Despite the title of the credential, CPAs work in both public and private accounting. Earning those extra 30 credits will typically take students an additional year. Having a CPA license can also help you gain clients for your own accounting firm or attain a promotion to a senior-level role in an established accounting firm. Accounting educational programs exist at every level, from vocational postsecondary certificates to doctoral degrees. These programs require different commitments of time and equip students with different levels of accounting knowledge and skills, preparing them for a variety of job roles in the accounting field.
These degrees are offered at community and junior colleges, technical schools and vocational schools. To stay on track, students need to take the full course load required for their degree plan, not simply enough classes per term to qualify as full-time students.
Generally, Associate of Applied Science degrees are vocational degrees in accounting, which provide students with the technical skills to work in accounting support roles. Associate of Arts and Associate of Science programs tend to cater more toward students who are starting out their college education at the community college level and plan to continue their schooling at a four-year school.
As part of a business school or college, an accounting program will often include studies in core business coursework in subjects such as business administration, management, marketing, economics, finance and human resources. A four-year degree can be enough for certain accounting roles, but for other positions, you will need to plan on at least one additional year of school.
What kind of training is required to become an accountant? Are there any certification or licensure requirements? How long does it take to become an accountant? What does an accountant earn? What are the job prospects?
What are the long term career prospects for accountants? How can I find a job as an accountant? How can I learn more about becoming an accountant? All Rights Reserved. Our tuition numbers reflect data collected from the National Center for Education Statistics. In general, it takes four years of study to earn a degree in accounting.
For students pursuing a CPA certification, there is additional coursework needed, and the total time to complete may be longer, although some institutions offer simultaneous programs allowing you to complete your CPA requirements during your four-year degree program.
If you plan to earn your MBA or Master of Accountancy, you will need to factor in additional time for extra graduate-level study and entrance exams, if applicable.
At Gwynedd Mercy University, we specialize in providing innovative solutions for aspiring accountants. Visit us online today to learn more about our innovative accounting degree programs and to experience the GMercyU difference for yourself. We look forward to the chance to help you achieve your educational goals and to assist you on your journey toward your career in accountancy. This consent includes contact via automated means. I understand that consent is not required to apply or attend Gwynedd Mercy University.
Contact Information. Box Gwynedd Valley, PA Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube. Skip to main content. Steps to Becoming an Accountant Step 1: Enroll in a degree program Step 2: Choose your career path Step 3: Find an internship Step 4: Complete your degree Step 5: Find a job Step 6: Get certified For most students, the first step to becoming an accountant begins with coursework in a university setting, but there are a few more steps to take in order to complete your journey.
Step 2: Choose your career path Deciding on a career path is often the next step to becoming an accountant. Accountants provide a number of important services for their clients.
Here are a few examples: Bookkeeping Auditing financial records Completing tax returns Offering guidance on the most effective uses for company or personal funds Most accountants work in private offices or as a part of a corporate team. Step 3: Find an internship Many students find that working at a paid or unpaid internship can provide valuable experience that can pay off in higher wages and increased job opportunities after graduation.
Step 4: Complete your degree Completing your degree program, along with any additional coursework needed, is the next step on your path toward a career in accountancy. Step 6: Get certified Depending on which specialty field you choose, you may elect to obtain one of a number of additional qualifications. Obtaining certifications beyond your degree can improve your marketability and increase your professional credibility: Certified Public Accountants Certified Public Accountants, more commonly referred to as CPAs, are required to pass a comprehensive examination and must have thorough knowledge in the accounting field.
These specialists are qualified to represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service and to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While anything is possible, most people are now aware of how beneficial online education can be.
Online teaching is here to stay. This option is particularly attractive to the accountant-turned-CPA because this professional can continue to work at his or her job while earning the extra credits required to take the CPA exam. Additionally, some colleges and universities offer accelerated degree options for their online programs. Like the campus-based accelerated learning courses, students in class take classes that accelerate the pace of learning, compressing 16 weeks of class into much smaller chunks of time.
This makes working and going to school a much simpler affair. There is no commute. The classes are often cheaper than their on-campus counterparts.
The fees associated with the classes is often less, too. They do. Many students erroneously believe that online classes are easier when, in fact, the opposite often turns out to be the case. These classes require students to do more reading to replace the in-person lectures. Some never do. These degrees also require a great deal of discipline. Although the classes have teachers, students are expected to work much more independently.
The study habits required for this task are already in place. To sit for the Uniform CPA Examination you will need to complete a minimum of college credits with 30 of these hours in accounting coursework and 25 hours in business, according to the Houston Chronicle. If you complete the graduate program before pursuing your designation, you will study for an additional two years.
You must also meet work experience requirements before you will be eligible to be certified. The professional requirements vary from state to state, but a majority of states will ask that you show proof that you have been working in the field of accounting for a minimum of two years.
Some states will require your experience to specifically be in public accounting, but corporate accounting may also be acceptable. That being said, there may be ways to speed up the process. Some colleges and universities have accelerated degree programs. As Northeastern University points out, traditional semesters run 16 weeks.
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