In today’s job market, many individuals are looking for a career that not only pays well but one that is relatively recession proof. What good is it, after all, to incur the time and expense of going to college only to find out that decent jobs are difficult, at best, to come by. One field that has been gaining a lot of traction over the past decade is accounting.
What Qualifications Do You Need to be an Accountant?
Unlike many other high paying careers, it is not always necessary to have a college degree in order to become an accountant. All you really need is a decent command of mathematics, an organized and logical mind, and a basic understanding of the principles of accounting. Any other skills necessary can be learned on the job.
If, however, you plan on moving beyond an entry level position in accounting, it may be necessary to obtain additional educational credentials. Many colleges now offer specializations in accounting and finance. While it is certainly true that this option is not as comprehensive as obtaining an accounting degree, it may be enough to help you move up the corporate ladder.
How to Become a CPA
For many people, the ultimate goal of being an accountant is to one day become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Despite the fact that each state has their own set of criteria in order to be licensed as a CPA, there are a few commons requirements.
- Educational Requirements – Each CPA candidate is required to have a college degree. Additionally, most states also require them to have at least 150 hours of accredited college credit. Most students call this the 5th year, since it generally adds another year on to their education.
- Work Experience – In addition to satisfying the educational requirements, most states also require that the candidate work under the close supervision of a licensed CPA in the state in which they want to practice. This supervisor is typically required to attest to the quality of work and the degree of accounting knowledge that the candidate possesses.
- Independence – A CPA must be independent from their clients in fact, and in appearance. What this means is that a CPA cannot provide an opinion for clients in which they have a vested interest. Independence is the foundation on which the entire field of auditing is based.
When it comes to finding a great accounting job, it is crucial that you first determine what qualifications you will need to have. Once you have determined what your ideal career path is, obtaining the right credentials is easy.
