Career Path

How Long Does it Take to Become an Accountant?

Published on January 20, 2023

Being an accountant has a number of advantages. Some might consider it as a way to show off their business acumen, while others might apply for this job because of the competitive compensation.

A career in finance also offers plenty of work opportunities. The question is: How long does it take to become an accountant, whatever your motivations may be?

Public, internal auditing, government, and management accounting are the four main specialties you can study. In all of these disciplines, the basic time required to become an accountant is the same; the ongoing education requirements will change depending on your preferred area of accounting competence.

In this article, you will learn how long it takes to become an accountant, what it requires, and all other things related to accounting.

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What is Accountancy?

Although many outsiders to the field of accounting frequently view it as a dull profession, it may actually be one of the most rewarding, regardless of whether you choose to work in the public or private sector.

You’ll need more than just arithmetic aptitude in terms of vital qualities. To present correct financial information, set realistic goals, and promote corporate growth, one needs analytical, interpreting, and adaptation skills.

Even if you do have the necessary skills to become an accountant, you still need to choose the specialization in accounting that best suits you and research the required education for it.

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What is Accountancy School Like?

Studying for a degree in accounting and finance offers great graduate job possibilities as well as chances to work for some of the most prestigious businesses and accounting firms. You can train and prepare for a career in business and increase your business awareness by studying finance.

Accounting is a constantly expanding job field since financial accountants have all the abilities that businesses require and are in continual demand. Graduates from accounting programs frequently possess the knowledge and abilities to advance their careers by transferring to different business sectors.

As one might anticipate, the most advantageous subject to have while applying for an accounting degree is math. However, the good news is that most universities are accommodating. The correct kinds of interests and abilities in your other disciplines, as well as economics, statistics, finance, and business, are all helpful.

For instance, you might prefer to concentrate on geography’s analytical components or your marketing degree’s entrepreneurial sections.

You can alternatively approach your application by showcasing your soft qualities, such as accuracy, technical skill, and critical thinking. In your personal and professional experience, try to illustrate them.

The following are the list of top schools for accounting, you can read up to know about the schools:

Harvard University

University of Pennsylvania
University of Southern California
image of University of Florida
University of Florida
image of New York University
New York University
University of Notre Dame
The University of Texas at Austin
University of Georgia

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Is Attending an Accounting School Worth it?

Attending an accounting school is worth it and puts you over the edge other than just attending any school without profound knowledge in the accounting field. Adding a degree of accounting from a specialized schools makes it easier to get jobs in various areas of accounting.

With a projected 11.2% job growth for accountants and auditors countrywide by 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is clearly a need for accounting degrees.

This expansion demands a large pool of recent accounting graduates. But not just anyone can become an accountant—you need to complete very particular education to operate in this expanding industry.

Accounting is one of the well-known FAME disciplines (Finance, Accounting, Management, and Economics), which will give you a versatile and possibly rewarding career. You’ll discover how to handle a business’s finances and make sure it survives the entire year.

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What Schooling Do You Need to Be an Accountant?

Although it needs fundamental knowledge and training, entering the accounting sector can open up a wide range of employment options.

Accounting offers a wide range of opportunities for anyone thinking about a career in the field. Accountants work in a variety of businesses and are consistently in demand nationwide.

A bachelor’s degree is required to work as an accountant. Some people choose to become licensed CPAs in order to improve their employability. It typically requires further college study to earn CPA qualifications.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or business is required for aspiring accountants before they may start their careers. Normally, it takes four years and 120 credits to acquire a bachelor’s degree. With an associate’s degree, one could work as an accounting clerk or bookkeeper.

For accountants who earn a CPA license, job options greatly expand. Accountants must finish 150 college credits in order to sit for the CPA exam. Consequently, a lot of accountants have a master’s degree.

Some universities offer integrated five-year accounting degrees that give graduates the CPA certification credits they need. Some states additionally mandate citizenship, employment experience, and minimum ages.

Individuals may also pursue certification as a personal financial specialist, certified internal auditor, or certified management accountant, depending on the specific accounting vocation (CMA).

How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed Accountant in 2024?

The title of an accountant who has fulfilled the state licensure criteria is certified public accountant (CPA). To become one, a person typically takes 4 to 5 years to complete their education and obtain their license.

Typically, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Accounting, business administration, and economics may all be covered in the curricula.

Community colleges provide bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in accounting-related fields like forensic, tax accounting, and auditing.

However, there are people with associate’s degrees who are qualified to work for their employers. These people might start off as junior accountants and advance by demonstrating their accounting abilities.

To become a CPA, candidates must first pass the national exam and satisfy additional state requirements. They must also finish 150 hours of college study, which is 30 hours more than is typically required for a 4-year bachelor’s degree.

Because of this, even though a master’s degree is not necessary, many colleges offer combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees to satisfy the 150-hour requirement.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Licensed Accountant?

You may be curious in the cost of becoming a CPA if you have an interest in business. While pursuing a CPA certification, there are numerous expenditures to consider; however, by planning ahead and managing your time well, you may minimize these costs.

CPAs start out with salaries that are 10 to 15 percent higher than those of typical accountants. The pay disparity might reach up to 41 percent over the course of your career.

Although earning a certification requires additional academic and financial support, some businesses will pay for it if you agree to stay on as an employee after graduation.

A four-year degree at a public college typically costs about $20,000, while an MBA can cost more than twice as much. The cost of undergraduate education varies. In this instance, becoming certified without earning a master’s degree is the most economical course of action.

Although being a CPA is difficult, it will pay you with a high salary and prestige in the industry. In addition to your initial college education, review courses, tests, and certification might cost anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000.

The advantages of having more job possibilities and responsibilities make the cost of becoming a CPA unquestionably worthwhile.

Salary and Job Outlooks for Accountant After Study.

Salary for Accountants

As of May 2020, the BLS estimated that the median annual wage for accountants was $73,560. According to the BLS, demand for accountants will increase by 7% between 2020 and 2030, keeping up with the national average growth rate for all occupations.

The specialization, degree of education, and experience of an accountant affect salary. Salary may also vary by location. The specifics of accountant salaries are covered in the sections that follow.

The earning potential of accountants can be increased by seeking further education and professional certifications. The average pay for accounting bachelor’s degree holders is $72,000 per year.

Although a master’s degree boosts the typical wage a little, professional credentials like the CPA or CMA certification result in significantly bigger gains.

The 150 credits necessary for CPA certification, which frequently entails earning a master’s degree, should be kept in mind by aspiring accountants.

Exams like the CPA demand preparation time and additional costs. Some states need further exams, such an ethics test. Some accountants could be discouraged from seeking the CPA due to lengthy schedules and upfront expenditures.

However, the significant pay raises and new career chances may outweigh the effort.

The top-paying states for accountants include the District of Columbia, New York, and New Jersey. Consider the highest-paying nonmetropolitan places, including Northwest Colorado and the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode region of California, if you wish to live in a more rural setting.

Job Outlooks for Accountants

Accountants may choose to focus on a particular industry or field. Accounting professionals can pursue their interests by specializing, which also increases the value of their knowledge to particular businesses. Examine below the possible specialties in accounting careers.

Accounting assistant

Accounts are maintained, data is entered, and consumers are engaged by accounting assistants. They don’t need much education to get started in the field and get experience. The associate degree is still preferred by some employers.

Payroll Clerk

Accounting clerks carry out data entry activities and double-check calculations in this entry-level position. They typically need to have some accounting schooling, but they also get on-the-job training.

Accounting Manager

Accountants are managed by accounting teams or departments. They make sure that their company follows the law. They also create budgets and offer recommendations for enhancing effectiveness.

Actuary

Actuaries use probability models to determine financial risk when they work with banking and insurance companies. They typically have qualifications recognized by the industry in addition to a degree in math or statistics.

Financial Analyst

Organizational investment opportunities are the subject of investigation and reporting by financial analysts. By taking into account a company’s financial health and the situation of the market as a whole, they anticipate probable earnings.

Internal Auditor

Internal auditors examine the legal and regulatory compliance of their organizations’ accounting practices. They examine financial data for prospective opportunities for expansion and improved efficiency.

Investment accountant

Investment accountants manage brokerage accounting processes. They keep an eye on client and business investments. They also give management of the company tax and financial advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does a CPA do?

Accountants oversee the financial activities of their companies. They maintain track of transactions, prepare and file tax paperwork, and keep records. Additionally, they review financial information and make adjustments for greater profitability.

Where do most accountants work?

Accountants have a wide range of jobs. Tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services, finance and insurance, and government are the leading employers of accountants.

How much time would studying and becoming an accountant take?

(4) years. Typically, four years of study are needed to obtain an accounting degree.

What distinguishes a CPA from an accountant?

A certified public accountant (CPA) is an experienced accountant with additional credentials who has fulfilled the requirements for state-issued licensure. CPAs have more rights and powers than unlicensed accountants since they have official certification from a state board.

What is the salary of an accountant?

Accountants make a median yearly pay of $73,560, according to the BLS. A master’s degree and professional licensure are two ways that accountants might raise their income (e.g., CPA certification).

Conclusion

The advantages of becoming an accountant are numerous. Others may apply for this position because of the attractive pay scale, while some may see it as a way to showcase their business acumen. Additionally, there is plenty of career opportunity in the financial industry.

The most fundamental level of education is a four-year Bachelor’s Degree without any prior college credits. Depending on the college or program you choose, if you’re returning to school with a bachelor’s degree or additional college credits, you might be able to enroll in an accelerated program.

The amount of credit required may also affect how long it takes to finish. Typically, you’ll need between 120 and 150 college credits to become an accountant at the beginning level.