Becoming an Accountant

The great thing about becoming an accountant is that the demand for qualified accountants is just going to continue to grow into the future, meaning job security for you. And, becoming an accountant offers you an incredible amount of choices about the direction of your career. You can work for yourself, or become an accountant in any number of industries, from entertainment to legal to the health field. Face it, every business needs an accountant!

There are a lot of different careers in the accountancy field, ranging from bookkeeping, auditing, until you reach the position of financial officer. As the position title goes higher, you can expect higher salaries. However, in order to achieve these positions and professional designations, you need to get an accountancy degree.

What Does it Take to Become an Accountant?

First, you need to be a graduate in a bachelor's degree program in accountancy or related field. Of course, this doesn't mean that you have to attend a 4-year college. Many accountants start their accountancy coursework at community colleges and then transfer their credits to a 4-year college or university. You can also choose a program with a career college or university, such as DeVry University or University of Phoenix. Another option is to complete your accountant studies online, either through a state or private university or college which offers online programs. Do be sure, of course, that any college or university you choose is accredited.

Do I Need to Be a CPA?

Although being a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is not required by companies, it is preferred by many. If you want to stand out when you are applying as an accountant in a company or an accounting firm, you might want to get certified. Basically, in order to become a CPA, you will need to get a bachelor's degree in accounting or in other courses related to business.

But, Aren't CPA and Accountant the Same Thing?

Well, let's just say that all CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. An accountant may have a bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, but a CPA has shown extra proficiency by passing the Uniform CPA Examination and fulfilling other requirements for licensing. For more information on taking the Uniform CPA Examination, go to nasba.org.

Career Options for Accountants

Aside from a growing demand for accountants, the wonderful thing about becomming an accountant is that it presents a lot of career opportunities. For example, you can get a job as an auditor or accountants in government offices or in private companies even if you do not have a CPA.

You can work as an auditor, a financial officer, a budget analyst, a management accountant, and even as a tax accountant. Most companies that are looking for tax accountants will prefer accountants with legal background.

Forensic accounting is another promising career for accountants. Here, you will investigate crimes, such as fraud in company's finances.

If you have a knack for teaching, you can teach a subject related to accountancy in college. This is a great career option and many accountants feel that this job is really fulfilling.

Just remember that in this profession, you have to start slow. If you are just beginning a career as an accountant, try to start as a trainee and work your way up to the career path that you want to take.

For more information on accounting careers, see:

Forensic Accounting Career
Becoming an Accountant




 

Synonyms:  accountanf, accounant, accountang, accoumtant, accounrant, accounyant, accountat, acountant, and accontant are typos for "accountant."