How To Become an Accountant
Choosing to become an accountant is a strategic career move in today’s data-driven economy. Accounting professionals play a critical role in helping businesses manage finances, maintain compliance, and make informed decisions. With steady demand across industries, accountant jobs in the US remain among the most stable and growth-oriented career paths.
If you’re wondering how to become an accountant, the journey typically involves formal education, professional certifications, and hands-on experience.
Why Accounting Is a Strong Career Choice
Accounting careers offer:
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Stable job demand
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Competitive salaries
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Clear promotion paths
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Opportunities in nearly every industry
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Potential for remote and hybrid work
From small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, every organization needs skilled accounting professionals.
What Does an Accountant Do?
At its core, accounting involves managing financial records, analyzing data, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Daily responsibilities often include:
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Preparing financial statements
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Managing budgets and forecasts
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Filing tax documents
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Auditing financial records
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Ensuring compliance with GAAP and tax laws
Accountants serve as financial advisors, helping companies reduce risk and maximize profitability.
Is Accounting a Growing Field?
Yes. As regulations evolve and businesses expand, the need for qualified accountants continues to grow. In particular, roles such as:
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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
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Tax Accountant
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Forensic Accountant
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Corporate Accountant
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Financial Analyst
remain in strong demand across the US job market.
This guide will walk you through:
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Education requirements for accountants
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CPA certification process
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Entry-level accounting jobs
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Accountant salary in the US
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Industries hiring accountants
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SEO-optimized Common Questions
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SEO tags for job aggregators
Education Requirements for Accountants
If you’re researching how to become an accountant, understanding the education requirements is the first and most important step. Accounting is a structured profession that requires formal training in finance, taxation, and financial reporting.
While entry-level accounting jobs may have flexible requirements, long-term career growth usually depends on proper academic credentials and certifications.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
For most accountant jobs in the US, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is the minimum requirement.
Common degree options include:
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Bachelor of Science in Accounting
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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting
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Bachelor of Science in Finance
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Typical coursework covers:
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Financial accounting
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Managerial accounting
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Auditing
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Taxation
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Business law
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Economics
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Financial reporting standards (GAAP)
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A bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 years to complete.
2. CPA Education Requirements (150 Credit Rule)
If you plan to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), most US states require:
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150 college credit hours
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Since a standard bachelor’s degree typically includes 120 credits, many candidates complete:
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A Master’s degree in Accounting
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Additional undergraduate coursework
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This extra education requirement is essential for CPA licensure in most states.
3. Master’s Degree in Accounting (Optional but Beneficial)
While not mandatory for all accounting jobs, a Master of Accounting (MAcc) or MBA with accounting concentration can:
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Increase salary potential
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Improve competitiveness
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Help meet CPA credit requirements
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Open leadership roles
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Many professionals pursue a master’s degree to accelerate their accounting career path.
4. Accounting Internships and Practical Experience
Hands-on experience is highly valued in accounting careers.
Internships help candidates:
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Gain real-world bookkeeping experience
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Work with accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP, Excel)
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Understand corporate finance environments
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Build professional networks
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Employers often prefer candidates with internship or entry-level bookkeeping experience.
5. Certifications Beyond a Degree
In addition to a degree, accountants may pursue certifications such as:
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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
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These certifications significantly increase job prospects and earning potential.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?
Typical timeline:
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4 years for a Bachelor’s degree
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1–2 years for additional credits or Master’s (if pursuing CPA)
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Work experience (required for CPA licensure)
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You can qualify for many entry-level accounting jobs after earning a bachelor’s degree, but advanced roles often require additional credentials.
Can You Become an Accountant Without a Degree?
For bookkeeping or junior accounting roles, some employers may accept:
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Associate degrees
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Accounting certificates
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Relevant experience
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However, most professional accounting careers require at least a bachelor’s degree for long-term growth.
Why Education Matters in Accounting
Accounting professionals handle financial reporting, tax compliance, audits, and regulatory requirements. Because of the legal and financial responsibility involved, employers prioritize candidates with formal education and verified credentials.
Strong educational foundations directly impact:
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Salary level
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Promotion opportunities
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Professional credibility
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Long-term career stability
CPA Certification Explained
If you’re serious about advancing your accounting career, earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is one of the most valuable credentials you can obtain. The CPA designation is widely recognized as the gold standard in the accounting profession and significantly increases earning potential, credibility, and job opportunities.
But what exactly is a CPA, and how do you become one?
What Is a CPA?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional authorized to:
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File reports with the SEC
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Perform audits
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Represent clients before the IRS
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Provide official financial statements
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Unlike general accountants, CPAs meet strict education, exam, and experience requirements set by state boards of accountancy.
CPA Certification Requirements
While CPA license requirements vary slightly by state, most follow the same structure known as the “3 E’s”:
1. Education
Most states require:
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150 college credit hours
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A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
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Specific accounting and business coursework
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Because a standard bachelor’s degree includes 120 credits, many candidates complete a Master’s degree or additional coursework.
2. Examination
Candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam, administered by the AICPA.
The CPA exam consists of four sections:
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Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
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Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)*
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Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
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Regulation (REG)
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(*Note: CPA exam structure updates periodically.)
Each section tests advanced accounting knowledge, analytical skills, and professional judgment.
The exam is considered challenging, with many candidates spending several months preparing.
3. Experience
Most states require:
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1–2 years of supervised accounting experience
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Experience verified by a licensed CPA
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This ensures candidates have real-world exposure before obtaining full licensure.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CPA?
The typical timeline:
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4 years (Bachelor’s degree)
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1–2 years (additional credits or Master’s)
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1–2 years work experience
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CPA exam preparation (6–12 months)
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In total, becoming a CPA may take 5–7 years, depending on your path.
Benefits of Becoming a CPA
Earning a CPA license provides major advantages:
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Higher salary potential
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Access to senior accounting roles
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Greater job security
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Leadership opportunities
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CPAs often earn significantly more than non-certified accountants.
Is CPA Certification Worth It?
For professionals pursuing:
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Public accounting
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Auditing
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Tax advisory
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Corporate finance leadership
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Consulting
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The CPA license is extremely valuable and often required for promotion into senior roles.
However, not all accounting careers require CPA certification. Some roles in bookkeeping or internal corporate accounting may not require it.
CPA vs. CMA vs. Other Certifications
While CPA focuses heavily on public accounting and regulatory reporting, other certifications include:
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CMA (Certified Management Accountant) – corporate finance focus
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CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) – audit specialization
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EA (Enrolled Agent) – tax specialization
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Choosing the right certification depends on your career goals.
Why CPA Matters in the Accounting Job Market
Many employers list “CPA preferred” or “CPA required” in job postings for senior accounting roles. Having the designation increases your competitiveness in the accounting job market and opens doors to executive-level positions.
Accountant Salary in the US
If you're considering a career in accounting, one of the most important questions is: How much do accountants make in the US? Accounting remains one of the most stable and financially rewarding professions, offering steady salary growth and long-term career security.
Let’s break down the numbers.
Average Accountant Salary in the United States
The average accountant salary in the US typically ranges between:
$60,000 – $95,000 per year
According to national labor statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors is approximately:
$78,000+ per year
However, total earnings depend on experience, certification level, industry, and location.
Entry-Level Accountant Salary
New graduates entering entry-level accounting jobs can expect:
$50,000 – $65,000 per year
Entry-level roles may include:
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Staff Accountant
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Junior Accountant
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Accounts Payable Specialist
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Accounts Receivable Clerk
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Bookkeeper
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Internship experience and technical accounting skills (Excel, QuickBooks, SAP) can increase starting salary offers.
CPA Salary in the US
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) earn significantly more than non-certified accountants.
Typical CPA salary range:
$80,000 – $120,000+ per year
Senior CPAs and accounting managers can exceed:
$130,000 – $160,000 annually
The CPA designation dramatically increases long-term earning potential.
Senior and Management-Level Accounting Salaries
With 5–10+ years of experience, professionals can move into roles such as:
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Senior Accountant
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Accounting Manager
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Financial Controller
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Director of Finance
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Salary range for these roles:
$90,000 – $150,000+ per year
Executive-level positions like Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can earn well above six figures.
Accounting Salary by State
Location significantly affects accountant pay. States with higher accounting salaries include:
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California
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New York
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Texas
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Illinois
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Massachusetts
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Large metropolitan areas often offer higher salaries due to cost of living and corporate presence.
Factors That Influence Accountant Salary
Several variables impact earnings:
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Education level
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CPA certification
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Accountants working in finance, tech, healthcare, or large public firms often earn more than those in small businesses.
Public Accounting vs. Corporate Accounting Pay
Public accounting firms (Big Four and mid-sized firms) may offer:
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Faster promotion paths
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Bonus structures
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High-intensity work environments
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Corporate accounting roles often provide:
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More predictable hours
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Strong benefits packages
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Stable salary growth
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Both paths offer strong earning potential over time.
Is Accounting a High-Paying Career?
Yes. While starting salaries are moderate, accounting offers consistent salary growth, job security, and promotion opportunities. Professionals who earn certifications like CPA or CMA significantly increase their income potential.
Accounting remains one of the most financially stable career paths in the US job market.
Common Questions About Becoming an Accountant
What degree do you need to become an accountant?
To become an accountant in the US, most employers require at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Coursework typically includes financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. If you plan to pursue a CPA license, you will likely need 150 credit hours, which may require additional coursework or a master’s degree.
How long does it take to become an accountant?
The standard path includes:
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4 years for a Bachelor’s degree
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1–2 years (if completing additional credits for CPA eligibility)
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CPA exam preparation and required work experience
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You can qualify for many entry-level accountant jobs immediately after earning your bachelor’s degree.
Do you need a CPA to work as an accountant?
No, a CPA is not required for all accounting roles. However, earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license significantly increases salary potential and opens doors to senior-level and public accounting positions.
Many employers list “CPA preferred” for advanced roles such as Senior Accountant or Accounting Manager.
What are the highest paying accounting jobs?
Some of the highest paying accounting careers include:
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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
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Accounting Manager
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Financial Controller
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Director of Finance
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Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
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Specialized roles in tax, auditing, and forensic accounting can also offer strong compensation.
What skills should I include on my accountant resume?
An effective accounting resume should highlight:
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Financial reporting skills
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Knowledge of GAAP
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Tax preparation experience
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Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP, Excel)
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Analytical and problem-solving abilities
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Are accounting jobs in demand?
Yes. Accounting jobs remain in high demand across industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology. Every business requires financial oversight, making accounting one of the most stable career paths in the US.
Can you become an accountant without a degree?
For bookkeeping or junior roles, some employers may accept certifications or relevant experience. However, most professional accountant jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree for long-term career growth.
Is accounting a good long-term career?
Accounting offers:
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Stable employment
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Predictable career progression
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Competitive salaries
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Opportunities for advancement
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Flexible and remote work options
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For professionals who enjoy numbers, organization, and financial analysis, accounting is a strong and reliable career choice.
Including measurable achievements (e.g., reduced costs by 10%) strengthens your application.
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Years of experience
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Industry (public vs. private sector)
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Company size
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Geographic location
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Ability to open your own accounting practice
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Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
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Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
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Enrolled Agent (EA)
