How to Become an Accountant: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What Do You Do As An Accountant?

As you are working on how to become an accountant, it is important to know what an accountant is and what responsibilities he or she undertakes. The work of an accountant is greatly oriented toward the upkeep of financial records, alongside overseeing compliance with applicable tax laws, budgeting, and advising on financial strategies to clients. In summary, accountants make sure that business operations run smoothly through their efforts at financial transparency and consultation on financial planning.

Whichever way you want it-from working for a big corporation to having a portfolio of clients at an accounting firm or going freelance-the accounting field offers many options. The demand for accountants is expected to be on the rise as the demand for expertise in financial matters continues to expand exponentially. If you’re looking for ways into accounting, the first step you can take in that direction is learning what the profession is all about.

Specializing in tax, audit, or forensic accounting constitutes an area where an accountant may gain specialization. Depending on what kind of accounting you would want to pursue, there would be specific educational pathways that you need to follow and qualifications that would equip you suitably for the job.

How to Be An Accountant

Are you looking to get into accounting? There are many ways to follow this path, each tailored for some various educational backgrounds and career aspirations. Other ways are the main pathways:

With a Degree for an Accountant

With a degree, particularly in finance, business, or economics, you have set yourself on a good pace. A degree for an accountant gives one a fast ride toward getting ahead because many professional qualifications like ACCA and CIMA afford exemptions to relevant degrees. This translates to the fact that one’s degree having certain courses whereby exemption from taking some examinations may apply, thus saving time and effort.

Some of the most common professional qualifications available for those with a prescribed degree are:

ACCA (Associate of Chartered Certified Accountants)

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)

With Learnsignal, you will get expert advice, video lectures, downloadable notes, and practical courses for a head start at passing the exams in your desired career in accountancy.

No Degree, No Problem

Don’t be concerned if there isn’t a bachelor’s degree. You can still pursue accounting. Many successful accountants started out with a modest qualification, like AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). These qualifications give you the essential skills to be successful in accounting roles, and with work experience, you can progress to higher qualifications.

If you are looking to understand how to become an accountant without a degree, then a qualification such as the AAT is an excellent place to start. Once you complete the AAT, you might transition to the ACCA or CIMA examinations and, with these accredited qualifications, improve your career prospects.

Via an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is indeed another path worth considering. Numerous organizations offer apprenticeship schemes whereby you can earn while studying. This is ideal for someone who learns best through practical applications. Apprenticeships encompass actual and academic learning, allowing for an optimal way to learn how to get into accounting.

This is where the apprenticeship scheme comes in; you will gain work experience while working toward your professional qualification, either via the AAT, ACCA, or any other functioning awarding body. Typical duration for an apprenticeship is about 2-3 years, but that could vary according to the nature of the scheme and the individual’s progress. 

Career Changers: How to Transition into Accounting

Making a career change into accounting can seem daunting for those who wish to move into this line of work, but is possible nonetheless. Almost everyone has successfully transitioned into accounting from fields as varied as marketing and engineering to hospitality. If you’re wondering how to get into accounting after working in another industry, a great way to start would be with an introductory qualification such as AAT. 

Professional Qualification

One of the cornerstones of how to become an accountant is attaining a professional qualification. Although some accounting roles do not require qualifications, there is an advantage in earning a globally recognized qualification. If anything, such credentials will date back a long way in time and be worth earning in order to give way to advancement in professional careers and higher pay. Here is a rundown of the principal professional qualifications.

ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

ACCA is one of the most respected qualifications for accountants globally. If you’re looking to know how to get into accounting, ACCA is a logical entry point, as it provides a flexible pathway and covers the various fields of accounting, such as financial management, taxation, and auditing.

CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

Another highly regarded qualification, CIMA specifically focuses on management accounting. It is ideal for those who wish to work in business strategy, finance management, and corporate accounting. Dealing with challenging aspects of the business world makes CIMA a clear favorite among aspiring accountants.

AAT – Association of Accounting Technicians

If you are entering accounting for the first time or don’t hold a degree, then AAT represents the perfect starting point for you. It allows you to take your first steps towards entry-level, junior accounting jobs, such as bookkeeping or accounts assistance, and lays the foundation for advanced qualifications like ACCA or CIMA thereafter. 

With Learnsignal’s resources you can study for various qualifications and create a study plan to suit your career goals. Our platform has mock exams, video lessons and expert notes to help you prepare and feel more confident.

Accountancy Career Paths

Once you have the skills to be an accountant you can explore different career paths in this field. Accountancy is a versatile profession with many specialisms so you can align your career with your interests. Here are a few:

In-House Accountant

As an in-house accountant you’ll manage the financial records and planning for a specific organisation. Working closely with the finance team you’ll ensure smooth financial operations including budgeting and reporting. Many companies are looking for accountants to join their teams and offer great career progression.

Accountancy Firms

Many accountants work for accountancy firms that service multiple clients by delivering services such as auditing, tax planning and financial advisory. Working for an accountancy firm will give you exposure to many skills and experiences as you’ll be working with clients from various industries.

Self-Employed Accountant

Being a self-employed accountant gives you flexibility and freedom. You’ll manage your own practice and build your client base – perfect for those who want to dictate their own hours or choose their own clients. However, success in this route requires strong business skills to build client relationships and manage operations.

Specialisms within Accountancy

As you progress in your career consider specialising in areas like taxation, forensic accounting or auditing. Specialising usually means higher earning potential and more responsibility in your area of expertise.

FAQs About an Accounting Career

How long will it take to become an accountant?

3-5 years is the time range to complete the steps required to become a qualified accountant depending on the level of qualification you want to pursue and whether you already have a degree for accountant study. With Learnsignal, you will be well-prepared for your exams in less time.

Can I be an accountant without a degree?

Yes. Many accountants start as AAT-qualified, which does not require a degree. For those looking for an answer to how to become an accountant with no degree, this is a strong possibility.

How much does an accountant earn?

Salaries will vary, as the position depends on factors such as experience, location, and more specialized study. However, it is generally agreed that accounting is a well-paid profession, especially for the relatively higher-paying positions within an accounting firm.

Overview on Becoming an Accountant in the UK

In the UK route to becoming an accountant by completing a professional qualification such as the ACCA or CIMA is very… if you are wondering how to get into accounting in the UK you have to choose the qualification that fits your ambitions and interests the most smoothly in a pipeline.

Final Notes

There are many reasons why accounting is an engaging and fulfilling career choice. Among these include various career pathways, which greatly depend on the previous experience vis-À-vis career aspirations. There are endless opportunities open to those who may already have their qualification for accountants or may be seeking ways on how one could pass through in becoming an accountant without the degree. With the right kind of qualifications and resources such as Learnsignal on hand, an individual can satisfy one of the key criteria for drawing upon layers and pursuing a successful career in accounting.