what course do you need to become an accountant

Accounting Degree Options

1. Associate Degree. Earning an associate degree in accounting may not be enough to prepare you to sit for the CPA exam,...
2. Bachelor’s Degree. A bachelor’s degree is typically seen as the lowest level of education that you will need to sit...
3. Master’s Degree. Earning a graduate degree like a Master of Science in Accounting can be a smart...

Full Answer

What is the best degree path to becoming an accountant?

Year 5:

• Seek employment in the finance field.
• Complete a master’s degree program, if desired.
• For CPA students, complete any additional coursework required to qualify for the four examinations.

What college degree is needed to become an accountant?

The following are the steps you will likely need to take to become an accountant:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree
• Choose a specialty
• Get an internship or entry-level position
• Determine whether you will be an accountant or CPA
• Pass all required exams
• Consider pursuing continuing education

What subjects do you need to become an accountant?

• Business
• Economics
• Computer coding and applications
• Statistics

What are the courses for a good accountant?

These are the best accounting courses and tutorials you can take online:

• Best Overall: Introduction to Financial Accounting (Coursera)
• Best Free Course: Accounting Fundamentals: Understanding Financial Statements (Skillshare)
• Best for Bookkeeping: Become a Bookkeeper (LinkedIn Learning)
• Most Comprehensive: MicroMasters Program in Accounting (edX)
• Best for CPA Exam Prep: Fundamentals of Accounting Specialization (Coursera)

More items...

What subjects do you need to be an accountant?

The core subjects you'll be studying are:Financial Accounting 3.Taxation.Auditing 1 OR Internal Auditing.Commercial Law.Finance OR Management Accounting 3.

What is the best course to become an accountant?

Minimum education of bachelor's degree in accounting is required to start career as accountant....Master's Courses:M.Com in Accounting and Finance – 2 years.MBA in Finance & Accounting – 2 years.Master of Commerce in Accounting and Auditing – 2 years.Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Accounting & Auditing – 1 year.

How do I start a career in accounting?

How to get an accounting jobEarn a bachelor's degree in a related field. ... Specialize. ... Decide between becoming a CPA or an accountant. ... Pass the CPA exam. ... Look for campus recruiting programs. ... Ask your college professors. ... Network both offline and online. ... Use major job websites.

Is accounting a good career?

Accountants play an incredibly important role in every organization, making this a great career for anyone who wants to work in an important position. Salaries for trained accountants are quite high, which means this is an excellent industry for anybody looking to maximize earning potential.

How much will the job of accountant increase in 2024?

Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for accountants is bright – in fact, the anticipated growth is actually at a faster-than-average rate – with an 11 percent increase in available positions projected between 2014 and 2024. Learning how to become an accountant can provide a solid income in a field that’s always in ...

What can I do to become an accountant?

You can choose to specialize in a particular field of accounting, including managerial accounting, financial accounting, or tax accounting . Or, you can work toward qualifying as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or obtaining your MBA, which usually requires additional hours and continuing education.

Why do I need certification beyond my degree?

Obtaining certifications beyond your degree can improve your marketability and increase your professional credibility:

What is the best degree for accounting?

Students who do well in accounting programs tend to excel at math and be organized, analytical and structured. A bachelor’s degree is the first step in preparing you to sit for the CPA exam or seek entry-level employment as an accountant.

How much does an accountant make in 2017?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for accountants in 2017 was $69,350.

What are some examples of accounting services?

Accountants provide a number of important services for their clients. Here are a few examples: Bookkeeping. Auditing financial records. Completing tax returns. Offering guidance on the most effective uses for company or personal funds. Most accountants work in private offices or as a part of a corporate team.

How long does it take to get an accounting degree?

In general, it takes four years of study to earn a degree in accounting.

What is the best job title for an accountant?

The job title of “accountant” is likely to be the position that you are most qualified to pursue, but it isn’t the only path forward for you in your career. Other job titles (and their salaries) are shown below. Though they are related to accounting, each has its own unique differences. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and your CPA license can help you to land one of these jobs: 1 Accountant: $70,500 2 Personal Financial Advisor: $88,890 3 Auditor: $70,500 4 Tax Adviser: $54,440 5 Budget Analyst: $76,220 6 Financial Analyst: 85,660 7 Cost Estimator: $64,040

How many sections are there in the CPA exam?

The exam consists of four sections, and you’ll have to pass each one with a score of at least 75 percent.

What to do after passing CPA exam?

After passing the CPA exam, you will need to actually apply for state licensure. The specific steps involved in this process will vary by state. 5. Get an entry-level job. Though it is not required that you have work experience in order to sit for the CPA exam, it is invaluable in helping you land a job post-licensure.

What is a graduate degree in accounting?

Graduate-level degrees in accounting are more comprehensive than undergraduate degrees and are designed to prepare students to work in a managerial or leadership capacity. They often (though not always) include specialization or concentration.

What to do after graduation?

These roles will allow you to gain even more experience that you can leverage to advance in your career.

What is NASBA in accounting?

Because each state has the ability to set their own requirements for licensure, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) is a great resource that you can turn to determine the eligibility terms specific to your state or jurisdiction. Generally speaking, though, these requirements include:

Is a bachelor's degree good for a career?

While a bachelor’s degree is often enough to kickstart your career, earning a master’s degree or continuing your education in other ways can also bring a number of career benefits. Choosing the right path forward simply requires that you understand your personal career goals.

What is an auditor?

Auditors. An auditor is an accountant that performs audits and records reviews for a company or organization. Tasks of an auditor may include assessing and maintaining financial records, analyzing account books and records, verifying financial statements and providing recommendations for financial improvement.

How to get an accounting job?

Getting as much experience as possible before and after you graduate can significantly boost your resume and increase your chances of landing an accounting job. 3. Choose a specialty. Most accountants work in a specific field of accounting.

What is a CPA?

Certified public accountants (CPAs) A CPA is an accounting professional who oversees all aspects of an organization's finances. They are often considered a trusted financial advisor and may perform duties that include tax preparation, audits, financial reviews and litigation services.

What is forensic accountant?

Forensic accountants. A forensic accountant is an accounting professional who studies and ensure financial records are accurate. They may also be brought into an organization to determine any financial discrepancies, errors or instances of fraud. Most forensic accountants work in litigation or investigation support.

How many parts are there in the CPA exam?

As mentioned above, if you choose to pursue a career as a CPA, you will need to pass the CPA exam to practice. There are four parts of the CPA exam: Regulation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Business Environment and Concepts and Audit and Attestation. This test is offered during the first two months of each quarter and is typically completed over several days.

How much do accountants make?

Average salaries of accountants 1 Common salary in the U.S.: $54,717 per year 2 Salaries range from $14,000 to $120,000 per year.

How to become a successful accountant?

Many successful accountants do not end their education after receiving their degree and necessary certifications. Participating in continuing education is key to being the most successful accountant possible and staying abreast of accounting trends.