- What This Article Covers
- Ten Reasons to Pick Accounting as a Career:
- Why Is Accounting a Solid Choice?
- You’ll Need a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
- Immerse Yourself in the Accounting Industry
- What You Can Expect In Compensation
- Entry-Level Accounting Jobs
- What Do Accountants Do
- Get CPA Certified
- Next Steps
- Final Words
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Last Updated on February 21, 2025
Making a career change can be a nerve-wracking decision but a rewarding experience. For some, it comes after years of indecision; for others, it’s straightforward to leap. If you’re considering new career paths and have settled on a role in the accounting field, consider these facets of the industry first.
What This Article Covers
- Why Accounting is a Smart Career Move – Learn why accounting offers job stability, high demand, and strong earning potential, making it an attractive second career option.
- Education Requirements for Accounting – Discover what degrees and certifications you’ll need to transition into accounting and how to achieve them.
- How to Gain Experience in Accounting – Explore strategies like internships and entry-level positions to break into the industry and build relevant skills.
- Understanding Accounting Job Roles – Get insights into various accounting roles, from bookkeepers to financial analysts, and what each position entails.
- Salary Expectations and Work-Life Balance – Find out about average salaries, busy seasons, and the demands of a career in accounting.
- Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Learn about the CPA certification process, its benefits, and how it can boost your career prospects.
Ten Reasons to Pick Accounting as a Career:
- High demand for accounting professionals across industries
- Opportunities for career advancement and specialization
- Potential for a high
salary and job security - Transferable skills that can be applied in various industries
- Flexibility to work in different types of organizations, such as private companies, government agencies, or non-profits
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment
- Work-life balance and flexible schedules in many accounting roles
- Ability to make a meaningful impact on an organization’s financial success
- Challenging and intellectually stimulating work
- Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
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Why Is Accounting a Solid Choice?
There are many reasons a career in accounting can be a valid path for a person of any age at any point in their current career. For one, it offers stable career progression. Recent statistics published by the United States Department of Labor project 5% job growth for accountants and auditors from 2020 to 2030. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The growth of this occupation is expected due to the increasing complexity of business transactions and the need for businesses to comply with complex financial reporting regulations. With such solid job prospects, individuals of all ages consider accounting a second career option. Compensation rates also entice individuals from all industries. While this can vary based on firm size, location, and experience, accounting offers plenty of opportunities for a lucrative career.
A clear explanation of accountancy expressed in layman’s terms, All You Need to Know about Accounting and Accountants has the answers to your questions about a fascinating industry.
You’ll Need a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
If your current career has nothing to do with accounting, you’ll need the right education prerequisites to be considered for accounting jobs. If you don’t already have a degree in accounting, you’ll need one. Few employers will hire accounting staff with no educational background in this discipline.
Luckily, there are numerous ways to achieve this degree, whether you take online classes or attend courses in a traditional university setting. While school reputation can be important if you’re looking to work your way into one of the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers), generally, you’ll find that an accounting degree from any certified institution will be sufficient to grant you access into a variety of roles and companies.
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Immerse Yourself in the Accounting Industry
Transitioning into an accountancy career can be challenging due to the requirement of having prior experience. Often, individuals must start with low-paying internships to enter the industry. Although it may present a financial burden, the experience gained from such internships is invaluable and can increase the chances of future employment.
For those considering the private or public sector, it’s advisable to start with public accounting. Public accounting firms offer exposure to various industries, multiple clients, and the factors contributing to a successful accounting business. Public accountant job listings are worth exploring as a starting point for those considering an accountancy career.
What You Can Expect In Compensation
Of course, one of the most enticing aspects of a career changein accounting is the promise of rewarding compensation. According to recent statistics, an auditor or accountant’s mean annual
Entry-Level Accounting Jobs
There are quite a few paths to take in accounting. Typical entry-level positions include:
- Accounts payable/receivable clerk
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Assistant
- Junior Accountant
- Tax Preparer
- Audit Associate
- Financial analyst
- Cost Accountant
- Staff Accountant
- Accounting Clerk
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What Do Accountants Do
Accountants prepare and review financial records. They help ensure that the financial records of companies properly reflect profitability and that they are efficiently operating. Responsibilities typically include analyzing data, finance reports, budgets, tax returns, and accounting records. Accountants might also make recommendations based on their review. A few typical tasks include:
- Reviewing financial statements to ensure accuracy.
- Prepare and maintain financial records.
- Ensuring that financial statements and records comply with local laws and regulations.
Take a look at this Accountant Job Description Sample.
Get CPA Certified
Numerous certifications give accounting professionals a step up in the industry; these will help you differentiate yourself from the competition and earn higher
The Wiley CPAexcel Exam Review Study Guide + Question Pack: Complete Set will help you identify, focus on, and master the key topics you need to know to pass the CPA Exam.
This test comprises four parts, and many find they have to retake the various portions multiple times before passing. If you decide to become a CPA, give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the exam. Always use review courses; going in blind almost always assures failure. Sites like http://beatthecpa.com offer study materials and mock tests to help individuals prepare, and it’s best to begin studying as soon as possible, even if you don’t intend to take the exam for another year.
Before leaping accounting as a mid-career change, consider these aspects of the industry and determine if this position is the right choice for you.
Next Steps
- Assess Your Skills and Interests—Reflect on your strengths and professional background to determine how they relate to an accounting career.
- Research Education and Certification Options—Explore degree programs, online courses, and CPA certification requirements to identify the best path to entering the field.
- Gain Practical Experience – Seek internships, entry-level roles, or volunteer accounting opportunities to build hands-on experience and strengthen
your resume . - Network with Accounting Professionals – Join industry groups, attend networking events, and connect with accountants to gain insights and potential job leads.
- Plan Your Career Transition – Set clear goals, create a timeline, and map out actionable steps to smoothly transition into your new accounting career.
Final Words
Pursuing accounting as a second career offers stability, growth opportunities, and financial rewards. You can successfully transition into this field by taking strategic steps—such as acquiring the right education, gaining experience, and networking. Whether you’re drawn to job security, intellectual challenges, or career advancement, accounting provides a promising path for those ready to leap.
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