Becoming an accountant typically requires a bachelor's degree in accounting (4 years), with optional CPA licensure (150 credit hours + exam). The BLS projects 5% job growth through 2034 with 124,200 annual openings, and the median salary is $81,680 — rising to $161,700 for financial managers. A severe talent shortage (accounting graduates at a 20-year low) makes this one of the strongest entry points in business careers.
- The step-by-step path from education to your first accounting role
- How long it takes to become an accountant (with and without a degree)
- Education options: associate, bachelor's, master's — which to choose
- BLS salary data by experience level and specialization
- Key certifications (CPA, CMA, CFE) and when they matter
- How to break into accounting with no experience
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How do you become an accountant?
Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting (4 years), gain entry-level experience through internships or staff accountant roles, and optionally pursue CPA licensure (requires 150 credit hours and passing a four-part exam). Most accountants are job-ready after completing their bachelor's degree.
How long does it take to become an accountant?
A bachelor's degree takes 4 years. Add 12-18 months for CPA exam preparation and 1-2 years of supervised experience for CPA licensure. Total timeline: 4 years to start working as an accountant, 6-7 years to become a fully licensed CPA.
Can you become an accountant without a degree?
Bookkeeping and basic accounting clerk roles may not require a degree, but professional accounting positions typically require a bachelor's. CPA licensure requires 150 credit hours. Without a degree, advancement opportunities and earning potential are significantly limited.
How much do accountants make?
The median annual salary for accountants and auditors is $81,680 according to BLS 2024 data. Entry-level roles start at $55,000-$69,000, senior accountants earn $80,000-$109,000, and financial managers (a common advancement path) earn a median of $161,700. See our Accountant Salary Guide for a complete breakdown by level, specialization, and location.
Accounting consistently ranks among the most reliable career paths in business — and the numbers back it up. The BLS projects 5% job growth through 2034, a severe talent shortage has pushed starting salaries higher, and the path from entry-level to CFO is well-defined.
But "become an accountant" isn't a single path. Education requirements, certifications, specializations, and career trajectories vary significantly. This guide breaks down every option with real data so you can make an informed decision.
What Does an Accountant Actually Do?
- Accountant
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors "prepare and examine financial records, ensuring that records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time." This category includes CPAs, staff accountants, auditors, tax accountants, and management accountants — but excludes bookkeeping clerks.
Accountants do far more than "crunch numbers." The role involves analysis, judgment, and advisory work that requires understanding both the rules and the business context.
Core responsibilities include:
- Preparing and analyzing financial statements
- Filing tax returns and developing tax strategies
- Conducting or supporting audits
- Ensuring regulatory and compliance adherence
- Advising management on financial decisions
- Investigating fraud and financial irregularities (forensic accounting)
- Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
Bookkeepers record transactions; accountants analyze and advise on those records. The BLS projects bookkeeping jobs to decline 6% through 2034 due to automation, while accountant positions grow 5%. For a detailed comparison, see Bookkeeper vs Accountant: Key Differences.
Accountants analyze financial data and provide advisory services — work that requires professional judgment and is resistant to automation. The role extends well beyond data entry and number-crunching.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?
The timeline depends on the education path and whether CPA licensure is the goal.
Most accountants start working after a four-year bachelor's degree. CPA licensure — which unlocks higher-paying roles and career advancement — requires additional education (150 credit hours) and 12-18 months of exam preparation.
A bachelor's degree (4 years) is the standard entry point. CPA licensure adds 1-2 years but significantly increases earning potential and career options.
How to Become an Accountant: Step by Step
Choose your education path
A bachelor's degree in accounting is the standard requirement for professional accounting roles. The key decision is which degree level to pursue:
- Associate degree (2 years): Qualifies for bookkeeping and accounting clerk positions. Good stepping stone but limits advancement
- Bachelor's degree (4 years): The minimum for staff accountant roles. Covers financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax, audit, and business law
- Master's degree (5-6 years): Meets the 150-hour CPA requirement. Often includes specialized coursework and recruiting advantages for Big 4 firms
For most aspiring accountants, a bachelor's degree is the right starting point. Those targeting CPA licensure should plan for the 150-hour requirement from the start — either through a 5-year integrated program or a standalone master's.
Build foundational skills
Technical accounting knowledge is necessary but not sufficient. The accountants who advance fastest combine technical skills with business acumen:
Technical skills:
- GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
- Financial statement preparation and analysis
- Tax preparation and planning
- Audit methodology
- Accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
- Excel and data analysis (including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros)
Professional skills:
- Written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Time management (critical during busy season)
- Client relationship management
Get an internship or entry-level role
Accounting internships are the primary pipeline to full-time offers, especially at public accounting firms.
- When to apply: Fall of junior year for summer internships (Big 4 firms recruit early)
- Where to look: Campus recruiting events, firm websites, LinkedIn, Handshake
- What to expect: 10-12 week programs, often with return offer potential
- If no internship: Target staff accountant, accounting clerk, or accounts payable roles as entry points
Internships at Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and mid-market firms (BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM) have high conversion rates to full-time positions.
Attend accounting society meetings, join Beta Alpha Psi (the accounting honor society), and connect with recruiters at campus events. Many accounting jobs — especially at firms — are filled through relationships built during college.
Decide on certifications
Certifications are not required to work as an accountant, but they significantly impact career trajectory and earning potential.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) — The most recognized accounting credential. Required for signing audit opinions and many senior roles. CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs at equivalent levels.
CMA (Certified Management Accountant) — Best for corporate finance and FP&A careers. Focuses on financial planning, analysis, and strategic management.
CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) — For forensic accounting and fraud investigation careers.
EA (Enrolled Agent) — Licensed by the IRS for tax representation. Less expensive and quicker than CPA for tax-focused careers.
For most accountants pursuing public accounting or controller/CFO roles, yes. CPAs earn 10-15% more and unlock roles that require licensure. But it's a significant investment: $3,000-$5,500 in exam costs plus 300-400 study hours. See our complete analysis: Is Getting a CPA Worth It?
Choose a specialization
Accounting is not a single career — it's a family of specializations with different work, compensation, and lifestyle profiles:
- Tax accounting: Tax return preparation, planning, and strategy
- Audit: Examining financial statements for accuracy and compliance
- Forensic accounting: Investigating fraud and financial crimes
- Management accounting: Internal budgeting, forecasting, and business analysis
- Government accounting: Federal, state, or local government financial oversight
- Cost accounting: Analyzing production costs and operational efficiency
Specialization often emerges naturally from early career assignments. Intentional choice based on interest and market demand leads to faster advancement.
The path to becoming an accountant follows five clear steps: choose education, build skills, get experience, pursue certifications, and specialize. Each decision compounds — planning early leads to faster advancement.
Can You Become an Accountant Without a Degree?
Short answer: partially. Professional accounting roles almost universally require a bachelor's degree, but there are alternative entry points.
What's Possible Without a Degree
The Practical Reality
Without a degree, accounting careers hit a ceiling quickly. Bookkeeping roles max out around $55,000-$65,000, and CPA licensure — which unlocks the highest-paying positions — requires 150 credit hours of education.
However, starting in bookkeeping while pursuing a degree part-time is a viable strategy. Many employers offer tuition assistance, and practical experience strengthens both education and future job applications.
Entry-level bookkeeping and clerk roles don't require a degree, but professional accounting advancement does. Starting work while pursuing education part-time is a practical approach for career changers.
Accountant Salary Expectations
Accounting offers clear salary progression from entry-level to executive roles.
Accountant Salary by Career Level
Typical salary ranges at each stage of the accounting career path
The CPA Premium
CPAs earn approximately 10-15% more than non-certified accountants at the same experience level. Over a 30-year career, this premium compounds to hundreds of thousands in additional earnings — plus access to roles that require licensure.
The Shortage Advantage
Accounting graduates hit a 20-year low in 2023-24, while demand remains strong. This talent shortage creates a seller's market — qualified candidates receive multiple offers, signing bonuses, and accelerated promotions.
The combination of CPA eligibility, Big 4 or mid-market internship experience, and a relevant specialization commands the highest starting offers. Even without all three, the talent shortage gives entry-level candidates unusual negotiating power in 2026. For a complete salary breakdown, see our Accountant Shortage Explainer.
Accountants earn a median of $81,680 with clear progression to $161,700+ for financial managers. The CPA premium, specialization, and talent shortage all push compensation higher. For a full salary breakdown by experience, certification, and specialization, see our Accountant Salary Guide.
Types of Accountants: Choosing Your Specialization
Not all accounting careers look the same. Each specialization has different day-to-day work, salary profiles, and lifestyle tradeoffs.
Forensic accounting combines accounting expertise with investigative skills — think fraud detection, litigation support, and financial crime investigation. It's one of the most automation-resistant specializations with strong salary potential. See our guide: How to Become a Forensic Accountant.
Accounting offers multiple specialization paths, each with different work environments, salaries, and credentials. Advisory-focused specializations (forensic, FP&A, tax planning) show the strongest demand and automation resistance.
Public vs Private Accounting
The first major career fork for accountants is public vs. private (industry) accounting. Each path offers distinct advantages.
Common strategy: Start in public accounting for 2-4 years to build skills, earn CPA with employer support, then transition to industry for better work-life balance and competitive mid-career salary.
Big 4 firms get the most attention, but mid-market firms (BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM) and regional firms offer similar experience with often better work-life balance. Explore all options: Big 4 Accounting Alternatives.
Public accounting offers faster development and stronger exit opportunities; private accounting provides better work-life balance. Starting in public then moving to industry is the most common — and often most lucrative — career strategy.
How to Land Your First Accounting Job
The talent shortage helps, but a strategic approach still matters. Here's what works for entry-level accounting candidates in 2026.
- Complete a bachelor's degree in accounting (or be in final year)
- Build Excel proficiency beyond basics (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis)
- Learn at least one accounting software platform (QuickBooks, SAP, or NetSuite)
- Complete at least one internship or relevant work experience
- Join Beta Alpha Psi or your school's accounting society
- Prepare a resume highlighting quantifiable achievements
- Start CPA exam preparation if pursuing licensure
- Network at campus recruiting events and industry conferences
Where to Look
- Campus recruiting: Big 4 and mid-market firms recruit heavily on campus (apply fall of junior year)
- Firm websites: Apply directly to firms' career pages
- LinkedIn: Follow accounting firms and use job alerts
- Robert Half / Accountemps: Staffing agencies specializing in accounting placements
- State CPA society job boards: Targeted local opportunities
Common Entry-Level Roles
Common Mistakes That Cost Entry-Level Candidates
- Waiting until senior year to start networking — Big 4 recruits juniors in fall
- Ignoring Excel skills — it's the most tested skill in accounting interviews
- Having a resume with zero quantified achievements — numbers matter in accounting
- Only applying to Big 4 — mid-market and regional firms offer strong careers too
- Not researching the firm before interviews — generic answers signal low interest
Even as an entry-level candidate, a professional online presence helps you stand out. Optimize your LinkedIn profile and start building visibility in accounting communities. See our guide: Personal Branding for Accountants.
Landing the first accounting job requires strategic timing (recruit early), relevant experience (internships), and practical skills (Excel, accounting software). The talent shortage provides tailwind, but preparation still differentiates candidates.
Key Takeaways
- 1A bachelor's degree in accounting (4 years) is the standard entry point — CPA licensure adds 1-2 years but significantly boosts earnings
- 2The BLS projects 5% job growth for accountants through 2034, with 124,200 annual openings
- 3Median salary is $81,680, with clear progression to $161,700+ for financial managers
- 4The talent shortage (accounting graduates at 20-year low) creates strong negotiating power for qualified candidates
- 5CPA certification provides a 10-15% salary premium and unlocks senior roles requiring licensure
- 6Start in public accounting for skill development, then transition to industry for work-life balance — this is the most common high-earning strategy
- 7Advisory and analytical specializations (forensic, FP&A, tax planning) are growing; routine bookkeeping is declining
Frequently Asked Questions
Is accounting a good career in 2026?
Yes. The BLS projects 5% growth through 2034 with 124,200 annual openings. A severe talent shortage gives qualified accountants strong negotiating power. The median salary is $81,680, with clear advancement to $161,700+ for financial managers. For a complete analysis, see our guide: Is Accounting a Good Career in 2026?
How long does it take to become a CPA?
After meeting education requirements (150 credit hours), most candidates take 12-18 months to pass all four exam sections while working full-time. Add 1-2 years of supervised experience for licensure. Total from starting college: 6-7 years.
Can I become an accountant at 30 or older?
Yes. Career changers enter accounting at all ages. A bachelor's degree is required for professional roles (4 years part-time is common). Life experience and prior career skills can be advantages in client-facing and advisory roles.
Is accounting hard?
Accounting coursework is more rigorous than many business majors, and the CPA exam has pass rates between 42-78% depending on the section. However, the work is logical and structured. People who are detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving generally find it manageable.
What is the difference between accounting and finance?
Accounting focuses on recording, reporting, and analyzing historical financial data. Finance focuses on managing money, investments, and future financial planning. Both offer strong careers — accounting provides more structured career paths; finance often involves more market-facing roles.
Do I need a master's degree to be an accountant?
A master's is not required to work as an accountant, but it's one way to meet the 150-hour CPA requirement. Alternatives include a 5-year integrated program or extra undergraduate credits. A master's can provide recruiting advantages for Big 4 firms.
What's the best accounting specialization?
It depends on your interests and goals. Tax advisory and forensic accounting show strong demand and automation resistance. FP&A offers high earning potential ($161,700 median for financial managers). All specializations benefit from the current talent shortage.
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Sources & References
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Accountants and Auditors — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Financial Managers — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025)
- Learn more about CPA Exam scoring and pass rates — AICPA & CIMA (2026)
- 2026 Finance and Accounting Salary Guide — Robert Half (2026)