Make Every Day Account: How To Become An Accountant
Accountants help organize the financial world and help to keep businesses around the world successful and compliant. If you’ve got an interest in money or math, you might have considered a career as an accountant. But what does it actually take to get your foot in the door? In this short guide, we’ll briefly cover some of the steps to help set you on the right course.
First off, education
It’s possible to become an accountant without any formal education, but you’ll typically need to work your way up from a basic clerk and you’ll be limited as to how far you can go. A degree is essential if you want to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which gives you extra powers like signing audit reports and representing clients before the IRS.
A classic route is to take a 3 year bachelor’s degree course in accounting. Some of these can include a fourth sandwich year in which you can get a work placement at an accounting firm. If this is too long to wait, look into alternative flexible options like an online business management and accounting program (some of these can be completed in 14 months and you can study around commitments).
Consider a CPA license
Once you’ve got a degree, it’s worth pursuing certifications to stand out. Getting a CPA license is the most common route and it will give you flexibility to work almost anywhere. To get this license, you need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination – a rigorous test covering auditing, regulations and business concepts. It’s decided into four sections that you can tackle in your own time. Prep courses and study groups can help you prepare for these exams.
Gain work experience
To become a licensed CPA, you will need to not just pass tests but also have 2 years experience working for a licensed CPA. Consider applying to roles as you study to start building experience.
The accounting job market is quite competitive, so consider whether it’s worth taking on some voluntary or part-time roles – even if it’s for a month or two. This then opens the door to full-time paid roles. You may be able to find junior roles advertised on sites like Indeed, but don’t be afraid to reach out to local accounting firms that aren’t applying, just in case they’re thinking of hiring soon (you could get in there early).
Look into niches
Many accountants looking to progress their career and access higher salaries explore niches. This could include specialities like forensic accounting, environmental accounting, international finance or even crypto accounting.
You can take on extra courses along the way to help you access these niches. Some companies will be able to pay for training for you, which could save you having to add to any existing college debts.
Remember that you can also become a self-employed accountant. This could give you the power to set your own rates and take on the clients you want, but you do need to be prepared to learn extra skills like marketing to help you attract business.
