Additional Information
If you're still in high school, take computer classes, develop communications
skills, and take math and accounting courses.
Enroll in a college or university with a good accounting program. Some
schools offer co-op programs.
Most future accountants go from high school into a four-year bachelor's
degree program in accounting at a college or university.
"That's the most common path, but there are a lot of people that end up
shifting careers midway," says Scott Moore with the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
"If you're in a financial or marketing role you're always dealing with
a budget and accounting, so you're dabbling in it," he adds. "They get a little
feel for it, just a little taste, and they get interested in pursuing it down
the road."
Switching from another career into accounting is especially appealing when
the economy starts to go down, says Moore. This is because accounting tends
to be more stable at such times, compared to jobs in sales or management.
Most accountants don't stop at just earning a bachelor's degree. "That's
the basic, but in order to advance in your career you definitely need additional
certification," says accountant Tarsha Jacobs.
Regulations for certification may vary slightly depending on your state.
Do your research carefully. The rewards are there at the end, but you'll
have to work hard to get into the profession.
"It's not an easy degree to get," says Jacobs. "The classes are very hard."
If you wish to study accounting, but not in as much depth, consider an advanced
certificate in accounting.