How to Become a Public Accountant
Public accountants perform a variety of tasks including accounting, taxes and auditing for their clients. This career requires at least a four-year degree and some additional certification and job experience. The median salary for accountants is just over $50,000 per year. Accounting is typically stable and offers job benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid vacation and holidays and retirement plans. The need for public accountants is always present.
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Instructions
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Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting for an accredited university. If you are interested in pursuing a particular specialty, such as taxes for small business, focus coursework toward that specialty.
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Seek accounting internships while in college. You will gain invaluable experience in basic accounting such as accounts receivable/accounts paid, payroll and quarterly tax filing. An internship will also give you the opportunity to make several contacts that will serve you well when you look for an accounting job after graduation.
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Learn computer software that is relevant to accounting. Depending on your desired specialty and current technology, software may change significantly. Ask your professors or employers for recommendations. Basic programs include QuickBooks, Intuit Payroll and Peachtree Accounting software.
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Prepare for the CPA exam. Study thoroughly---it is very rigorous. The Uniform CPA Examination website has study guides and practice tests, along with other recommended resources for study. You will be tested on information from four areas: Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Regulation, and Business Environments and Concepts.
The exam contains multiple-choice questions and case studies where you will be required to read the description of a scenario and then write a response. On the case studies portion of the exam you will be graded on organization, development and expression. If you are not already confident with your writing skills, seek tutoring so that you will be able to write effective responses.
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Gain required experience. Requirements vary by state, but at least one year of working experience is required to receive your CPA. You may be able to get a job working in a company's accounts receivables or payroll department while you are still in school, or look for an entry-level accounting job after graduation. Once you have worked in accounting for one to two years you will be eligible to receive certification.
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Acquire other certifications. In addition to the CPA, other certifications will help raise your salary significantly. You can earn certifications from the Institute of Management Accountants, Institute of Internal Auditors, ISACA and Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation.
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Tips & Warnings
Start taking courses in accounting and math in high school; this will give you a head start and prepare you for college.
References
Resources
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