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How to Become an Accountant

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  • If you have a head for numbers and an aptitude for details, you may want to learn how to become an accountant. Accountants prepare and analyze financial information for private citizens and firms. An accountant can work in many areas such as preparing taxes, examining accounting ledgers and developing financial plans.

  • Becoming an Accountant Tips

    1. Get a good accounting education. The better your education, the better your qualifications.
    2. Start building your resume, your experience and your qualifications by finding an accounting internship.
    3. Investigate accounting specializations before deciding on one area of accounting.
    4. Become a certified accountant to expand your employment desirability and accounting abilities.
    5. </note>

  • Introduction

    • Accounting is one of the fastest growing professions and offers numerous job opportunities for qualified and certified accountants. The salary ranges from $30,000 to $80,000 depending on the type of accounting plus the qualifications and experience of the accountant.CareerToolKits.com: Accountant Salary Accountants work in many different areas of accounting, such as tax preparation, private accounting, financial planning and government accounting.

  • Step 1: Get an Education

    • Most accountants have a college degree in accounting. The desire for career advancement and the preferred accounting specialization may determine the level of education required for a successful career.

  • Starting Early

    • To become an accountant, individuals should begin with an aptitude for numbers, math and analytical skills.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountant High school students can prepare for an accounting career in several ways.
    1. Take math classes--the more advanced the better--such as trigonometry.AICPA: Start Here Magazine: The Real Way to Build a Successful Career in Business Accounting
    2. Take challenging classes like chemistry, biology and Advanced Placement English.
    3. Take college prep classes.
    4. Develop the ability to think logically.
    5. If possible, take an introductory accounting class.
    6. Read business and financial magazines.
    7. Research colleges with accounting programs and business schools.

  • Getting a College Degree

    • The accountant's career begins with a two-year or four-year degree in accounting. Accountants with two-year degrees from a community college may only be qualified for junior accounting positions and may want to consider transferring to a four-year university. In a four-year university students can get a bachelor's degree in accounting or take accounting classes as part of a business degree. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your accounting education.
    1. Over 1,000 colleges and universities offer accounting programs. When choosing a program focus on picking the one that's best for you.AICPA: Start Here Magazine: The Real Way to Build a Successful Career in Business Accounting
    2. Fulfill core curriculum courses while taking basic and advanced accounting courses, such as:
      1. Introductory accounting.
      2. Managerial accounting.
      3. Financial accounting.
      4. Tax preparation.
      5. Auditing.
      6. Business writing.
      7. Economics.
      8. Accounting information systems.
      9. Accounting software.
    3. Talk to a college adviser about becoming a certified accountant.
      • For more information, see Step 3.
    4. Find a mentor. A mentor will offer guidance towards choosing the right accounting specializations and internship opportunities.

  • Getting an Advanced Degree

    • For the greatest upward mobility in the accounting field, an accountant should strive for the highest education level available to him or her. This can include attaining a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in accounting or a master's degree in accounting or accountancy (MAcc).
    1. A MBA with a concentration in accounting will provide a more well-rounded business education as well as managerial skills in addition to accounting skills.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountants and Auditors
    2. A MAcc will focus on accounting expertise and include preparation for the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant exam.

  • Step 2: Find an Internship

    • Finding an accounting internship is a great way to gain experience, find the right accounting path and land a job after graduation. To find an internship:
    1. Network.
      • Impress your accounting professors, join accounting organizations (e.g., the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or the Institute of Management Accountants) and just meet with anyone that has anything to do with accounting.
    2. Talk to you college counselor about what campus resources are available.
    3. Cold call individuals and companies you may be interested in working with.
    4. Write a killer resume and cover letter.
    5. Perfect your interviewing skills.
    • Once you find an internship, impress your superiors. An internship is your first chance to shine and demonstrate your potential as an employee. If you are lucky, you may be offered a permanent position with the company.

  • Type of Accountants

    • Gaining experience helps accountants determine the type of accounting and specialty they wish to pursue. The main types of accountants are:
    1. Public accountants work for public accounting firms performing a multitude of duties including accounting, financial consulting, auditing and tax preparation. Public accounting firms provide accounting services for clients like corporations, non-profits, small businesses, individuals and the government.
    2. Management accountants work for companies. They manage financial information, offer advice and do long-term financial planning.The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): Getting Started
    3. Government accountants and auditors work for government agencies by analyzing financial records and auditing financial information from private businesses that do business with the government.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountant
      • Jobs may include working for the IRS, FBI and local governments.
    4. Forensic accountants investigate financial crimes like embezzlement, money laundering and fraud.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountants and Auditors
      • Positions include working with the police, FBI and insurance companies.
    • Within the field of accounting there are many additional accounting specializations, so thoroughly research your options before committing to one area.

  • Step 3: Get Certification

    • Certifications and special designations offer an accountant career mobility. There are several different certifications available, but the most common is the certified public accountant (CPA) certificate.

  • What is a CPA?

    • CPAs are licensed by the state after meeting requirements for education and experience, as well as passing a rigorous exam. Becoming a CPA will open up additional job opportunities and is a great way to advance your career.
    1. CPAs are allowed sign financial documents like tax returns and audited financial statements.
      • An accountant filing a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must be a CPA.
    2. CPAs can also include the designation CPA next to their name--a designation that a lot of employers look for in an accountant.Expert Village: What Can I Do With a CPA License? (Time: 0:50)
    3. Even after a CPA is licensed he or she must take Continuing Professional Educational courses to keep accounting information current.
    4. Usually, a CPA will be able to acquire a higher salary.

  • How to Become a CPA

    • Becoming a CPA may involve additional educational requirements and accounting experience, but don't let that stop you from advancing your career.
    1. Research the CPA licensing minimum education and experience requirements in your state by checking your state's Board of Accountancy website.
    2. Start researching requirements as early as college to determine the most effective educational path.
    3. Get your okay to test from your state board of accountancy.
      • Each state is different so you'll want to find out the minimum requirements for your state.
    4. Sign up for a review course.
    5. Take and pass the CPA exam.
    6. Apply for a license from your state board of Accounting.

  • CPA Exam

    • The Uniform CPA Examination is the same in all states and allows an accountant to demonstrate a minimum level of accounting ability. Passing the CPA exam is necessary for obtaining a CPA license.
    1. The CPA exam has four sections.
      1. Auditing.
      2. Business law.
      3. Financial accounting.
      4. Regulation.
    2. In the past, accountants were forced to take all for parts of the exam at once. Because the exam is now computerized, the sections don't have to be taken together.Expert Village: How to Pass the CPA Exam (Time: 2:42)
      • Test takers have 18 months to pass the entire exam.
    3. It is extremely important to study and prepare for the exam thoroughly.
    4. A passing score is 75.0 for each of the four parts.
    5. The exam is prepared and graded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and administered by the NASBA.NYSSCPA.org: How to Become a Certified Public Accountant in New York State
    6. The price of the exam can range from $575 to $800 depending on the jurisdiction.

  • Other Certifications

    • Other certifications and designations will advance an accountant's career. Additional credentials include:
    1. Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Requirements:
      1. A bachelor's degree.
      2. A GMAT or GRE score in the 50th percentile or higher.
      3. Two years of management accounting or financial management experience.
      4. Passing a four-part exam.The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): Getting Started
    2. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
    3. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
    4. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
    5. Accredited Business Accountant (ABA).
    6. Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA).
    7. Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP).
    8. Elder Care Specialist (ECS).Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountants and Auditors

  • Step 4: Enter the Workforce

    • Despite the recent economic downturn--or maybe because of it--accounting jobs are in high demand and the job market is expected to continue to flourish. Because accounting is so critical to business, positions are available in any type of company imaginable. Keep in mind, you will probably have to start in an entry-level position. Follow these tips to get your foot in the door:
    1. Determine what you are qualified for and only apply to those positions.
    2. Take advantage of your university's career center for advice, resume help and networking opportunities.AICPA: Start Here Magazine: The Real Way to Build a Successful Career in Business Accounting
    3. Contact the HR department of the company (or companies) of your choice to find out the proper procedure for submitting your resume.
    4. Utilize an online job search site, like Monster or HotJobs, and read your local wanted ads.
    5. You may want to use a recruitment agency.HowToDoThings.com: How To Find Accounting Jobs
    6. Make a good first impression.
      1. Brush up on your interviewing skills.
      2. Dress professionally.
      3. Practice what you will say during the interview.
    7. Work for yourself! Consider starting your own accounting firm.

  • Conclusion

    • Accountants have a promising job outlook as the accounting profession continues to grow. Able to specialize in a variety of areas, accountants can really follow their passion in life. For the most career mobility, accountants need a bachelor's or master's degree. It is also a great idea to become certified in an area of accounting after the necessary work experience is gained.

  • References for How to Become an Accountant



 


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