Are you looking for a career path that offers stability, promising salaries, and opportunities for growth? Becoming an accountant may be the perfect choice for you. In this blog, we will explore the important steps needed for how to become an accountant.
To become an accountant in 2023, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, such as finance or business administration. You will also need to pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and obtain licensure in your state.
- Who Is An Accountant?
- Types Of Accountants
- Accountant Education Requirements
- How To Become An Accountant: Steps To Become An Accountant
- Step1: Enroll In a Degree Program
- Step 2: Choose Your Career Path
- Step 3: Find An Internship
- Step 5: Find a Job
- Step 6: Get Certified
- How Long Does It Take To Become An Accountant
- Skills Required To Become An Accountant
- Career In Accounting
- Conclusions
- Frequently Asked Questions About How To Become An Accountant
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Who Is An Accountant?
An accountant is a worker who is responsible for managing the finances of a business. They are responsible for checking, analyzing and reporting on the financial activities of the business.
Accountants commonly have a degree in accounting or a related field and usually must be certified in order to practice.
Accountants also provide financial advice to clients and help them make important decisions about their finances. Here are some types of accountants.
Types Of Accountants
There are different kinds of accountants, all of whom work with finances in some way. The most common types are:
- Certified public accountants
- Auditors
- Forensic accountants
- Government accountant
- Management accountant
- Cost accountant
- Staff accountant
Accountant Education Requirements
Going down an academic path for accounting requires having at least a grade 4 or C in GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
Usually top firms used to demand an A or B in A-level (or equivalent) and a 2:1 from your degree, but some have now changed these requirements to bring in a more varied selection of volunteers.
However, all organizations are still searching for the ‘full package’: experience, aptitude, skills, and attitude.
To become an accountant, one commonly needs to complete the following education requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Professional Certification
- Master’s Degree
How To Become An Accountant: Steps To Become An Accountant
To become an accountant, a university course outline is usually the first step for students. However, there are still other steps to take before reaching the goal. Here is a breakdown of what it takes to become an accountant.
Step1: Enroll In a Degree Program
For those looking to pursue a career in Accounting, must earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in the first step. As part of this program, students can expect to take math classes, learn about tax law, as well as take business-related courses.
- Financial recordkeeping
- Ethics
- Statistics
- Management
- Personal and business tax
- Auditing
- International finance
Having great communication skills is important to building successful working relationships with people and management teams who rely on your knowledge.
To do great in accounting, you need to have strong mathematical skills, be organized, think analytically, and have an aptitude for structure. A bachelor’s degree is your initial preparation to take the CPA exam or get entry-level work as an accountant.
Step 2: Choose Your Career Path
Choosing an accounting career path often follows becoming an accountant. Specializing in managerial, financial or tax accounting are options, as is earning a CPA or MBA. This commonly requires extra hours and regular learning.
Accountants often work in private offices or as part of a corporate team. Some are employed by government institutions at the local, state, or federal level.
Auditors may move from one company to another throughout the year to review financial documents and offer neutral advice to local or regional clients.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for accountants in 2021 was $77,250. Those in finance and insurance industries reported the highest pay, at a median of $80,760.
Step 3: Find An Internship
Gaining hands-on experience through a paid or unpaid internship can be very beneficial for students upon graduating.
As well as the potential for increased salaries and increased job prospects, an internship can even open the door to a job offer. To ensure success, it is important to be professional, network and strive to do your best.
Step 5: Find a Job
Holding your degree in your hand you’ll be prepared to acquire an introductory role in the accounting field. Furthermore, you may even gain the credits to take the CPA assessment while employed in your first job.
Step 6: Get Certified
Depending on the specialty area you select, you may opt to gain one or more additional certifications. Acquiring certifications after your degree can enhance your employability and strengthen your professional value.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Accountant
The length of time it takes to become an accountant can depends on the individual’s level of education and career path. However, on average, it commonly takes the following:
Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field typically takes four years to complete on a full-time basis.
Professional Certification: After completing a bachelor’s degree, the time it takes to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can vary, but it usually takes at least an additional year of study and experience.
Master’s Degree: A master’s degree in accounting or a related field typically takes an additional two years of full-time study after completing a bachelor’s degree.
In total, it can take anywhere from 5 to 7 years of education and experience to become an accountant, depending on the individual’s specific career path.
Skills Required To Become An Accountant
To become an effective accountant, you must have these skills:
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Communication Skills
- Ethical Conduct
- Technical Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
Having these skills, along with a great education and experience, can help persons excel in a career in accounting.
Career In Accounting
A career in accounting offers a wide range of opportunities in many industries and settings. Some of the key aspects of a career in accounting include:
- Job Duties
- Work Environment
- Career Advancement
- Job Outlook
- Salary
Conclusions
Becoming an accountant in 2023 will require a lot of hard work and dedication. It is important to have a good understanding of accounting principles, finance, and taxation. Having a good grip of technology and IT related skills is also beneficial. With the right education, experience, and skills, you can become a certified accountant in the near future. Contact us for more content like this!