3 Ways You Can Train to Become an Accountant

Every state in the U.S. has endless job opportunities available for accountants. Every business, non-profit agency, and the taxpayer has some use for the services accountants provide. The career field offers flexibility as people can work at home, at an accounting service, or serve as an accountant for a corporation. Training also varies based on the specific goal of the individual.

Earn a Degree

The most in-depth education includes earning a bachelor’s degree in a related subject. To qualify to sit for the CPA exam means working a required number of hours under the supervision of a licensed CPA. The individual must then pass the exam to receive their license. At-work experience helps the accountant to gain a better understanding of the job, but most people still benefit from CPA Review Courses before they take the complex CPA exam.

Those that choose this route will often continue with their education after they receive their certification. A Master’s Degree can provide more advanced opportunities for those that want to reach the pinnacle of their career field. A Master’s Degree can also help to improve the odds of success when people aspire to open their own accounting business or head a major accounting firm.

Train at Work

The possibility of on-the-job training exists for people that want to work in the accounting field. Many employees begin as bookkeepers and build their skills over time. Some work for accounting firms and learn their trade from the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) on site. The real-world experience enables the individual to make certain the career suits them as they earn a living and gain knowledge.

A drawback to on-the-job training is that it lacks the formal credentials accountants may need for the work they want to perform. Unlicensed accounts may also have fewer job prospects. However, since most companies need the talents of an accountant to guide their financial decisions, it is not difficult for competent accountants to find work.

Take Some Classes

Understand the limitations if choosing a bookkeeping career without a degree or CPA certification. Review the differences between an accountant and a CPA to make certain staying unlicensed will allow the desired career. Some accountants choose to obtain an associate degree and complete extra classes in basic bookkeeping and tax preparation. These options give people the formal training needed for professionalism but do not enable the individual to take the CPA exam. The benefit is a shorter training period so they can start work sooner.

In most states, a two- year degree or the completion of a few accounting courses is enough for people that want to work as bookkeepers or in accounting departments under a CPA. It is also useful for those that want their own tax preparation service or bookkeeping service. The lack of licensing means they cannot prepare audited statements or represent their clients in front of the IRS, and this could reduce the job opportunities available to them.

The opportunities are nearly limitless for people with an understanding of accounting practices, tax laws, and basic investing. Businesses need the skills of accountants no matter how good or bad the economy becomes. Anyone that wants a secure career and appreciates the idea of choosing the path to success that is right for them should learn more about how to become a CPA.