How to Become an Accountant

Accountants manage the financial records of a business or organization. They ensure that their organization complies with any regulations, and help the entity they work for to make smart and informed financial decisions. 

What Does an Accountant Do?

The day to day schedule of an accountant will vary depending on the type of work they do, however some common tasks include preparing financial reports, looking over bank statements, and managing the payroll. They also prepare tax returns, advise stakeholders, and help companies to maximize their profits. 

How to Become an Accountant in 7 Steps

Step 1: Earn a Degree

To become an accountant you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, such as finance or business administration. 

Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting that is AACSB accredited and can prepare you for a successful career in accounting. 

Step 2: Get Experience

It is beneficial to gain experience in accounting while completing your degree. Students often complete internships to gain hands-on experience and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in real life scenarios. 

You can also get experience by applying for entry level accounting roles after graduation. These roles help you to gain the skills needed for more senior positions and allow you to be mentored by more experienced accountants. 

Step 3: Decide on a Specialty

There are many areas of accounting that you might want to specialize in, such as forensic accounting, tax accounting, or auditing. The right specialty for you will depend on your career goals and your personal interests. Choosing a specialty can help you to land your dream job and achieve a higher salary. 

Step 4: Take the CPA Exam

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is a highly respected credential in accounting. In order to be considered a CPA, you must pass the CPA exam that is administered by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). Becoming a CPA can greatly improve your hireability and increase your salary potential. 

The exam covers four areas: 

• Auditing and Attestation
• Business Environment and Concepts
• Financial Accounting and Reporting 
• Regulation

Step 5: Pass All Exams

There are additional exams you can take for additional credentials. Often these exams coincide with your chosen speciality, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam. These exams can add to your expertise and help you stand out to employers. 

Step 6: Network & Apply

Now that you’ve gained your necessary qualifications, it is time to start looking for jobs. Take advantage of opportunities such as  professional accounting organizations, job boards, and networking events. Meeting people in your field and making connections is a great way to learn about potential job openings. 

Step 7: Consider Graduate Degrees

While there are many jobs available with a bachelor’s degree, getting a master’s degree can help you achieve even more career success. Consider a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree if you are interested in management or leadership positions. 

Types of Accountants

Accountants can hold many different job titles, such as:

• Public Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Government Accountant
• Forensic Accountant
• Tax Accountant

Career Outlooks 

The career outlook for accountants is promising. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that accounting and auditing jobs will grow by 4% over the next decade, making now a great time to enter the field of accounting. 

Learn More about PBA’s Accounting Degree

At PBA, we offer a highly sought-after accounting degree,  located in West Palm Beach’s growing financial district. Learn more about our Accounting major and how this degree can help jumpstart your career.