How long does it take to become an accountant?

There are many benefits to being an accountant. Some may see it as an outlet for their business knowledge, while others seek this position because of the competitive pay scale. There is no lack of employment potential either when you are in the financial field. No matter why you want to become an accountant, the question is: how long does it take? Here are tips on how long it takes to become an accountant.

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How long does it take to become an accountant?

If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to become an accountant, there’s no exact answer. The time it will take you to earn your degree can vary, and the total time will depend on a number of factors, including the number of credit hours you have already completed, as well as the course of study you intend to pursue. Generally, it takes four years of study to earn an accounting degree. For students seeking CPA certification, additional coursework is required and the total time to complete may be longer. Although some institutions offer concurrent programs that allow you to complete your CPA requirements during a four-year degree program. If you plan to pursue your MBA or Master of Accounting, you will need to allow additional time for additional postgraduate study and entrance exams, if applicable.

There are main types of accounting you can follow:

Public, internal audit, government, and management. The base time to become an accountant in any of these fields is the same; it is continuing education that will change based on your goal of focusing on accounting expertise.

Initial Education: 4+ Years

With no prior college credit, the most basic education is a four-year bachelor’s degree. If you’re going back to school and already have a bachelor’s degree or other college credits, depending on the college or program you choose, you may be able to get into an accelerated program. The duration of the completion may also depend on the credit load. Typically, to become an entry-level accountant, you’ll need between 120 and 150 college credits. Requirements vary depending on where you live. Your first step is to choose the school you want to attend, then figure out the exact credit requirement from there.

Continuing Education: 4-7+ years

After completing their four-year degree, many graduates choose to further their accounting experience by continuing their education. You can have a master’s degree or a doctorate. The time investment required varies depending on the continuing education classes you are required to take. The doctoral route is usually the longest as additional research and a thesis must be completed.

What kind of training is required to become an accountant?

Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, but with an associate’s degree in accounting, you may be able to perform some accounting tasks, such as payroll, for your employer. Many colleges and universities offer accounting programs at the bachelor’s level. These programs include courses in accounting principles, finance, management, economics, statistics, and ethics. It is also important to work with accounting systems and tools such as spreadsheets and databases. Many accounting degree programs require students to do internships to gain hands-on experience. Entry-level accounting jobs don’t require you to have a master’s degree, but you might consider taking graduate courses or earning a master’s degree to advance your career or further specialize in your field.

How long does it take to get an accounting degree online?

Earning an accounting degree online can be done a little faster by taking 8-week accelerated courses compared to the typical 16 weeks on a traditional campus. If you’re willing to put in the effort from start to finish, it’s possible to earn an accounting degree in as little as 2 years. A more traditional program that tracks on-campus study takes an average of 3-4 years to complete online.

How many years does it take to become an accountant?

   Depending on the results you obtained at the end of the year enrolled and the career you choose, many degree options require 4 to 5 years before completing your degree in college or university. To gain experience and become a qualified accountant, you will also need to complete training or an internship with an accounting firm. This can take up to 3 years.

How can I get a job as an accountant?

The key to landing a job in accounting is experience. Even a junior-level position may require two to three years of accounting experience. If you don’t already have experience, consider looking into internships or entry-level administrative work. You can look for jobs with accounting consulting firms, but you can also find job opportunities in government, education, or health care.

Before you go, I hope that the above article related to how long it takes to become an accountant will be informational and beneficial for you.

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