am a fifty-something looking into career change. I have a facility with numbers that I haven't used much and I'm wondering if it is necessary to have a two- or four year degree in accounting to get a decent job. I am taking an online tax prep course to see how that feels. I'm also feeling out whether working in a more traditional career like accounting suits me better than say, working as a data analyst- something else I'm considering pursuing. Any insights are welcome.

Thanks for your answers.

 

[Nora]

If you're interested only in bookkeeping functions, then you don't need to get a degree. A short diploma / certificate course that teaches you manual and computerized accounting is all you need imo. If you want to become a management or cost accountant and assist with management decision making, then pursuing a 2 year , preferably 4 year degree is recommended.