How to Become an Accountant – Requirements | Accounting. with (2023)

Accountants track the money that flows through their employers' businesses. These accounting professionals track and record financial transactions. They also update internal records and reconcile company finances with bank statements.Contadorthey often take over payroll bookkeeping and maintain accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Accounting appeals to financially conscious individuals with an attention to detail and strong math skills. Accountants do not need a license to practice.

For people wondering how to become an accountant, this guide covers the journey in detail. Get information about training opportunities and tips on finding a job and advancing your career.

Steps to become an accountant

The way you become an accountant depends on the training route you choose. Many accountants earn a bachelor's degree: employers often prefer college-educated candidates.

However, for some employers, higher education is not a required accounting qualification. In some cases, relevant experience and accounting knowledge may be more valuable than academic training.

The following subsections describe the main steps in both accounting routes:

Route One: Earn a Degree

1. Complete your high school diploma:You need a high school diploma or GED certificate for admission to an accredited diploma-granting school.
2. Apply for Degree:An associate's degree in bookkeeping or bookkeeping provides the necessary professional skills in approximately two academic years. You can also advance your career with a four-year bachelor's degree.
3. Gather experience:Upon graduation, look for entry-level accounting positions. Most new accountants have limited responsibilities early in their careers. The experience gained leads to greater responsibility.

Second way: alternative education

1. Complete your high school diploma or GED certificate.
2. Take courses or obtain a certificate:Continue self-directed or formal learning by taking accounting courses or tutorials. You can also apply for certificate programs through community colleges and career training centers.
3. Looking for an internship or apprenticeship:Some employers train accountants on the job through internships or placement programs. Most accountants can learn the basic skills of the profession with about six months of on-the-job training,Mar BLS. Once qualified, you can find a permanent job or work as a freelance accountant.

Accounting training required

An accountant's responsibilities include recording financial transactions, overseeing an organization's general ledger, and preparing financial reports. Although some accountants do not graduate, most employers prefer candidates who have completed college degrees in accounting or a related field. Aspiring accountants can train for their profession in a number of ways.

Many professionals complete an associate's degree in bookkeeping or bookkeeping. This course usually lasts two years. During an associate program, students gain skills in mathematics and accounting. Graduates can work as accountants orContador. An associate's degree in accounting also prepares graduates for the transition to a bachelor's degree.

Accountants can earn a bachelor's degree in accounting. This program develops skills that go beyond accounting. Accounting graduates study auditing, public accounting, andcost accounting. Transfer students with an associate's degree can generally complete the four-year degree in two years. The degree prepares graduates for entry-level positions as accountants.

Many two-year and four-year colleges offer undergraduate degrees in accounting. These programs are typically one year in length and provide students with the basic skills needed to work as an accountant. earn bachelor's degreeaccounting certificateit also meets the requirements of many accounting professions.

• Read more about accounting certification programs
• Read more about accounting degree programs
• Discover the Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Licenses and Certifications Required for Accountants

Unlike other accountants, bookkeepers do not require licenses or certifications. Some accountants choose to pursue optional qualifications, such as: B. the Certified Public Accountant (CPB) designation.

Optional Grades and Qualifications

DieCPB EligibilityIt is the most common certification for accountants. This optional license offers many benefits, including:

DieNational Association of Certified Public Accountants(NACPB) administers CPB certification in the United States. HeAmerican Institute of Professional Accountants(AIPB) provides a similar credential. The AIPB Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation can also lead to better career opportunities.

To earn a CPB credential through the NACPB, candidates must complete four tests. Candidates can prepare for any exam by taking NACPB-approved preparation courses. Exams include:

Each of the four exams leads to a separate certification. Together, the four certifications form a CPB designation. To maintain CPB's reputation, accountants must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education each year.

AIPB's CB program follows a similar path. Candidates must pass an exam to receive the credential. AIPB offers courses for preparatory courses for independent study. Degree programs and continuing education providers can also incorporate CB preparation into their study plans.

Both organizations' membership programs can help applicants save money. CPB candidates can also purchase a NACPB package to save costs.

Accounting experience is required

Many accountants begin their careers in junior accounting positions. For example, some accountants are trained by working as accounts payable or accounts receivable clerks.

Certificate and degree programs can help candidates get around some junior level experience requirements. Even so, it always helps to increase your knowledge of the essential functions of an accountant through practice. hands-on learning opportunities such asinternships and internshipsenable future accountants to continue their studies and gain experience at the same time.

Should I become an accountant?

In addition to how to become an accountant, aspirants must also consider the pros and cons of entering the profession. Historically, accountants have benefited from strong demand from small and medium-sized businesses. As of 2020 there weremore than 1.6 millionAccounting jobs in the United States.

However, the profession may be heading for a slight downturn as bookkeeping becomes more automated. USA The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) plans a3% decreasein accounting jobs from 2020-2030. This loss can lead to increased competition for fewer available features.

To get an edge in the job market, accountants can take advantage of itto earn optional certifications. Both AIPB and NACPB link their certification programs for better access to the labor market.

accountant jobs wanted

Once you've met your accountant qualifications, you can focus on your job search. If you earned a certificate or diploma, contact your school's career department. They may be able to offer you resources to help you find a job.

Other credible job search strategies include joining professional organizations and networking with peers and mentors. Job seekers can also search for entry-level positions through these popular accounting job boards:

Read more job search tips:

• How do you connect professionally in accounting?
• Is it worth working with a recruiter?
• how to write a summary

upward mobility

Some accountants use their knowledge and experience to pursue accounting careers.auditors(CPA) are one of the most popular routes of this type.

ANDCPAKey job responsibilities include:

CPAs have a complete picture of their employers' financial situation, making them a valuable member of the consulting team. By contrast, accountant jobs focus more on day-to-day record keeping.

According to the BLS, CPAs earned an average annual salary of$73,560 in 2020. CPA Salaries Exceed Median Accountant Salary, BLS Reports$42,410 per year.

CPA applicants require at least a bachelor's degree with courses in accounting, business, or finance. Many seek a master's degree in accounting. exact requirementsvary by state.

Questions about becoming an accountant

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