There are a lot of benefits to becoming an accountant. Some may look at it as an outlet for their business savviness, while others seek this position because of the competitive pay scale. There is also no lack of job potential when in a financial field. Whatever the reason you are seeking to becoming an accountant, the question is: how long does it take? Show There are four main types of accounting you can pursue: public, internal auditing, government, and management. The base amount of time to become an accountant in any of these fields is the same; it’s the continuing education that will vary based on your goal of accounting expertise focus. Starter Education: 4+ YearsWithout any prior college credits, the most basic education is a four-year Bachelor’s Degree. If you are returning to school and already hold a Bachelor’s Degree or other college credits, depending on the college or program you select, you may be able to enter an accelerated program. The length of completion can also depend on the credit load. Typically to become an accountant at the entry level you’ll need between 120-150 college credits. The requirements vary based on the state you live in. Your first step is selecting the school you wish to attend, then find out the exact credit requirement from there. Continuing Education: 4-7+ YearsOnce their four-year degree is complete, a lot of graduates choose to increase their accounting expertise by continuing their education. You can complete a Master’s Degree or a PH.D. The required time investment varies depending on the continuing education classes you would need to take. The doctorate route typically takes the longest, as additional research and dissertation that needs to be completed. Testing/CertificationsAnnual certifications are an industry standard in the path to become an accountant. Once your basic degree is completed, the typical next step is to complete courses to take the CPA exam. You can still graduate with an entry level accounting degree and start your career, but most employers will seek out the additional certification. Gaining the certifications also selects the area of accounting you will choose to pursue. Becoming an accountant yields a standard expectation (and requirement by most states) to complete additional courses and certifications. These are solely to stay up to date on new laws, regulations, and programs to help you and your profession. Many accountants will continue their education while working in their career to ensure their state certifications are met while also having the chance to propel their expertise and title. This route is almost a two-for-one deal; you continue your certifications and gain a higher degree. You will be able to find out your states requirements through the college you select to attend. While there is no finite timeline for how long it takes to become an accountant, a longer investment can add to your credibility and expertise. As any employer or client would agree, constantly learning and growing is only going to help everyone involved. For more career insights, please browse our advice section or reach out to one of our expert recruitment consultants today.
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Certified Public Accountants | Certified Public Accountants, more commonly referred to as CPAs, are required to pass a comprehensive examination and must have thorough knowledge in the accounting field. These specialists are qualified to represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service and to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
Certified Information Systems Auditors | Accountants with at least five years of experience in the information systems field can take an examination offered by ISACA, formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, to be qualified as a Certified Information Systems Auditor. |
Certified Management Accountants | Certified Management Accountants must have two years of experience in management accounting and pass an examination offered by the Institute of Management Accountants. |
Certified Internal Auditors | Certified Internal Auditors are required to pass a four-part test administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors and must have at least two years of work experience as internal auditors. |
*A four-year degree in accounting is required as a prerequisite for all these certifications.
Accounting Degrees and Requirements
Choosing an accredited university is essential to ensure the value of your degree after graduation. Smaller class sizes and knowledgeable professors are also key elements to look for so you can achieve success in your career after obtaining your degree. The accounting education requirements will vary depending on the specialty field you choose:
Management Concentrations | Statistics, finance, management, marketing, law, and ethics |
Accounting Concentrations | Business and personal taxation, investments, cost accounting, fraud auditing, and general accounting courses |
CPA Preparatory | International finance, information systems, investments and operations management, in addition to other required coursework |
Internships may be available and can often provide valuable experience that can shorten the additional time you’ll need to achieve other certifications after graduation.
In most cases, students must complete a minimum of 120-125 credit hours to receive a bachelor of science (BS) in accounting. Accounting degree requirements may vary depending on the type of program and the concentration you choose.
How Long Does it take to Become an Accountant?
If you’ve ever wondered how long does it take to be an accountant, there’s no exact answer. The length of time it will take you to receive your degree can vary, and the total time will depend on a number of factors, including how many credit hours you’ve already completed as well as the course of studies you intend to follow.
In general, it takes four years of study to earn a degree in accounting. For students pursuing a CPA certification, there is additional coursework needed, and the total time to complete may be longer, although some institutions offer simultaneous programs allowing you to complete your CPA requirements during your four-year degree program. If you plan to earn your MBA or Master of Accountancy, you will need to factor in additional time for extra graduate-level study and entrance exams, if applicable.
Potential Timeline for Becoming an Accountant:
Year 1:
- Research and decide on the university program you wish to pursue.
- Apply for admission and enroll in a four-year degree program.
- Begin your studies.
Years 2 – 4:
- Complete coursework in accounting, finance, and taxation.
- Decide on a concentration for your career path and take courses to prepare for certification in your chosen field.
- Pursue internship opportunities that allow you to gain experience while you learn.
- Graduate with your bachelor of science in accounting.
Year 5:
- Seek employment in the finance field.
- Complete a master’s degree program, if desired.
- For CPA students, complete any additional coursework required to qualify for the four examinations.
Year 6 and beyond:
- Acquire the necessary experience to take certification examinations.
- Continue to pursue continuing education and employment opportunities to further your career in this fast-paced and fast-growing field.
At Gwynedd Mercy University, we specialize in providing innovative solutions for aspiring accountants. Our faculty members are dedicated to providing the best learning environment possible to support students’ progress effectively.
- Our CPA preparatory track offers the additional 25 credits in coursework needed during the traditional bachelor’s degree in accounting program for students wishing to pursue this advanced qualification in the accountancy field. This track can be completed in just four years, along with your accounting degree. The CPA track can provide a valuable edge upon graduation for aspiring accountants in the competitive employment market.
- We also offer a unique 4+1 MBA option that allows students to earn their bachelor of science degree in accounting and their master's degree in business administration (MBA) in just five years, making it easier to find employment and to achieve their career goals in this fast-growing field.
Visit us online today to learn more about our innovative accounting degree programs and to experience the GMercyU difference for yourself. We look forward to the chance to help you achieve your educational goals and to assist you on your journey toward your career in accountancy.