Are you considering a career in accounting but don’t have a college degree? You’re not alone. Many people choose accounting as a second career after working in another field for a number of years.
While a college degree is not required to become an accountant, there are a few things you should know before making the switch.
It’s important to understand the different types of accounting:
Public accounting firms provide services to businesses and individuals.
Private accounting firms work within a single organization.
There are also government accounting positions and forensic accounting positions. Each type of accounting has different education and experience requirements.
You’ll need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The exam is administered by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and covers a broad range of topics, including financial accounting, auditing, and taxation.
To be eligible to take the exam, you must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, and you must have completed 150 semester hours of college coursework.
You’ll also need to complete a professional accounting program. While there are a number of accounting programs available, most employers prefer candidates who have completed a four-year degree program at an accredited college or university.
Accounting programs typically include coursework in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law.
You’ll also need to find an accounting position that matches your skills and interests. Many accountants start their careers in entry-level positions and then move up the ladder as they gain experience.
Some accountants choose to specialize in a particular area of accounting, such as auditing or taxation.
Finally, you’ll need to stay current on accounting news and developments. The accounting profession is constantly changing, and new laws and regulations are always being enacted.
To keep up with the latest changes, you should consider joining a professional organization, such as the American Institute of CPAs, and subscribing to accounting journals.
By following these steps, you can become an accountant without a college degree. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a college degree may give you an edge over other candidates when applying for accounting positions.