How much and what type of math is needed in Accounting?

Accounting is addition, subtraction, percentages, and multiplication, and division (occasionally).
No cosynes, synes, pi’s. Simple math.

If you know arithmetic, (adding, subtracting, dividing, multiplying) and you understand it, that is good enough. Higher mathematics is not as important as an understanding of relationships. Computers do all the hard stuff, but you have to be able to understand the concepts of the balance sheets.

It’s all fairly simple in terms of math you are asked to do (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). But you kind of need to love numbers, exact details, and arbitrary rules.

No tax knowledge is necessary. They will teach you what you need to know about that stuff as you go.

You should expect to do “all the hard stuff” at least once by hand—on a test. You’ll be asked to learn to make spreadsheets and the like online, but you will absolutely have to have all the formulas memorized for tests as well.

Basic math is all. I found the hard part to be interpreting the numbers, but that comes with practice.

The more you do…the quicker you’ll get the job. Bosses usually look for the smartest/highest ranked education level.
[edit] I would say calculus.

Thanks for the answers. I have a friend interested in Accounting, but she is unsure exactly what is required and how good of a fit it would be. She has just recently started considering this, so she hasn’t talked to anyone at the college yet. I knew you all would be perfect for answers in the meantime.

I am the last person who should be thinking about accounting – I have what I call math dyslexia. I transpose them all the time. Plus, employers would think I have multiple personalities with a degree in English and another one in Accounting. LOL

Some colleges want you to take an accounting course as a gen ed anyway. When she takes it, and decides if she likes it, have her ask to meet with her professor to discuss it as a potential career option.