Accountants

High School

If you are interested in an accounting career, take a strong math and business course load in high school. In particular, you must be very proficient in arithmetic and basic algebra. Familiarity with computers and their applications is equally important. Course work in English and communications will also be beneficial. Be sure to take as many business and accounting classes as possible. It never hurts to learn a foreign language, especially if you plan to work abroad.

Postsecondary Training

Postsecondary training in accounting may be obtained in a wide variety of institutions, such as private business schools, junior colleges, universities, and correspondence schools. A bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, or a related field such as economics, finance, or business, is highly recommended by professional associations for those entering the field and is required by all states before taking the licensing exam. Large public accounting firms often prefer people with a master’s degree in accounting, taxation, or business, or those who have earned a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Accountants also earn master’s degrees in taxation and other specialized fields.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredits postsecondary accounting and business programs. Visit https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited for a list of accredited programs. Information about accounting education and scholarships for students can be accessed at https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/education.

Other Education or Training

All accountants find it necessary to continue their study of accounting and related areas in their spare time. Even those who have already obtained college degrees, gained experience, and earned a CPA certificate may spend many hours studying to keep up with new industry developments. Thousands of practicing accountants enroll in formal courses offered by universities and professional associations to specialize in certain areas of accounting, broaden or update their professional skills, and become eligible for advancement and promotion.

Many professional accounting associations offer continuing-education opportunities. The AICPA, for example, provides webinars, self-study programs, and seminars at educational conferences. Topics include accounting industry trends, financial reporting, analytical procedures, and technology.

Other organizations that provide continuing education include the Association for Computers & Taxation, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Association for Financial Professionals, Association of Government Accountants, CFA Institute, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Financial Executives International, Institute of Management Accountants, Institute for Professionals in Taxation, ISACA, National Association of Corporate Treasurers, National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Association of Tax Professionals, National Society of Accountants, and the Tax Executives Institute. Contact these organizations for more information.

Tax service firms offer classes explaining tax preparation to both professionals and individual taxpayers, and accounting firms and other employers often provide in-house continuing-education resources.