[gerryberry]

Hey everyone,

So i’m starting an mba in january and want to do the accounting stream. I don’t have ANY experience in accounting as my undergrad was in poli sci so this mba will take me a little longer (I’m gonna have take an undergrad type class or two). before this i was working in policy studies for a non-profit.

I have a whole bunch of free time until january (literally I’m not doing anything because i’m waiting on my student visa/green card- can’t work yet) so I thought I’d do a little advance study. I’m working my way through my partner’s accounting textbook but its from her mba and seems not overly in depth or detailed.

Anyway my question is, whats a good way to self study so I can get a leg up on my accounting classes? I ordered the Kieso book (Intermediate Accounting) because I heard that that was a good one. (I ordered the edition before last because i don’t have $150 to drop on a text book). Do you guys have any other suggestions? Is this even a good idea? Am I just a sad nerd?

[Anonymous]

you are…lol

[gerryberry]

i knew it *wipes away tear*

[Tux]

How about taking a couple classes at the community college in the fall semester?

You can usually take them as an “audit” student, which means you don't get college credit for the class and you don't get graded. You're only taking it to be exposed to the material. The tuition is usually less for audit than for credit too, so it shouldn't be too expensive.

Otherwise, the Kieso book is good and is used in most intermediate accounting classes. So, if you want to start reading, go ahead. Good luck with that. I find the material challenging and needs lots of clarification, so getting started on your own might make you feel lost unless you have a tutor or teacher to turn towards with questions.

See how far you can get on your own from now, until fall. Then possibly consider taking a non-credit course in the fall.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Anonymous]

If you're as much of a nerd as you imply you will be fine when class starts. If you're planning on getting your MBA so you can sit for the CPA exam then remember that once you start studying you will have NO LIFE.

I will repeat for clarity. NO. LIFE.

Take time now to take a break. Spend time with family, friends, do little projects, read for pleasure, whatever. You will be so glad that you did because you won't be doing much of that later. Take some trips if you can.

If you must be busy, get involved in volunteering. Some charities that I have worked with have tasks that require simple accounting/bookkeeping function. Poli sci major? Volunteer for a local or national candidate of your choice this fall, again great for networking and your resume. Start building your resume now. When you are applying for an internship or recruiting for a firm/company you will be glad you did.

[Sandra]

That is a pretty good book. I still have some of the e-texts that were included with my MBA that I may be able to send you too if you're interested… I'll have to see if I can pull them off.

Being a sad nerd isn't so bad really. I LOVE studying for my CPA and I love really digging into some of the concepts that I've known for a long time, but maybe didn't fully understand. When $hit comes together its the best ever. I felt the same way about my MBA and breezed through it. Things you enjoy tend to be easier, while things you hate are a tedious chore. For CPA exam test purposes at least being a nerd is good.

[Anonymous]

I'd say get the principals Kieso book ! It is really simple and easy to read … and u can advance to the intermediate accounting book later if u have the time …

one more thing ! Governmental and Not for Profit organizations accounting if ur interested in that field … probably since that is where ur experience is … you do need the financial accounting part to get the governmental part …

Good luck 🙂

[Anonymous]

Principles of accounting ebook…..For your viewing pleasure:

https://www.principlesofaccounting.com/chapter1/chapter1.html

This ebook is what sparked my accounting interest and after finishing my BA in Accounting, I know I will just grow to love it more. I am a Math nerd so yeah Accounting is something I can do and be 87% satisfied!

🙂

[Author]

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