Written by

Tara Farmer

February 2, 2026

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

How to become an accountant

Thinking about a career in accounting? It's a field known for stability, strong earning potential, and opportunities across almost every industry. Whether you're planning ahead in high school or considering a mid-career shift, the path to becoming an accountant is structured, clear, and reachable.

This guide walks you through exactly how to become an accountant, from choosing the right education to passing the CPA exam and launching your career.

What do accountants do?

Accountants do much more than crunch numbers. Their work helps organizations make informed financial decisions, comply with laws, and plan for the future.

Your daily responsibilities as an accountant might include:

• Preparing financial statements

• Analyzing data to identify cost-saving opportunities

• Managing audits

• Advising clients on tax strategies

• Ensuring organizations meet regulatory requirements

Accountants work across diverse settings, from public accounting firms and corporate finance departments to government agencies and nonprofits. Some even launch their own practices, offering services directly to individuals and small businesses.

What skills do you need to be an accountant?

Beyond the numbers, strong accountants excel in:

• Attention to detail: You must be meticulous and accurate.

• Analytical thinking: You need to be able to see the "story" behind the numbers.

• Strong ethics: You are a guardian of financial integrity.

• Communication: You must be able to explain complex financial information clearly to non-accountants.

• Tech-savviness: Modern accounting relies heavily on software, Excel, and data analysis.

These skills matter much more than advanced math!

Steps to become an accountant

While the journey can vary slightly, the vast majority of professional accountants follow these core steps:

Step 1: Get your bachelor's degree

This is the non-negotiable foundation for your career. To become an accountant, you need a bachelor's degree. Two common routes are:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with an accounting concentration

During your undergraduate studies, you'll build a strong foundation in financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law. You'll also develop critical skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and financial reporting that employers value.

Step 2: Gain practical experience

Hands-on experience is essential. Internships provide exposure to real accounting work, help you build a professional network, and often lead to full-time offers after graduation.

Most students pursue internships with:

• Public accounting firms

• Corporate finance departments

• Government agencies

• Nonprofits

This experience not only builds a strong resume but also helps you network with professionals. Many firms hire their full-time, entry-level staff directly from their intern pool, making this a crucial step for launching your career.

Step 3: Explore accounting career paths

"Accountant" covers a wide range of specialties. Different paths require different skills and lead to different work environments. As you gain experience, you'll naturally gravitate toward the work that best fits your strengths.

Step 4: Meet the requirements for CPA certification

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is the most recognized credential in the field. While you don't need it for every accounting job, you do need it to perform public accounting services such as signing audit reports. Requirements vary by state, so always check your state board's guidelines.

Most states require:

• 150 college credit hours

• A bachelor's degree with specific accounting coursework

Because a bachelor's degree typically provides 120 credits, many candidates complete the additional 30 hours through a master's degree program (like a Master of Accountancy) or by taking additional undergraduate courses.

Step 5: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination

Once you meet your state's education requirements (or, in some states, are close to meeting them), you're eligible to sit for the CPA exam. This is a notoriously difficult, four-part exam that tests your expertise in:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

• Regulation (REG)

This exam requires months of dedicated study, but passing it is a massive career achievement.

Step 6: Earn your license and launch your career

You're not quite done! After passing the exam, you must also meet your state's work experience requirements. This typically involves working for 1 to 2 years under the supervision of a licensed CPA.

Once you have the three E's—Education, Exam, and Experience—you can apply for your state license and officially call yourself a CPA. The CPA credential opens doors to advanced roles, higher salary potential, and broader career options.

Step 7: Maintain your credentials

Accounting standards and regulations change frequently. To stay current, licensed CPAs must complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses. Every state board and certifying body has its own rules, but the process is similar.

CPAs typically need to complete a set number of CPE hours over a renewal period, with mandatory ethics or technical coursework. Other certifications carry their own renewal requirements. For example:

• A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) must complete 30 hours of CPE annually.

• A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) needs 40 hours annually.

Continuing education ensures you remain accurate, ethical, and informed throughout your career.

Do I have to become a CPA to be an accountant?

No, you don't have to be a CPA to be an accountant! You can have a successful, long-term career as an accountant with just a bachelor's degree. Many professionals work in corporate accounting, government, or non-profit sectors and never get the CPA license.

However, the CPA is essential if you want to work in public accounting, rise to a partner level, or sign official audit reports.

Other respected certifications include:

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Ideal for corporate and cost accounting

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): Best for internal audit and risk roles

FAQs about becoming an accountant

How much do accountants make?

Accountant salaries are competitive and vary widely based on location, experience, and certifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors is $81,680. Entry-level accountants can expect to start in the $50,000 to $70,000 range.

The biggest factor in salary growth is the CPA license. CPAs often earn 10% to 15% more than their non-certified peers, and that pay gap often widens significantly with experience, opening the door to senior roles and six-figure incomes.

How long does it take to become an accountant?

Becoming an accountant takes 4 to 6 years. You'll spend four years earning your bachelor's degree, which qualifies you for entry-level positions.

If you pursue CPA certification, add another one to two years for graduate education (to meet the 150-credit requirement) and exam preparation. Some accountants complete accelerated programs that compress this timeline.

How hard is it to become an accountant?

Becoming an accountant requires dedication, but it is achievable for anyone willing to put in the work. The coursework involves math, analytical thinking, and attention to detail, but you don't need advanced mathematics skills, as most calculations use software.

The CPA exam is challenging; pass rates fluctuate from around 40% to 60% depending on the section. However, with proper preparation (300 to 400 study hours), most candidates succeed.

How much does it cost to become an accountant?

The cost to become an accountant varies significantly based on your chosen path. Typical estimates include:

• Public university (in-state): $6,000 to $10,000 per year

• Private university: $30,000 to $50,000+ per year

• Master's degree: $20,000 to $40,000

• CPA exam fees (including application fees): $1,210 to $2,200

• CPA review courses: $1,300 to $5,000

Your costs may be lower or higher depending on state residency, financial aid, and program structure.

Can you become an accountant without a degree?

It is very difficult to become a professional accountant without a degree. A bachelor's degree is the standard entry-level requirement for almost all accounting positions.

However, you can get into the accounting field without a degree. Roles like bookkeeper or accounting clerk are often accessible with an associate's degree or a certification (like a QuickBooks ProAdvisor). These roles can be a great starting point to gain experience while you work toward a degree.

What's the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?

Bookkeepers handle day-to-day financial record-keeping, including recording transactions, managing invoices, and processing payroll. Accountants analyze the data bookkeepers collect, prepare complex financial reports, provide tax advice, and offer strategic financial guidance.

As we noted earlier, accountants typically need bachelor's degrees, while bookkeepers often require only high school diplomas or certificates.