You won’t be able to become a professional accountant without at least a four-year degree. To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you’ll need additional college credits (at least 150 total, including a Bachelor’s degree), and you’ll have to pass the CPA exam. However, there are some good options for people who want to work with money or numbers without having to spend that much time in school. To illustrate more specifically, say you’re an accountant in the HR department of an advertising agency. Your day-to-day duties would include recording employee time worked, calculating payroll taxes, and preparing paychecks based on that information. You may also work with the collections department to ensure that the agency is paid for the work it does for clients.
Tax Preparer
Alternatively, as an auditor, especially internal auditing, you can provide value through ensuring compliance and enhancing operational efficiency. The Institute of Internal Auditors offers a Certified Internal Auditor program that could be a path for professional growth. To refine your business and analytical skills, consider online resources like Khan Academy for math proficiency, or browse through Harvard Business Review for insights into business strategies.
Accounting Certifications Without a College Degree
Tax preparation companies like H&R Block usually provide training for people interested in working with them during tax season. This is around $35,000 per year, though keep in mind that many tax preparer jobs are seasonal. If your goal is to be a professional accountant, as a CPA or CMA, you can still work in an accounting office before you’re finished. For instance, you may be able to work in collections, tax preparation, or bookkeeping at an accounting firm while you work toward a college degree in accounting or study for your exams. Whether you aim to work in a public accounting firm, the finance department of a corporation, or as a management accountant in a manufacturing company, the CPA license is a strong credential. The salary and benefits are often substantially higher for CPAs than for those without the certification.
Leveraging Technology in Accounting
While it may be tempting to move to another state to get things done faster if you see fewer requirements, you may want to get licensed in the state you plan to work in. Your employer (or client) may https://www.kelleysbookkeeping.com/who-issues-a-bill-of-lading-here-are-the-responsible-parties/ require you to obtain the license in the same place where you conduct business. Most states require 150 hours of relevant coursework, while a few will let you slide with only 120 credit hours.
Accounting Jobs You Can Do Without a Degree (That Still Pay Well)
Either way, the work is definitely accounting-focused and does not generally require a degree. This deadline-driven job requires strong data entry and time management skills. The average what is cost principle definition and examples pay for payroll processors is around $18.75 per hour, which works out to about $39,000 annually. Accounts payable and/or receivable clerks are not generally required to have a degree.
- When you want to work in accounting without a college degree, you have numerous options.
- Dive into practical tips and empowering insights to leverage your talents and shape a successful, degree-independent future.
- Becoming a CPA opens up opportunities for higher income and career potential.
- Tellers usually work in banks and are responsible for various money-related transactions.
Hopefully, working under a CPA will prepare you for this challenging test that less than 60% of candidates pass. Graduate-level degrees in accounting are more comprehensive than undergraduate degrees and are designed to prepare students to work in a managerial or leadership https://www.kelleysbookkeeping.com/ capacity. For example, Northeastern’s Master of Science in Accounting offers two specializations, in auditing and taxes. A bachelor’s degree is typically seen as the lowest level of education that you will need to sit for the CPA exam and become a fully-licensed accountant.
Your next step could be securing an entry-level role that does not require a degree. Positions such as accounting clerk, accounting assistant, bookkeeper, and auditing clerk can be excellent starting points. They usually require you to assist with basic bookkeeping, manage payroll, or support the accounting team with data entry and report preparation. Websites like Glassdoor can provide job listings and company reviews to help you find the right fit.
These elements will provide you with a combination of finance knowledge, accountancy skills, and practical experience for your career. A CIPFA qualification gives you the hands-on, strategic skills required to become a public finance professional and gain the globally recognised designation of CPFA (Chartered Public Finance Accountant). Some companies may prefer a two-year degree, but many hire bookkeepers solely based on skills. You’ll need experience in QuickBooks or another accounting application to work as a bookkeeper. It will also help if you have some administrative experience, spreadsheet skills, and a background in payables, receivables, or recordkeeping. The average pay for bookkeepers is around $18.50 per hour, which is around $38,500 per year.
The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers offers a certification program that could be valuable. Additionally, various software-specific certifications, such as QuickBooks, are widely recognized in the industry. Internships offer a vital pathway to accumulating real-world accounting experience. Begin by searching for internship opportunities on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed.