7 answers
7 answers
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Doc’s Answer
Makiya Bachelor's Degree is generally the minimum degree you need to be an accountant, especially an entry-level position in the field. Bachelor's degree programs in accounting are available by that title specifically, or accounting specialization options may be present in broader programs like business administration. Accountants can work in the public and private sectors providing consulting, auditing, and analyzing services. Job duties include the review and maintenance of financial records for businesses, the preparation and submission of tax documents for individuals and companies, the assessment of financial operations, and the recommendations for fiscal efficiency to responsible parties, as well as day-to-day management of funds. Longer hours are usually required during tax season.
PROFESSIONAL TAX PREPARER
There are no strict educational requirements to become a tax preparer, though one must typically hold a high school diploma. Some employers may provide on-the-job training. Others may prefer individuals with some postsecondary training. Community colleges and universities offer certificate courses that can qualify individuals for entry-level jobs. Tax preparers calculate, file and sign income tax returns on behalf of individuals and businesses. They can also represent taxpayers during IRS examinations of tax returns. Registration with the IRS and continuing education are also often required. Professional certification is also an option for experienced tax preparers. Whether you choose to learn as you work or complete a certificate first, you should be prepared to meet the IRS registration requirements. As you progress in your career, you can earn professional certification, which may help you access more advanced jobs and promotions.
Hope this was helpful Makiya
Professional organizations such as the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) and the National Association of Tax Professionals also offer training programs. Certificate coursework typically covers topics such as filing status, exemptions, taxpayer interviews, refund calculation and tax schedules. Institutions may offer different programs based on types of returns. Some basic courses provide training for individual taxpayers. More advanced courses may cover subjects like corporate taxes, payroll taxes, estate taxes, capital gains and retirement plans.
PROFESSIONAL TAX PREPARER
There are no strict educational requirements to become a tax preparer, though one must typically hold a high school diploma. Some employers may provide on-the-job training. Others may prefer individuals with some postsecondary training. Community colleges and universities offer certificate courses that can qualify individuals for entry-level jobs. Tax preparers calculate, file and sign income tax returns on behalf of individuals and businesses. They can also represent taxpayers during IRS examinations of tax returns. Registration with the IRS and continuing education are also often required. Professional certification is also an option for experienced tax preparers. Whether you choose to learn as you work or complete a certificate first, you should be prepared to meet the IRS registration requirements. As you progress in your career, you can earn professional certification, which may help you access more advanced jobs and promotions.
Hope this was helpful Makiya
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Thank You Jim. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Astyr’s Answer
You're in luck! Accounting is one of the most well-paved paths for undergraduate students. Unlike many other career paths, all of the big 4 (EY, Deloitte, PWC, and KPMG) and most if not all mid-tier firms offer programs tailored specifically for 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year undergraduates. I would recommend you take the following steps:
What you study doesn't make or break your chances of pursuing a career you're interested in. With that being said, I highly recommend you study Business, Accounting, Finance, or something similar in college.
Apply to these programs! For example, EY offers the Global Perspectives Conference for first-year undergraduates. There are many other conferences offered by other firms for underrepresented students, women conferences, rotation programs, and more! This almost guarantees you an opportunity to attend the second year SLP (summer leadership program). If you continue to impress the recruiter and maintain your grades, you're almost guaranteed an internship your third year. Finally, if you do well, you're almost guaranteed a full-time job offer.
Join your school's accounting club (if available). My school's accounting club brought dozens of employers to our campus to recruit students! You get 1:1 interaction with employees, recruiters, and partners of the firms. These clubs allow give you the chance to be mentored by another student, professional, or even be eligible to get scholarships from these firms.
Be CPA certified! This will make you a more attractive candidate to firms. There are 4 exams you must take to be fully certified. This also requires you to take additional units at school to be eligible to even take the exam.
Astyr recommends the following next steps:
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Hilda’s Answer
For a job as an accountant it would be helpful to have a major in accounting , have taken accounting courses or have had some accounting experience.
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Harry’s Answer
Hi Makiya. A great question but you need to go into more depth. There are many types of accounting jobs and you probably don't know what type you would like. You first need to research what is out there and what you want to do. People have commented that you need to be a CPA, but that may not be the case. The first question to ask is "Do you want to go into public accounting (where you would eventually need a CPA certificate, or would you want to go into private accounting." IE: manufacturing, real estate, own your own booking company, etc. Once you determine what you might like to do, you then would formulate your path. I have spent all my career in private, starting with a manufacturing company in Chicago (ITW). From there I moved to other companies. I never needed a CPA degree and I did quite well, spending my last 15 years working in Nogales, Mexico (just across from Southern Arizona). It has been a rewarding career.
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Simeon’s Answer
With accounting, you'll usually need to get a degree as well as your CPA to be hired as an accountant.
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Christina’s Answer
Hi Makiya! There are many options for someone who loves math. I have friends that pursued careers as an actuaries, engineers, finance professionals, and accountants. I personally chose to pursue the accounting path and became a CPA at PwC, a public accounting firm. I am an auditor and I use math in complex and difficult business scenarios. For example, we use a lot of math to value investments companies hold, we evaluate any mathematical assumptions companies have made during the year, etc. We use technology and math to make our work more efficient. A big part of my day is working with my teams and teaching new associates. I am constantly learning new things from my teams and teaching other team members everyday.