- 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: 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
What This Article Covers
- Why
Accounting is a Smart Career Move – Learn whyaccounting 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 intoaccounting 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 relevantskills . - Understanding
Accounting Job Roles – Get insights into variousaccounting 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
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,
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
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
The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Accounting Course has been the gold standard for anyone looking for a fast, no-nonsense primer in all the fundamentals of financial, managerial, and tax accounting concepts.
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
What You Can Expect In Compensation
Of course, one of the most enticing aspects of a career changein
Entry-Level Accounting Jobs
There are quite a few paths to take in
- Accounts payable/receivable clerk
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Assistant
- Junior Accountant
- Tax Preparer
- Audit Associate
- Financial analyst
- Cost Accountant
- Staff Accountant
- Accounting Clerk
The handy problem-solver with helpful information for today's busy bookkeepers
Bookkeeping Essentials: How to Succeed as a Bookkeeper is the handy problem-solver that gives today's busy bookkeepers and accountants the helpful information they need in a quick-reference format.
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
- 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
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
Next Steps
- Assess Your
Skills and Interests—Reflect on yourstrengths and professional background to determine how they relate to anaccounting 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 strengthenyour 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 newaccounting career.
Final Words
Pursuing
Sharpen your skills and prepare for the CPA Exam with a wealth of essential facts in a fast-and-easy Q&A
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
