Considering Being an Accountant?

If number crunching, math skills and organization are your strong points, the profession of accounting may be for you. Here is a primer on how.

Considering Being an Accountant?

Accounting is no longer the stereotyped dull job that it used to be. The change in the corporate culture has resulted in adding more glamour and importance to an accountants job. In fact, the hot new field is forensic accounting where you don the role of detective to figure out who has been playing funny with the money. The number crunching aspect is still there, but the role is not limited to that alone. In addition, the pay can be lucrative as well

Accountants are classified in to four categories: public, managerial, government accountants and internal auditors. Each category has many sub categories. There are accountants who prepare financial statements, there are accountants who audit financial reports, there are accountants who advise on tax strategies and there are the aforementioned forensic accountants. Therefore, the choice is yours. Evaluate your aptitude and decide which type of accountancy suites you best. If you want to be an accountant with tax consultant specialization, then be prepared to work long hours during the tax-filing period.

Account licensing is controlled by state agencies, not the federal government. As a result, each state handles things slightly differently. If you want to be an accountant, however, the first step is to locate a learning institution providing classes in the field. Make absolutely sure the institution is recognized by the relevant accounting agency for your state, to wit, the degree will mean something.

An excellent way to get your free in the field of accounting is to find a job with an accounting firm. This is advisable even if you have not started full time study since it gives you an opportunity to take in the daily experience associated with the job. Only then can you truly tell whether you are cut out for this demanding, but interesting job.

If you decide to be an accountant, it is off to school. After that, you sit for the CPA examination. It is a monster of a test. It is comprised of four brutal sections. Only 25 percent of the candidates appearing for the examination pass all four sections. How hard is it? If you fail one of the sections, most states allow you to come back and try to pass it again without taking the other sections over again. They say getting your license to practice law is tough, but it is nothing compared to the CPA examination.

To shine among the accountants you may consider obtaining a masters degree. Being an accountant requires hard work. Be sure that you are prepared for it.

Richard A. Chapo is with Business Tax Recovery - providing accountant information and listings.