Would finance or accounting be better if I want to advise businesses on funding decisions?
Finance may suit you better if you want to advise businesses on funding decisions, because it focuses more directly on capital structure, investment appraisal, valuation, financial markets and sources of finance. Accounting can also be valuable, particularly for interpreting financial statements, assessing financial health and understanding reporting, tax and controls. A finance degree with accounting modules—or a combined course—may be a strong fit.
Key points
- Compare modules covering corporate finance, valuation, financial modelling, capital markets and business lending.
- Accounting may suit you better if you are more interested in reporting, audit, tax or using accounts to support advice.
- Relevant experience, analytical skills and professional qualifications can complement either degree.
Things to check
- Course content and professional qualification pathways vary by university and country, so check the modules and career requirements for the roles you are considering.