Is accounting usually the best foundation for someone who wants to start a career in finance without a specific track in mind?

If the question is for finance as a function then my answer would be yes and it would give you a good foundation and understanding of the basics of the function before specialising in one area of finance. If the question is about the wider financial services business, then I don’t think so as it does not provide a particular foundation to the financial services world. It is not better than a maths or science qualifications which shows analytical capabilities which is key to most roles.

I think Accounting is a great foundation. It seems a bit easier to move within the overall Finance function if your base is accounting rather than another speciality trying to then make the leap into accounting. However,  I think moving laterally around can happen either way if the individual is dedicated to devoting significant time in learning and ensuring up to speed on the area. Folks who started in Finance and not accounting could focus on taking courses around accrual accounting, consolidations, etc depending on the area they move to in accounting to understand the basics of dr and cr, etc. Moving from Accounting to Finance, I think individuals need to take courses on analyzing and digesting data, storytelling, analytical tools, etc. I think Tax is the area that might be the hardest to transition into, it's incredibly technical. Although I think a move to Tax is done early on in the career from another Finance function, it can be learned.