How long does it take to become an accountant – The whole world’s businesses and individuals rely on accounting. The reason their business keeps on running. So, it is essential to know how to become an accountant for aspiring candidates.
How long does it take to become an accountant
Let us first understand that job of an accountant is bright, grooming, long-lasting and respectful. It is growing faster than the average rate for other jobs. The outcome is that if you choose the career of accounting, it will give you growth and a solid income base. The above thing is what anyone looks for in the career option.
In this blog, I will share the steps required to become an accountant.
- Step #1. Enroll in a degree program
- Step #2. Choose a career path as per the choice
- Step #3. Look for an internship or part-time job
- Step #4. Complete your degree program
- Step #5. Look for the job opportunities
- Step #6. Get a certification done
For every student, the first step before becoming an accountant starts with a Degree program. Let us move to the first step, enrolling in our degree program.
Step #1 – Enroll in a degree program
When a person takes up a degree program in accounting, they are supposed to learn maths. We are also supposed to know about taxes and laws related to taxes. If we talk about the curriculum, it includes:
- Bookkeeping
- Business ethics
- Statistics
- Management
- Direct tax, including Income Tax, TDS, and TCS
- Indirect tax means GST, including CGST, SGST, and IGST
- Auditing
- International finances
Last, A candidate needs good communication skills to form strong working relationships with the clients, team, and other individuals.
If a person cannot take accounting well, everyone can go for analytical and structural career options. Here it would be best if you remembered that the first step to preparing for your career is a bachelor’s degree.
Step #2 – Choose a career path as per the choice
Once you have enrolled in a degree program, now is the time to choose the career path to become an accountant. There are many fields of specialization like managerial accounting, financial accounting, and tax accounting. One can select the discipline based on interests. You can also go for MBA or CPA as part of your further studies.
There are many services that an accountant can do, including
- Bookkeeping
- Auditing Financial records
- Completing tax returns
- Offering guidance for a company or personal funds
The aspiring candidates can choose to work in a private office as an accountant or can work in a corporate team. There can also be a possibility of working in a government agency in the accounting department.
Step #3. Look for an internship or part-time job
One additional step that many freshers opt for during graduation can give a significant advantage in the long run. Finding an internship can be paid or unpaid but can give you valuable experience. It can lead to higher wages and increased job opportunities after graduation. There have been chances where an internship can also lead to a job offer. It also helps in building the network and becoming professional.
Step #4. Complete your degree program
During the whole process of finding a career path, one important thing is completing your degree program. Also, an add-on, certification, or course can help move further in the career. Remember, many universities require a specific percentage to let you get admission to an advanced degree.
Step #5. Look for the job opportunities
Now, when you have a degree in your hand, you are ready to obtain an entry-level accounting position. You will get extra credit points if you want to sit for the CPA exam.
Step #6. Get a certification done
Whatever specialty you choose, there are many qualifications that you can obtain. You can improve your marketability but will also enhance your credibility.
- Certified Public Accountants – They are also known as CPAs and require thorough knowledge in the accounting field. There is a comprehensive examination to clear CPA. They are eligible to file reports with the security and Exchange Commission.
- Certified information systems auditors – Any accountant with at least five years of experience can take up the examination by ISACA.
- Certified management accountants – CMA, with two years of experience in managerial accounting and passed the examination by the Institute of Management Accountants.
- Certified internal auditors. Anyone who passes a four-part test by the Institute of Internal Auditors and has two years of experience.
If you wish to learn accounts and get a career in accounting, join our program, PAP(Professional Accounting Program).
