Best Place To Get Accounting Degree?

wexhurdler

Hi

Im a leaving cert student decided on doing accounting next year but really unsure where best to study could you please give your opinion? here are my options..

1. Accounting and Finance in DCU its only 3 years and you get full CAP1 exemption?

2. Accounting and Finance in W.I.T ---- I am living in Waterford and it's only 3 years again with CAP1 exemption? BUT hmmmmm.... well I'm trying not to sound like a prick but its an I.T... is an accounting degree there looked upon any less than DCU?

3. Accounting in UCC - really like Cork and UCC BUT its 4 years long.. you do get a good block of work experience in yr 3 I think and maybe you could make some valuble connections... but is it really worth the extra year??

really unsure what's best... would really appreciate any views and opinions

thanks....

sheena1985

First of all, if you think you might like to go for an accounting masters after college, go for a course that gives CAP1 exemptions, otherwise you won't be left with many (or any?) options..

Other than that, I'd reccommend going for a course with work experience, I did a 4 year undergrad and got 6 months work placement, which was great help when applying in milkrounds.. So maybe UCC is your best bet from that list?

As for college's being favoured over others, I did mine in IT, and had no probs getting a contract, but maybe there is still some snobbery by employers about IT's, so you might be better off going for one of the big name colleges...

Hope that helps somewhat!

jhn_noln

I can only speak from experience (currently doing the DCU degree in accounting and finance) but must admit the three year course was a big point for me. The most you are going to get from any undergrad course is full CAP1 exemptions and gettin them in three instead of four years gives you the extra year to fit in a masters or what not!
Now I know many say the four year courses have the advantage of work experience which no doubt can be benificial when it comes to the milkround but different strokes for different folks, I mean a summer internship can just as easily get you a placement for when you graduate also.
Another swinging point for me was that along with accounting we can choose to specialise in our final year so we're not just stuck with accounting, we can go down the finance (which i will do), HR, management, marketing etc.
It is important, I think anyway, not to narrow your choice too much too early!
my two cents anyway!


if ya have any queries about the course dont hesitate!!!!

ninty9er

I'm currently in final year in BBS in UL. Did 8 months placement last year...it's compulsory as opposed to optional in UCC. Placement is the most valuable part of any degree, and can leapfrog you above a candidate with much better academic credentials.

of 6 of us in the company I worked for, 4 went for interview in October and 3 offered a job, and I was even very firm in saying that the pay was quite poor and that I'd go elsewhere for more money if I was offered it.

Law and Accounting in UL is an Bachelor of Arts degree, so therefore not as well classed by employers who cite it as being neither Law nor Accounting, whereas the BBS has a more Accounting Focus.

I think Limerick IT offers the most by way of exemptions, but since the change from the Prof to CAP system this year, I don't think there is anywhere that will have anything more than a CAP1 exemption (I have personally raised it with the faculty rep in UL though.)

Running Bing

Easy choice in my eyes:

The UCC course is out because its too narrow in scope. What if you decide you dont like accounting, what if you want to work outside accounting after college? Accounting and Finance will give you more options and I imagine would be more interesting to study.

That leaves WIT v DCU and I would have to go with DCU. Their probably pretty close quality wise but there is still snobbery about Uni's and employers will always look more favourably on DCU (even if it is not warranted its a regrettable fact imo). Perception is reality.

p.s. The extra year in UCC is very worthwhile and it is always good to get that work experience. Having said that its possible to get good experience during the summer which will amount to the same thing. Just make sure you do get something during the summer (doesnt have to be big4, doesnt even have to be accountancy, just something that looks good on a cv).

ninty9er

Having an Accounting degree will not necessarily limit your opportunities in the finance field.

You could always hedge your bets and do Commerce in UCD or BBS in UL just in case you don't like Accounting after getting an insight, or prefer Marketing, Risk, Economics or HR.

If you're sure it has to be accounting though UCC isn't a bad choice if you've narrowed it to only those 3, but the only criticism of my own experience in UL is that there aren't more exemptions, which you can't get elsewhere anyway. The compulsory placement was definitely a bonus...for all of my friends, Accounting and Finance majors or not.

seven-iron

Accountancy is the back door to senior management. look at all the bosses of the plc's. They started off as accountants as did Bertie and Haughey.

Avoid management degrees like the plague man. They sound great in theory but the problem with them is that employers are unsure in what they want from you, they ask themselves why they are hiring you. Not to mention that the likes of HR people are not respected by their colleagues in the workplace. HR managers dont influence the corporate agenda. Its all airy fairy.

To answer your question, DCU and IT Tallaght are becoming the most credible places to study accountancy. Thats according to the top twenty accountancy firms. Apparantly graduates from those colleges are now regarded as strong. Limerick IT and WIT are good places too.

By the way not one single college course gets any CAP2 exemptions.

playingpirate

Im also in my final year of BBS in UL and chose the Accounting and Finance major aswell. Im from waterford and since I was four I wanted to be an accountant (yeah i know, i was a loser child...) but I was strongly advised to stay away from a straight accountancy degree.

They are narrow in focus and in my opinion, a general BBS degree gives you a better understanding of the client, what they do, how and why. also,working in industry has given me a great understanding of what a client will do to get around auditors and their demands!

I choose UL over WIT as i do feel that there is still an opinion that a univeristy is better than an IT. Be this right or wrong, its the way it is...

Also, getting away from home for a few years is always a bonus, and doesnt make the idea of moving back to waterford for a 3.5 year contract seem that bad....

Anyways, thats why i choose BBS in UL over WIT, but i think you really have to weight everything up aswell, its cost a small fourtune to move away from home for 4 years when i could just have easily lived rent free in waterford.

Also, i hear that the compulsory placement in these courses is set to be cancelled in the next few years, with UL seriously struggling ot place students and most other colleges in the same boat...

Pisco Sour

Go for Commerce in UCD, its the best accounting degree out there as it has close links to the big four.

Also please dont be thinking about CAP 1 and institute exams. You havent even finished school yet, not to mention college. When i was in school i didnt even know what the Prof 2's and Prof 3's were. Dont worry about that stuff yet. Just do your best in your leaving cert and then really enjoy college and make the most of it.

Try commerce as it gives you a good broad range of business subjects. It keeps your options open.

MonsterMob

I can't even remember what i learnt from college to be honest. Go for the course/college with the best reputation. Commerece in UCD is the best business course in the country and carrys more weight when going for interviews.

CGorman

04072511 wrote: »

Go for Commerce in UCD, its the best accounting degree out there as it has close links to the big four.

I agree commerce keeps your options open... but to suggest it trumps a pure accountancy degree head on is crazy! Im in final year of Accountancy in DCU - whilst most of my best friends from home are in Commerce in UCD. At present whilst there results are good, the number of accountancy subjects they have done is nothing compared to us in DCU. In addition because they are not streamed from the beginning into the notion of accountancy, it is only now that they are getting to grips with career options; where as I have my internship done and dusted and trainee position lined up for september.

I dont think a generalist degree can trump a specific degree unless you seek to go into a broad accountancy role... but lets face it, at the start of your career most graduates (at least in our course) will be doing something relatively specfic (e.g. tax, audit etc.) in practice. You can do an MBA later in life if you move into broader management.

From the milkround stages and from my friends experiences (and even from internship) I have found pure accountancy in DCU, UL, UCC or wherever are all excellent starting points and will help massively with trying to secure a job - in simple terms they convey a long commitment and desire to work in accountancy - a commerce or management degree doesnt, it says basically that you didnt know what you wanted to do in business when you filled out the CAO. Now dont get me wrong, it is a good course, but its scope is wider and less deep.

The OP is clearly set on accountancy, so in his/her case one of the specfic options he/she has identified would be the best bet.

Personally I would recommend my course to anyone who's thinking of this option - its a well run, up to date course and will give you a running start to your career. By the way on the notion to suggest Commerce have the best links to the Big 4 is rubbish - none of the courses are a shoe in! You work hard, get good results and build up a solid CV and you'll get into whichever firm you desire, its not like the lecturers ring up their big 4 mates and say johnny needs a job!! Like everything in life, work hard and you'll do well!

Best of luck

Evertonia

In making your choice of course, you should find out the exemptions that you can get from ACCA aswell. As you will not be finished for 3-4 years, ACA numbers are falling and ACCA memberships are increasing!

Pisco Sour

CGorman wrote: »

I agree commerce keeps your options open... but to suggest it trumps a pure accountancy degree head on is crazy! Im in final year of Accountancy in DCU - whilst most of my best friends from home are in Commerce in UCD. At present whilst there results are good, the number of accountancy subjects they have done is nothing compared to us in DCU. In addition because they are not streamed from the beginning into the notion of accountancy, it is only now that they are getting to grips with career options; where as I have my internship done and dusted and trainee position lined up for september.

I dont think a generalist degree can trump a specific degree unless you seek to go into a broad accountancy role... but lets face it, at the start of your career most graduates (at least in our course) will be doing something relatively specfic (e.g. tax, audit etc.) in practice. You can do an MBA later in life if you move into broader management.

From the milkround stages and from my friends experiences (and even from internship) I have found pure accountancy in DCU, UL, UCC or wherever are all excellent starting points and will help massively with trying to secure a job - in simple terms they convey a long commitment and desire to work in accountancy - a commerce or management degree doesnt, it says basically that you didnt know what you wanted to do in business when you filled out the CAO. Now dont get me wrong, it is a good course, but its scope is wider and less deep.

The OP is clearly set on accountancy, so in his/her case one of the specfic options he/she has identified would be the best bet.

Personally I would recommend my course to anyone who's thinking of this option - its a well run, up to date course and will give you a running start to your career. By the way on the notion to suggest Commerce have the best links to the Big 4 is rubbish - none of the courses are a shoe in! You work hard, get good results and build up a solid CV and you'll get into whichever firm you desire, its not like the lecturers ring up their big 4 mates and say johnny needs a job!! Like everything in life, work hard and you'll do well!

Best of luck

You get the exact same exemptions from CAP 1 by doing Commerce in UCD as you get from doing Accountancy in DCU, but it also gives you an opportunity to see other area's. Its good to keep the options open i think early on.

Also from my experience in commerce and the milkround practically everybody got offered a job. In fact i think only 2 or 3 people didnt get offered one the year i applied. The course has a good reputation among the Big 4. Right or wrong thats the way it is.

Also its a great course to get to know people as you are split into a class of 45 or so which makes it very easy to get to know people. Most of my best friends are from commerce.

I'm being biased I agree, but then again so are you!

censuspro

04072511 wrote: »

Go for Commerce in UCD, its the best accounting degree out there as it has close links to the big four.

Also please dont be thinking about CAP 1 and institute exams. You havent even finished school yet, not to mention college. When i was in school i didnt even know what the Prof 2's and Prof 3's were. Dont worry about that stuff yet. Just do your best in your leaving cert and then really enjoy college and make the most of it.

Try commerce as it gives you a good broad range of business subjects. It keeps your options open.

This is best piece of advice you could get. Don't focus on the professional exams too much and do commerce in UCD or A&F in DCU.

I'm a qualified accountant and those are the choices I didnt make and now wish I did. The bcomm and the links to Big 4 are invaluable. Although people complain about people coming out of Big 4 with no real experience, it's a huge advantage when looking for a job because it looks great on the cv. I did it the hard way by qualifying in a small practice and although I would be a better accountant than most of my peers, I dont have the Big 4 on my cv which alot of companies look for when you're going for very senior or management roles.

boredatwork82

Athlone I.T.
It has a 3 year course, that grants you exemptions up to final stage ACCA & CIMA. Also gain a lot of exemptions from CPA.

Thats where I did mine, and its great craic.

CGorman

04072511 wrote: »

In fact i think only 2 or 3 people didnt get offered one the year i applied.

Im sure this was the case, but all i'm saying is im in the 09' graduate lot and with the economy the way it is, the numbers actually getting offers are down considerably and from what i've seen and heard in my class their seem to be an awful lot of bcomms not making the cut. Yes exemptions are the same, but in the end of the day a person whos studied little other than accounting for 3yrs compared to a more diverse person will obviously have an advantage going into do the CAP2's... in ways I suppose you could say its 6 of 1 and 1/2 a dozen of the other!

As you correctly pointed out, im completely biased and do sincerely have great respect for both courses (and their equivilants around the country... on the comment about Athlone IT's course, i'll second that! i've seen a few go down that route too and done well!)

accas

Griffith College, DBS, NUI

suckslikeafox

Have you considered NUIM? Full CAP1 exemptions, new enough course so the big4 are interested (as much as they're interested in anything to do with hiring at the moment) in making ties it and its not the hardest course in the world but has a decent reputation.

I went there, working in big4 now and doing grand...excellent college in general as well, good times!

tommy249

While I am biased I would have to say your best option is BBS in UL. UL has the biggest work placement programme of any University in Europe and UL also has the highest employment rate for students finishing university in Ireland (Source wikipedia)
They also have to have the best campus in Ireland. Have a look at the virtual tour at www.ul.ie or have a look at http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/1119/nationwide.html

loctite

Hey, Just giving my own perspective.

I am a finalist in the DCU B.A. in Accounting & Finance .

Firstly, the only major difference in nearly all the Universities or IT's is either the 3 or 4 years because the majority offer full CAP1 exemptions.

Secondly, Yes, firms do prejudice applicants on where they have attained their qualifications, regardless of results. Anyone who says otherwise has not tried to get a job when they are in scarce supply (i'm speaking from personal experience) so yes, a university degree will hold more weight than a IT.

Thirdly, the Big 4 offer, a summer internship programme. There is an illusion that the University provides you with work experience, you have to find the placement. So if you can find it during the year, you can do it during the summer.

A vast proportion of student from my class took up these placement and all of them have secured their contracts once they have finished their exams (providing they have achieved the required 2.1 result).

On a further note. the majority (I reckon 90%+) of the graduate training programmes on offer are in Dublin. Therefore if you manage to get into one of the Internships (The Big 4 Internships are ONLY available in Dublin) you will be in a better position than others who have gained "Invaluable" work experience in the University.

Hope this helps

Best of Luck in the Leaving

wexhurdler

Hi can I just thank everyone who gave their opinions, much appreciated and really helped:)

Think im gonna gonna go accounting and finance DCU sounds best option to me because im sure im going do accounting of some description after..

Can i just ask to those studying Accounting and Finance in DCU what the course is like in general?like im only doing accounting im good at it hoping for A1 but like not doing economics or Business... will that matter?

and realistically where can the degree take you like from what i understand you get your 2.1 or 1.1 get into big 4 do 3 or whatever years before doing chartered exams... how many people make to to be financial controllers or get big positions in big companies and how long does it take to get there?

I know im only in 6th year but still really want to know of possibilities ahead...?

thanks:D

jhn_noln

I was in the same situation as you, done accounting but neither business or economics for the leaving.
For first year anyway the financial accounting, economics and management accounting are basically leaving cert standard to ensure everyone is up to the same level. The economics module starts from scratch assuming no knowledge at all which was ideal for me.
Then along with those modules there are others which give you a broad grounding in business such as organisational behaviour, accounting mathematics, information systems, communications and law.
Basically first year exposes you to the broad business world and then this year it has stepped up a notch with regard to accounting. Much more emphasis on the use of accounting standards etc.
hope that helps!

lolly.o

I did AF in DCU and I'd just like to point something out that a lot of people don't realise.

In DCU a 2.1 is 63% - 69% whereas in other colleges a 2.1 is 60% - 69%.
A 2.2 is 55% to 62% and in other colleges it is 50% to 59%.

This can have a huge effect on your final degree.

If for example you get 61/62% in your 3rd year of AF you will only be qualified with a 2.2 degree whereas someone who did Commerce in UCD and got the same result will have a 2.1 degree.

At the end of the day what you put on your CV is the 2.1/2.2 etc and not the exact mark and all that your employers will be interested in is whether you got a 2.1 or a 2.2, they're not going to care that the college is different from others in their grading.

Also the AF course in DCU is a very tough course and I believe it is much more difficult than Commerce in other Universities, however they are all treated as being the same when it comes to employers. It is your overall mark in your degree that will matter at the end.

jhn_noln

that scoring system has changed since you have been in dcu. It is now the same as ucd, as in 60-69% is a 2.1

loctite

wexhurdler wrote: »

and realistically where can the degree take you like from what i understand you get your 2.1 or 1.1 get into big 4 do 3 or whatever years before doing chartered exams... how many people make to to be financial controllers or get big positions in big companies and how long does it take to get there?

ha ha you are definitely thinking ahead thats for sure.

Don't worry about whether or not you have done any of the subjects before. I started the A&F Degree after never studying economics or even accounting at leaving certificate and last year i finished in the top 10% of my class. (I don't know whether that is a bad reflection on the class though!!) But as long as you put the work in you'll be fine. Trust me, if you are successful in your application you are most likely going to find Law and Taxation the most "Taxing" subjects...

But just to echo another comment, from my fellow class mates, they can't even compare accountancy from leaving certificate to what they are currently at.

And as for how far and fast you will go after your degree that is entirely up to you. The most popular route is through the big 4 but not to be overly pessimestic, who is to say that they will be taking graduates in the way they used to? Its all about "Talent". you show you have it, you will go far.....

wexhurdler

hey just want to thank everybody for their advice and opinions:)

booking accomidation for DCU so hope i made the right choice:D

Theboinkmaster

Just my own personal opinion:

Think of your professional career as a pyramid - the start of your career being the base and the peak being the end of your career. The base of the pyramid is the widest - at the start of your career you should keep as many options open as possible, keep your experience as broad as possible and don't specialise too soon.

Then as you progress in your career (going up the pyramid) you should narrow your focus and skill set.

With this is mind I really don't think you can go wrong with (and this is what I did):

1 - BComm UCD
2 - Train in a big 4 firm (non financial services section being very important - not funds, insurance or banking so in PwC you'd want to be in TICE, CIPS or MMAS)

Then once you do that the world really is yours and you have about 10 varying career options ahead of you - consulting in Accenture, managment accounting, financial accounting, corporate banking etc

Following this route you keep the wide base of the pyramid ie broad experience and do not limit your options.

And by the end of a big 4 training contract you're in a much better position to decide what career to follow that you would be at 17/18 doing your leaving.

Best of luck with whatever you choose!

Woger

Athlone used to have a great course which was geared towards the ACCA and CIMA; at the end of the day you're going to need the professional qualification. It's worth checking to see if they still do that course..

lassykk

I would definitely recommend WIT as the best place to go if you want to work in Waterford after the degree.

I did the degree in WIT and I'm working in a practice in Waterford. All bar one person on my intake and in the intake in PWC have degrees from WIT (either BBS with accounting of BA in accounting)

The staff in WIT were unbelievably helpful over the course of my degree and you get full exemptions from CAP 1 and if you do the masters in accounting you will get full exemption from CAP 2.

Definitely the way forward in my opinion if you want to stay local after college.