How long does it take to become an accountant?
It typically takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) requires an additional year of study as well as work experience, bringing the total time investment to around five to six years.
1. What credentials do you need to be an accountant?
At a minimum, a practicing accountant will hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Strong math, analytical, and organizational skills are also essential. Many accountants earn additional certifications to advance their careers.
These optional additional qualifications include:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): a designation often necessary for higher-level accounting roles
Certified Management Accountant (CMA): focuses on management accounting and financial strategy
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): ideal for those specializing in internal auditing
Enrolled Agent (EA): a federal tax expert certification issued by the Internal Revenue Service
Master’s Degree (MBA or MSA): helps with career growth and meeting CPA education requirements
Through their studies, accountants gain invaluable foundational knowledge they then put into practice on the job. In a sense, accountants never stop learning! They hone their abilities to analyze trends, foresee potential risks, and provide proactive solutions every working day, over years of hands-on experience in diverse financial settings. These professionals can expertly navigate complex financial scenarios, adapt to ever-changing regulations, and help your business thrive.
2. How long does it take to become an accountant?
Aspiring accountants earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, which typically takes full-time undergraduate students about four years. The CPA certification requires an additional year of study plus work experience, bringing the total timeline to around five to six years.
Undergraduate accounting majors examine core concepts such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax, auditing, and business law. They also learn to use accounting software and develop key skills like analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
For those with a degree in another field, many universities offer accelerated programs or allow students to transfer credits from their previous studies. These future accountants may be able to skip certain general education requirements and focus more on accounting-specific subjects.
Plus, accountants can choose to pursue the additional qualifications listed above to expand their career opportunities and attain a higher level of expertise.
So, what about us here at SnapBooks? Our talented crew has a wealth of experience and expertise to offer you. Here are some fun facts about the SnapBooks team (and yes, we think accounting is incredibly fun!):
Every member of our team is a qualified accountant
Among us, we have over 100 years of experience in the finance industry
We have several QuickBooks ProAdvisors, including Advanced Certified specialists
We’re experts in Xero, Intacct, and Sage 50, and comfortable across different accounting platforms
We have the flexibility to work with businesses across dozens of industries
Welcome to SnapBooks! We’re a virtual accountant firm specializing in outsourced bookkeeping services, payroll for small businesses, and small business tax prep. Whether you’re a small business owner or running a growing company, we’ll help you stay on top of your finances with expert support and accurate, real-time numbers.
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If you’re a business owner interested in learning more about our accounting and bookkeeping services, we’d love to help. You can request a custom quote here.
If you’re looking for help with tax prep, you can book a call directly with one of our tax prep experts here.
