In this article we answer the following questions: 1º What qualifications do you need to be an accountant? 2º How do I start a career in accounting? 3º What a levels do you need to be an accountant?
Article structure:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook’s website, there are certain qualities that are important for an accountant:
~Analytical skills
~Communication skills
~Detail oriented
~Math skills
~Organizational skills
But with that said, what education is needed to become an accountant? Or more specifically, how much education is required to be an accountant?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook’s website states:
“A few universities and colleges offer specialized programs, such as a bachelor’s degree in internal auditing. In some cases, those with associate’s degrees, as well as bookkeepers and accounting clerks who meet the education and experience requirements set by their employers, get junior accounting positions and advance to accountant positions by showing their accounting skills on the job.”
The Occupational Outlook Handbook’s website states:
“Most accountant and auditor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have a master’s degree, either in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting.”
“CPAs are licensed by their state’s Board of Accountancy. Becoming a CPA requires passing a national exam and meeting other state requirements. Almost all states require CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework to be licensed, which is 30 hours more than the usual 4-year bachelor’s degree. Many schools offer a 5-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree to meet the 150-hour requirement, but a master’s degree is not required.
A few states allow a number of years of public accounting experience to substitute for a college degree.
All states use the four-part Uniform CPA Examination from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Candidates do not have to pass all four parts at once, but most states require that candidates pass all four parts within 18 months of passing their first part.
Almost all states require CPAs to take continuing education to keep their license.”
Summing up the information on the Occupational Outlook Handbook’s website, starting a career in accounting involves the following:
Complete required education, which at minimum is usually a bachelor’s degree and at times can be an associate degree. A master’s degree may also be necessary, and internships might be available for students earning a degree, depending on the college or university.
Aspiring CPAs need to pass a national exam and meet other state requirements. “Almost all states require CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework to be licensed.”
Beyond these requirements “Certification provides an advantage in the job market because it shows professional competence in a specialized field of accounting and auditing. Accountants and auditors seek certifications from a variety of professional societies.”
A few examples include:
~The Institute of Management Accountants
~The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
~ISACA
Before pursuing a career in accounting, it is important to review each state’s requirements. The level of education and experience can vary greatly, so for more information, visit https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-4
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