Should i become an accountant

Learning these skills can help you understand company budgets, payroll and how companies and individuals manage their money. The average salary for an accountant in the U. However, your salary can vary depending on your experience, geographic location and the type of organization for which you work.

If you study accounting, you have a clear path toward becoming an accountant. Major programs in subjects like history, literature or science might provide students with less defined options after graduation, but accounting programs are often specifically customized for the role of accountant. Beyond standard degrees, you can pursue certifications to explore different career options, though in many cases, you can pursue a career as an accountant right after graduating with a bachelor's degree.

Although accounting students typically become accountants, you can explore other careers due to the transferrable skills and knowledge that you gain in your studies. For example, you might consider a career as an auditor, investment accountant or bookkeeper. If you choose to become an accountant for an organization, you might choose a specific industry on which to focus.

Nearly every organization requires an accountant to help manage their money, so if you are passionate about a particular industry, you might explore accounting careers in that area.

Accountants can work almost anywhere. Because most businesses and organizations need an accountant, you may be able to find opportunities in a variety of geographic areas. Even locally, you might choose to work in a city or open your own private practice in a more rural or suburban area. Some accountants may even work remotely. Depending on your education, credentials and career, you might start your own accounting practice. Starting your own business may require additional education in marketing, sales and website management, but it can be very rewarding.

Accounting entrepreneurship can help you develop your independent working skills while you choose which types of clients you want to work with, such as corporations or individuals. Related: Public vs. Private Accounting: Definition and Key Differences. Though there are many benefits, it's important to know some drawbacks and how to handle them when considering a career as an accountant.

Here are some disadvantages:. Managing a company or individual's finances can require accurate data input, meeting strict deadlines and providing positive customer service. You might develop strong organizational and communication skills while navigating these new challenges. Developing these skills over time is one way you might handle the demands of the job.

Although the career path is straightforward, many accountant positions require at least a four-year bachelor's degree. To become a CPA or other specialized accountant, you may complete additional exams, certifications and coursework.

Developing effective study habits can help you navigate these requirements, and some of these skills—such as organization and time management—may transfer to your career as an accountant. To grow in your career as an accountant or to explore similar career options, you may need to complete additional education or certifications. However, this continued education can make you more effective at your job, helping bolster your reputation and potentially assisting you in identifying new career opportunities.

Related: Types of Accounting Degrees. When you train as an accountant, you gain skills that can apply to almost any industry of your choosing. In fact, go ahead and name an organisation. We're betting you they'll have need for finance professionals somewhere. If all businesses need finance professionals, it makes sense for those starting them to have some finance experience themselves.

With no need to employ an accountant in the company's early days, it's certainly economical - and a fundamental knowledge of how a business's finances should be structured and maintained will also be crucial to keeping the business profitable. Accountancy is arguably the ultimate portable qualification.

Not only are the principles universal, applying the world over, but membership of a body such as ACCA the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is also globally recognised and respected. If you harbour ambitions of moving abroad, an accountancy qualification could be the passport to your dream city.

We've already covered that accountants aren't mathematicians. So what do they do for their clients? Consultancy and advice forms the bulk of what accountants provide today - using their expert knowledge to help their customers select the right business structure, minimise unnecessary tax expenditure, and forecast their cash flow for the coming year.

Late January, February and March represent the close of the financial year, and are dreaded by accountants as 'tax season'. It's the busiest time of the year, but on the flip-side, it can mean an easier time of it during the other nine months. Its predictability makes knowing when to plan holidays easier too. Love to offer your time to charities and other good causes?

It's a great way to make an accounting qualification as rewarding for others as it is for you. Some accountants have degrees, some don't. Just like any industry, working in accounting does have its drawbacks. After getting started as an entry-level accountant, you should look at what type of certifications you might want to earn. How many world-famous accountants do you know of?

The day-to-day work requires a lot of investigating and math, which can be boring to some but interesting to others. Learning more about what accountants do on a daily basis will help you determine whether or not the work appeals to you.

Accounting is typically a standard 9-to-5 job, except for certain times of the year with impending deadlines. The most notable deadline is April 15 for tax accountants. But the plus side is that things slow down significantly after that time period. In this way accounting careers offer some variety in the yearly schedule.

But that pressure and stress can have an impact on your overall mental health, and deserves consideration. These negative experiences have a lot to do with where an accountant works and the specifics of their roles. But whether that pressure results in negative levels of stress depends on your personality. Try to honestly assess your attitude toward pressure and heavy workloads. If the pros are outweighing the cons, you might want to take a closer look at how to prepare yourself for a job in this field.

Are you still asking, should I become an accountant? It might help to know what kind of commitment is involved. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed February 12, ] www. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

Employment conditions in your area may vary. It has since been updated. There are some errors in the form. Please correct the errors and submit again. By selecting "Submit," I authorize Rasmussen University to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided.

There is no obligation to enroll. Brianna is a content writer for Collegis Education who writes student focused articles on behalf of Rasmussen University. She earned her MFA in poetry and teaches as an adjunct English instructor. She loves to write, teach and talk about the power of effective communication. Posted in Accounting. Carrie Mesrobian Brianna Flavin Callie Malvik