Do you want to have a career that is both challenging and rewarding? Are you interested in helping businesses succeed? If so, then you should consider becoming an accountant! This profession offers many opportunities for growth and advancement. In fact, the accounting profession is projected to grow 7% over the next decade.

If you think this sounds like a career for you, follow these 5 steps to become an accountant.

Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Most accountants have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. During your undergraduate studies, you will likely take courses such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. These courses will give you the foundation you need to become a successful accountant.

Get an Entry-Level Job

Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, it’s time to look for an accounting job. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be about 135,000 open accounting and auditor positions in the US over the next 10 years. Plus, most businesses need an accountant on staff in order to be successful. With that in mind, there should be no shortage of accounting positions available to you when you’re ready to start your accounting career. 

One popular way to find an accounting job is to work with a recruiting firm. Recruiting firms, sometimes called staffing agencies, work with employers to find top-tier candidates for their open positions. At Burchard & Associates, we specialize in accounting and finance positions for professionals looking for career opportunities in the St. Louis, MO area. 

Check out our available positions or contact us today to learn more.

Gain Work Experience

Like most jobs, if you want to advance your career, you need to gain experience. Many accounting firms require their employees to have a certain amount of work experience before they can be promoted to a higher position. Work experience can be gained by working in various accounting positions such as auditing, taxation, and financial accounting.

Take the CPA exam

To become a certified public accountant (CPA), you will need to pass the CPA exam. The CPA exam is a four-part exam that tests your knowledge of accounting principles and practices. To be eligible to take the CPA exam, you must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

Earning your CPA certification can open up a plethora of career opportunities and may be a requirement for employment by some companies.

Continue Your Education

Most accountants continue their education by pursuing a master’s degree in accounting or a related field. A master’s degree will give you the advanced knowledge and skills you need to be successful in your career. Many accounting firms require their employees to have a master’s degree.

Becoming an accountant is a process that takes time and effort. However, if you are dedicated to your career, you can become a successful accountant. These steps will help you get started on your journey to becoming an accountant.