How To Become An Accountant

Posted on: 29 October 2019

If you enjoy math and you're good with numbers, you may have a future in accounting. Accounting is a career where you'll always be able to find work; industries of all types need accountants to manage their finances. Even self-employed people and small businesses often hire accountants to help them with their bookkeeping. If you're ready to become an accountant, here are four steps you'll need to take on your journey:

1. Speak to accountants you already know.

It's likely you already know at least one person who works in accounting. Try to schedule a session during which you can ask them questions about their work and the industry. It doesn't need to be a formal occasion. Simply meeting for coffee and asking some general questions will give you a lot of good information. It's important to talk to people who are already working at the kind of career you want since they will be able to give you more accurate, less biased information than what you'll find from other sources.

2. Attend accounting school.

In order to become an accountant, you will need some formal training. As an accountant, you will have a lot of responsibility. Inaccuracy can cause severe problems for the companies who employ you. That's why it's extremely important that you learn everything you need to know to perform your job well. An accounting school can give you the tools you need to earn your two-year degree. You'll learn the math skills you need, and you will also attain proficiency in programs commonly used in accounting. The certificate you'll gain from accounting school will allow you to take most entry-level accounting positions.

3. Consider becoming a CPA.

A CPA is a certified public accountant. Becoming a CPA will make you eligible for even more accounting jobs. In order to attain this certification, you will first need to get your bachelor's degree. You can major in accounting, but some people prefer to major in another field of math. When choosing your major, make sure you select one that will ensure your eligibility for the CPA exam.

4. Take your CPA exam.

Once you have your bachelor's degree, you'll be eligible to take the CPA exam. In order to become certified, you'll need to pass all four parts of the test. Make sure you study well so you won't face any setbacks in your goal of becoming an accountant.

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