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How to become an accountant: education, certification, and career paths

By QuickBooks
Published on July 3, 2025

Are you thinking about a career in accounting but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to become an accountant step by step, including what education you need, which certifications can boost your career, and how to gain real-world experience. We’ll even cover what the future holds for accountants.

Jump to:

What is an accountant & what do they do?

An accountant is a professional who manages, analyzes, and reports financial data for individuals, businesses, or organizations. They ensure financial records are accurate, tax obligations are met, and businesses stay compliant with financial regulations. Depending on the type of accountant, they might handle anything from filing taxes and auditing books to offering big-picture advice on how a business can grow.

One of the biggest myths about accounting is that you need to be great at math to succeed. The truth? You don’t need advanced math skills to thrive. Most accounting relies on arithmetic, basic algebra, and strong analytical thinking rather than complex equations. Modern accounting software like QuickBooks does the heavy lifting for calculations, so accountants can focus more on interpreting data and offering insights.

Skills to become an accountant 

So, if advanced math skills aren’t a must, what does it take to succeed? You need a strong mix of technical knowledge and soft skills. This includes analytical thinking, attention to detail, organization, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly, plus a solid grasp of accounting tools and ethical responsibility. Take a look at the chart below to see what skills you need to become an accountant.

How long does it take to become an accountant?

If you're thinking about a future in accounting, it helps to know what kind of time commitment is involved. While a bachelor's degree is typically the foundation, adding certifications or advanced degrees can extend your timeline, but also open up more doors professionally.

This chart outlines the typical steps and timeframes involved:

There are other routes, as well. If you’re interested in bookkeeping or becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA), you might not need a four-year degree at all, and those paths can take less time.

Certified accountant timeline

If you’re aiming for certification, especially a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, here’s an overview of the timeline:

  1. Bachelor’s degree (120-150 credit hours): Around 4 years.
  2. CPA exam preparation: 6-12 months of study (depending on the schedule).
  3. Pass the CPA exam: The exam consists of four sections, which can be completed within an 18-month window.
  4. Work experience: Most states require 1-2 years of supervised work experience before licensure.
  5. Licensure: You can apply for CPA licensure once you meet the education, exam, and experience requirements

Total estimated timeline: 5-7 years to become a fully licensed CPA.

If you want to specialize beyond the CPA, consider becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant work experience. Once you meet those requirements, you can prep for and complete the CMA exam in about a year.

Another great option is the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), which focuses on internal auditing and compliance. To earn the CIA, you’ll also need a bachelor’s degree and some professional experience, though the exact requirements can vary.

How to become an accountant in 2025

If you're considering a career in accounting in 2025, you might wonder where to even start. Below, we walk through each stage of the process so you can build a strong foundation for a stable, rewarding career.

Step 1: Education

When it comes to becoming an accountant, there’s not one singular path to get there. Some people take the traditional route, earning a degree in accounting right out of high school, while others might start with hands-on experience in bookkeeping and work their way up. No matter which direction you choose, education lays the groundwork for understanding the financial principles and tools you’ll use every day.

Obtaining a degree

Wondering what degree you need to be an accountant? Most accountants start with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, like finance or business. This gives you the foundation you need to understand the ins and outs of key areas like taxes, financial reporting, and auditing.

If your sights are set on becoming a CPA, you’ll need to take things a step further. Most states require you to complete 150 credit hours of coursework to qualify for the CPA exam. That’s usually a bachelor’s degree plus some extra classes (sometimes through a master’s program). The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) explains that these credit hours are designed to give CPAs the in-depth knowledge required to handle complex financial scenarios.

Even if you’re not planning to become a CPA, a degree can still open a lot of doors. Many employers prefer hiring accountants with formal education because it shows you’ve got a solid grasp of key financial principles.

Can you become an accountant without a degree?

Yes, you can start an accounting career without a four-year degree, but your opportunities may differ depending on the path you choose.

For example, you can begin as a bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or accounts payable/receivable specialist without a degree. These roles give you real-world experience managing day-to-day financial tasks like recording transactions, reconciling bank statements, and preparing invoices. Many professionals use these positions as stepping stones into more advanced accounting roles.

Step 2: Gaining experience 

While education gives you the foundation, real-world experience is where you truly learn how to apply accounting principles in day-to-day situations. Whether you’re working with a small business or a large corporation, hands-on experience helps you understand how financial concepts play out beyond the classroom, like balancing budgets, managing payroll, and preparing tax documents.

Additionally, many certifications—including the CPA and CMA—require you to complete a certain number of supervised work hours before you can earn your license.

Here are some types of relevant experiences to help you get started:

Internships

Internships are one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. They give you a chance to work alongside experienced accountants, learn the ropes, and see firsthand how accounting operates in the real world. Many internships even lead to full-time job offers down the line. Even if they don’t, you’ll walk away with valuable experience and some great references for your resume.

Entry-level positions

Starting in an entry-level role, like a junior accountant, bookkeeper, or accounting assistant, is another great way to learn on the job. These positions expose you to daily financial tasks such as processing invoices, managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, and assisting with tax prep. You’ll get to apply what you’ve learned in school while working closely with seasoned professionals who can guide you along the way.

Freelance work 

If you’re looking for flexibility or want to build your portfolio, consider offering freelance bookkeeping or accounting services. Many small businesses and nonprofits need help with tasks like tracking expenses, reconciling bank statements, or preparing financial reports. Freelancing lets you gain real experience on your own terms—and gives you a chance to show potential clients or employers what you can do.

Training and certification courses

Another excellent way to build hands-on skills is through training and certification programs, especially those focused on accounting software like QuickBooks. QuickBooks is one of the most widely used tools in the industry, so completing a QuickBooks certification through the QuickBooks ProAdvisor program shows employers or clients that you know how to handle the tools they rely on every day.

Step 3: Completing your certifications

Once you’ve gained some education and hands-on experience, certifications can take your accounting career to the next level. For one, they validate your expertise and show that you meet industry standards. In a competitive job market, they can make you stand out, whether you’re applying for a corporate role, starting your own accounting practice, or offering freelance services.

Plus, many employers are willing to pay more for certified professionals. For instance, the most recent data from IMA’s Global Salary Survey found a 24% higher median total compensation compared to non-CMAs in the Americas, with the median total compensation for CMAs reaching $163,932 versus their non-certified peers.

Whether or not you need a degree depends on the certification you’re pursuing. Let’s break it down:

Certifications that typically don’t require a degree

Step 4: Entering the workforce

You've built a solid foundation through education, gained hands-on experience, and earned your certifications. Now, it's time to launch your accounting career. Let’s break down what you can expect when stepping into the accounting world.

Typical salaries for accountants

How much do accountants make? According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $81,680. 

However, salaries can widely vary by state. For example, BLS reports that Washington D.C., New York, and New Jersey all have median salaries of $110,000+, while smaller states like Idaho, Arkansas, and North Dakota have median salaries around $70,000.

Specializations also matter. For instance, CPAs tend to earn more—about $101,000 a year on average according to Payscale. And if you climb into leadership roles like controller or CFO, your earning potential grows even more.

How to find jobs as an accountant

With the right strategies, you can find opportunities that align with your skills and goals. Here are some tips:

  • Leverage online job boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and specialized accounting job boards list numerous openings.
  • Network: Attend industry events, join accounting associations, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your network.
  • Tailor your resume: Make sure your resume highlights your experience, certifications, and accounting software skills.
  • Consider staffing agencies: Staffing agencies like Robert Half specialize in placing accounting professionals and can help connect you with companies that are hiring.
  • Stay updated: Continuing education and certifications can make you more marketable.

Becoming an accountant by state

Depending on where you live, the process to become a licensed accountant, especially a CPA, can vary. Most states follow the standard 150 credit hours of education, passing the CPA exam, and meeting work experience requirements. But some states have their own unique rules.

For example, Ohio recently updated its CPA requirements (effective January 1, 2026) to offer more flexibility. In Ohio, you’ll soon be able to qualify for the CPA license with either:

  • A bachelor’s degree (120 credit hours), two years of relevant work experience, and passing the CPA exam, or
  • A master’s degree, one year of experience, and passing the CPA exam.

Before you jump in, it’s a good idea to check with your state’s Board of Accountancy so you know exactly what’s required in your area.

You can start at any age

One of the best things about accounting? It’s never too late to start.

Plenty of people switch into accounting later in life, whether they’re looking for a career change or returning to the workforce after a break. And the skills you’ve picked up from other industries—like problem-solving, communication, or project management—can actually give you an edge.

For example, in a story from the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA), a former police officer transitioned into accounting after retiring from law enforcement, bringing with him a sharp eye for detail and investigation. Another story from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) reports that a woman completed her ACCA qualification at 50 and found fulfilling work in auditing.

There are flexible learning options out there (e.g., online courses, part-time programs, and certifications) that make it easier to get started no matter where you are in life. And once you’ve got your foot in the door, your previous experience can help you stand out.

The future of accounting

Accounting has always been a solid career choice, but like every industry, it’s evolving. Over the next 5-10 years, there’s plenty of opportunity for growth, new skills, and exciting ways to stay ahead of the curve.

Is accounting a good career?

Yes, accounting is a good career. It offers stability, solid pay, and a clear path for growth. According to the BLS, jobs for accountants and auditors are expected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for most jobs. That means about 130,800 new openings every year, thanks to new businesses starting, global markets expanding, and tax laws getting more complex.

And as mentioned earlier, the median salary for accountants is around $81,680 a year, with potential for higher pay depending on where you live and the type of work you do.

How hard is it to become an accountant?

Becoming an accountant requires dedication, but it's an achievable goal with the right planning. Most accountants start with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or something similar. If you’re wondering how to become a CPA, there are a few extra steps :

  • Education: Most states ask for 150 credit hours of coursework to qualify for the CPA exam.
  • Exam: The CPA exam is known for being tough, with average pass rates hovering around 54% per section. 
  • Experience: Most states require 1 to 2 years of supervised work experience under a licensed CPA before you can get fully certified.

Overall, becoming an accountant is a commitment, but it’s one that pays off with long-term career opportunities and financial stability.

How AI is reshaping the accounting field

Here’s the big question many people are asking: Is artificial intelligence (AI) going to take over accounting? No, AI isn’t replacing accountants. It’s here to make their jobs better.

In fact, AI is quickly becoming a standard part of the accounting toolkit. According to the 2024 Intuit QuickBooks Accountant Technology Survey, 98% of accountants and bookkeepers have already used AI to help their clients or their own businesses. And the growth isn’t slowing down anytime soon. According to our Firm of the Future blog, AI in the accounting market is expected to grow from $6.68 billion in 2025 to $37.6 billion by 2030.

How does AI help accountants? Here are a few ways:

  • Automating the busywork: Think about tasks like data entry, categorizing expenses, managing invoices, or running payroll. AI tools like Intuit Assist handle these automatically, cutting down on manual effort and reducing errors.
  • Analyzing data at lightning speed: Instead of sifting through spreadsheets for hours, AI helps crunch numbers and identify trends quickly, giving accountants the chance to provide real-time insights to their clients.
  • Spotting risks and fraud: AI algorithms are better at flagging odd transactions or potential fraud than traditional methods, helping businesses stay protected.
  • Focusing on strategy: With the routine tasks handled, accountants can spend more time on big-picture work, like advising clients on growth strategies or financial planning.

So, if you’re thinking about the future, learning how to work with AI, not against it, is key. Picking up skills in data analytics, learning new software (like QuickBooks), and staying curious about tech trends will help you stay ahead in the accounting world.

Your journey to a rewarding accounting career starts now

Whether you’re just beginning your path or making a mid-career pivot, the world of accounting has opportunities waiting for you. Plus, QuickBooks training and certification programs are here to help you build the skills you need to stand out and succeed.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our training resources and start unlocking your accounting potential today.


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