Are you thinking about pursuing a career as an accountant? Accounting can be a secure career path with above-average job satisfaction and earnings potential. It has existed from the beginning of the first forms of trade. Accountant near me has evolved into a key field in the finance sector throughout time. It employs millions of professionals around the world today. Careers in the Financial sector are thriving due to a consistent demand for their services.
If you’re thinking about a career in the financial sector, keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to get started in pursuing your dream of becoming one.
What are the steps of becoming an accountant?
If you want to work as an accountant, you can choose from a variety of paths. The good news is that you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to pursue a career in accounting. If you have a degree, however, you may be able to accelerate your accounting training and be exempted from certain topics. You can learn how to become a financial expert by taking the following steps:
Get your AAT certification.
Obtaining an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification is a feasible choice if you want to start a career in accounting. AAT accounting certifications are internationally recognised and provide excellent professional growth chances.
Keep working on your professional development.
If you want to work as a financial or management accountant, you’ll probably need to have some job experience and then continue your professional growth by earning certifications like:
- ACCA
The ACCA Qualification is a highly sought-after and well-recognized qualification that opens doors to a variety of relevant finance professions. Three GCSEs and two A levels in maths and English, as well as three years of work experience, are required to enrol in this program.
Those who work in accounting and finance but lack formal qualifications may enrol in foundation-level courses like the ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting or the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business.
2. ICAEW
The Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) certification is one of the most important in the accounting profession, and it is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). There are several options for obtaining your ACA certification.
Although having a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related discipline is advantageous, the ACA certification can be obtained without a degree. You can start your ACA career straight from school if you’ve completed the required A levels. School leavers who enrol in the programme work full-time and attend classes on a set schedule. This programme typically takes four to five years to finish.
3. CIMA
The CIMA Professional Qualification, which is a worldwide recognised qualification for management accountants, is offered by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. This course is divided into three pillars and three levels, with 12 examinations.
Each level requires passing computer-based assessments as well as case-study exams. Candidates get the title of Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) if they have passed all of the required exams and have gained practical experience in the field.
Accountancy careers
Accountancy provides endless possibilities and professional paths. Once you’ve completed your academic certifications, you’ll be able to work in senior positions in global blue-chip firms, public sector institutions, and non-profitorganisations.
Here are a few career choices that you can consider:
Tax Accountant
Tax is everywhere, and keeping up with the demands of a continuously changing sector necessitates rapid thinking. You’ll be preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses, advising on how investments or mergers influence a company’s tax, and learning new legislation to create documents.
Business analyst
Business analysts give commercial decision-making help to senior leadership teams. To develop financial models for internal customers, they must have great analytical skills. They must have strong managerial accounting abilities as well as excellent communication skills to explain complicated financial data to entrepreneurs.
Financial accountant
A financial accountant examines a company’s income, expenses, debts, and how money flows through it to keep track of its financial activities. These individuals usually supervise an accounting team and verify that the financial books are prepared accurately and on schedule. They also prepare financial accounts and make expenditure and cost-cutting recommendations to management.
Wrap up
Accountants are required in practically all types of businesses, from small to large, and in all industries. In this field, there is plenty of opportunity for growth. You can decide to specialise in a specific area of accounting, such as forensic accounting or risk assessment or you can choose to be self-employed. Continuing to educate yourself and keeping updated on current affairs is the key.
