Would You Be a Good Accountant?
Good accountants have two important qualities: they are good with analysis, and they have an excellent eye for details. A facility with math and the patience to comb through numbers to find errors will be very helpful in this industry, although higher match education is not necessary.
More important than calculus or geometry will be the ability to understand systems and processes. Proficiency with computers is needed, as are good communications skills, especially if you plan to deal with clients in a CPA firm or in your own business.
What is a Public Accountant vs. a Private Accountant? One of the first decisions you make as you pursue your accounting career is whether you want to be a public or a private accountant. As a public accountant, you would work for a CPA firm or your own company and handle the accounting needs for clients. You would have flexibility and much opportunity for advancement.
If you work for yourself, you can set your own schedule and pick your own clients. Working with a CPA firm, you would have the opportunity to learn from experienced CPAs and perhaps to be promoted to a partner. Either way, you have the opportunity for very high earnings
As a private accountant, you'd work in the accounting department of a company. You might work by yourself or as part of a larger team. You would have the advantages of security, health care benefits, regular working hours, and vacation time that are often missing if you own your own company or are working your way up through the ranks in a CPA firm. You'll also be able to choose among a wide selection of industries, since nearly every kind of company needs in-house accountants
What are the Requirements for Being an Accountant?
Although most states do not have any restrictions on who can be a general accountant or a bookkeeper, a successful career in accounting will require at least two elements: education and experience
A college degree in business administration, accounting or finance is a good first step on the road to being hired in a CPA firm or private company. Alternately, a bachelor's degree in a business-related field with a heavy load of accounting courses on the side is acceptable in most states. You should check the requirements of your jurisdiction for more details.
A good way to gather experience is by working as an accounting clerk or bookkeeper and working your way up to positions with more responsibility. Many companies will hire entry-level accountants for these positions
If you want to be licensed as a CPA, you will need to pass the CPA exam as well as fulfilling the other two requirements. The CPA exam is a uniform test administered by the Board of Accountancy in each jurisdiction in the United States. Passing the CPA exam is the best way to be recognized as a qualified profession. It opens the doors to higher paying jobs and positions of more responsibility in a CPA firm.
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