How to become an Accountant
The first step to becoming an accountant is to get a degree in accounting or a related field. While some bookkeepers and accounting clerks can start as junior accountants and work their way up, more accountants earn their bachelor's degrees before joining the field. To advance in the field and/ or be able to submit documents to the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), accountants must become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). This requires an accountant to take additional courses and pass a national exam. Accountants may also choose to get additional certifications including Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
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Typical qualifications for an Accountant
Skills employers are looking for
About Double entry bookkeeping
Experience with double-entry bookkeeping.
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About Accounting
Experience with or knowledge of accounting principles, including the recording and measurement of business or financial transactions in any field of practice.
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About Financial concepts
Knowledge of and experience in articulating the principles, standards, and processes related to finance, ranging from basic fundamentals to advanced expertise.
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About Debits & credits
Experience with the debts and credits of financial accounts.
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About Accounting software
Experience in or knowledge of using a software system for processing accounting transactions.
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Accountant jobs in United States
Career progression for Accountant
Education levels for Accountants
required level of education | percent of job openings |
---|---|
Bachelor's degree | 54.5% |
Master's degree | 17.1% |
Associate's degree | 14.9% |
High school diploma or GED | 11.7% |
Bachelor's degree | 0.8% |
Master's degree | 0.5% |
High school diploma or GED | 0.3% |
Doctoral degree | 0.2% |
Expected salary by experience
Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
---|---|
0 - 4 | $42,500 |
4 - 8 | $49,700 |
8 - 12 | $55,300 |
12 - 16 | $57,900 |
16 - 20 | $58,800 |
20 - 24 | $59,300 |
Common questions about career advices for an Accountant
Is it beneficial to work as an accountant for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Yes, aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from working as accountants. Accountants get to see all of the ins and outs of a business and their knowledge in bookkeeping, payroll, taxes and IRS paperwork can be handy.
How long does it take to be an accountant?
It generally takes four years to become an accountant if completing a bachelor’s degree with an additional 1-2 years for a master’s degree.
What keywords can accountants put in their resume?
Some good keywords to use are:
- GAAP
- International Financial Reporting Standards
- pro forma accounting
- The Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory standard
- Public Company Oversight Board regulatory standard
- Business operations
- Word processing
- Excel spreadsheet
- Data analysis
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
See more details on how to write a good resume as an accountant here.