This question might have sounded crazy a few years ago when Computer Science graduates were in such high demand that the pay and prestige made CS a no-brainer.
But lately, I’ve been getting this question from clients who are seriously considering making the switch.
The tech job market has been tough. There’s currently a shortage of accountants in the U.S. Meanwhile, many recent CS grads—including those from Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Tech—have been jobless for 6-12 months, if not longer. It’s natural to wonder: Should you switch to a field with better job prospects?
Here’s how to think about it.
Is there really a shortage of accountants?
Yes.
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Since 2019, the number of accountants in the U.S. has plummeted by 16% (American Institute of CPAs).
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75% of today’s public accounting CPAs will retire within 15 years.
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Undergraduate enrollment in accounting rose 11.3% year-over-year this spring, marking the second consecutive increase (National Student Clearinghouse Research Center).
There is an imbalance of supply vs. demand, and people are starting to notice.
Know what you’re getting into
While demand is high, accounting doesn’t pay as well as CS and burnout is common.
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Public accountants can expect to earn ~$125K after 10 years in the profession.
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Private accountants can reach ~$103K after a decade.
This is often less than what a recent CS graduate can make at tech companies, even in a tough market.
It’s not an easy or fast switch
To become an accountant, you need to:
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Complete 150 credit hours (30 more than a typical bachelor’s degree).
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Pass the CPA exam.
If you switch, you’re still 1-2 years away from being able to work as a licensed accountant, with an uncertain ROI.
So, what should you do if you’re a CS grad without a job, considering accounting?
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College teaches you how to think, not just a trade.
I was a CS major. The big ideas—abstraction, divide-and-conquer, systematic problem-solving—have helped me across industries. Don’t lose sight of what you’ve gained. -
Don’t just chase trends.
Find the intersection of:-
What you’re truly interested in,
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What you can become world-class at,
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What has a viable economic engine.
If accounting checks all three, go for it. If CS does, stick with it. Avoid chasing what’s “hot” just because the market is tough.
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Accounting can open doors.
While the pay isn’t sky-high, accounting is the language of business. Many use it to:-
Build businesses,
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Become corporate executives,
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Acquire small and medium-sized accounting firms (many are for sale as boomers retire).
And remember: death and taxes are certain—tax accountants will always be in demand. 🙂
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Bottom line:
Switching from CS to Accounting may make sense for some, but it is not a guaranteed “easy path.” Weigh what you truly want, what you’re great at, and what will sustainably pay you. And remember, your CS degree has value far beyond coding.
If you want help thinking through your career pivot in this market, let me know. I’ve worked with many clients navigating these crossroads.