Your Intro To Accounting Class, Explained By Dunder Mifflin's Kevin Malone
Start writing a post
Student Life

Your Intro To Accounting Class, Explained By Dunder Mifflin's Kevin Malone

Because "doing the numbers" isn't all that easy

5901
Your Intro To Accounting Class, Explained By Dunder Mifflin's Kevin Malone
NBC / Twitter

If you're a business student, the phrase "you have to take intro to accounting this semester" should immediately send shivers down your spine.

That is, unless you somehow actually enjoy depreciating inventory, figuring out the flow of cash, and basically just love numbers in general. But, if you're like me, you more than likely have a love/hate relationship with the class.

I basically want to cry 99% of the time because either the numbers won't balance (tears of frustration) or because the numbers actually did balance (tears of joy). I figured who else better to explain the highs and lows of Intro to Accounting than everyone's favorite accountant, Kevin Malone! So without further ado...

Trying to get your assets to equal your liabilities + equity

"Oh, accounting is so great because everything adds up and that's how you know it's right!" Yeah, okay, but you forgot to mention how terrible it is when I can't get it to add up after calculating the number 25 times.

When you think you've taken everything into account, and then you remember that depreciation is a thing

Because who doesn't love adjusting journal entries?

The reasoning behind the names "FIFO" and "LIFO"

Ain't nobody got time to say "First in First Out" and "Last in First Out", let alone calculate them!

That moment when you actually know where to look in the financial statements for a number

The first time it took me under ten minutes to find where "COGS" was located, I nearly cried out of pure joy.

When it all suddenly makes sense and you think you could actually become an accounting major

Hey, Big Four firms, hire me! I know what the matching principle is! I can calculate a current ratio! I even know the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable! Or wait, do I though...?

And then in 2.5 seconds you're brought back to reality and are completely lost again

Good bye, imaginary Big Four job and huge starting paycheck. I should probably have figured out how to set up a "T account" first before I dreamed this great dream.

Finding out the exam is 14 pages long, takes 3 hours, AND IS CUMULATIVE

Did I mention this nightmare also happens on a Friday afternoon? Two thumbs down indeed.

Studying for the exam and realizing life is too short to spend hours pouring over financial statements

I have goals and dreams I want to accomplish in the few short years I'm afforded on this earth, and let me tell you, it does NOT involve understanding "Bad Debt Expense."

Finally, when you take the exam, you don't fail, and you get to reward yourself

Because like Kevin, after "doing the number all day," I absolutely want to eat 20 candy bars and shove a whole jar of M&M's in my mouth.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

44174
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27797
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952583
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

151620
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments