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How can you be an accountant?
I am a student at Walter Sisulu University and I am holding a National Higher Certificate in Accountancy and National Diploma in Accounting. My majors are Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Business Information Systems and Taxation.
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4 answers
Rachel Richardson
Career Consultant and Instructional Aide at Arizona State University
4
Answers
Dover, Delaware
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Asive,
Great credentials you have here.
I will say that most recruiters are looking for BS/BA degree in accounting or finance with at minimum 2-3 years experience.
Additionally, I would look into entry level positions as a financial assistant/data entry clerk in the real estate or finance industry.
Additionally, hone in software skills such as Microsoft excel, quick books, intuit, etc.
Hope this helps!
Feel free to reach out
- Rachel
Great credentials you have here.
I will say that most recruiters are looking for BS/BA degree in accounting or finance with at minimum 2-3 years experience.
Additionally, I would look into entry level positions as a financial assistant/data entry clerk in the real estate or finance industry.
Additionally, hone in software skills such as Microsoft excel, quick books, intuit, etc.
Hope this helps!
Feel free to reach out
- Rachel
Thank you, Rachel!
Asive
Updated
Ashraf’s Answer
Hi Asive, looks like you're already on the right track with your education. I would recommend looking at entry level positions with large global public accounting firms such as PwC, Deloitte, etc. Often they will be present at career fairs at your university. Public accounting may not be what you want to do long term but it is a great place to learn and be exposed to different industries that will help you figure out where in accounting you want to build your career. Accounting field has a lot of variety so no decision you're making now is permanent.
Thank you, Ashraf!
Asive
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Asive,
There are different types of accountants who do different things, so it depends what your goal is. In South Africa, if you want to become a Chartered Accountant, you should definitely take a look at the SAICA website which gives you information about taking that path. SAICA offers three professional accounting and business designations from a foundational to a strategic level of accounting and business competence – Accounting Technician [AT(SA)], Associate General Accountant [AGA(SA)] and Chartered Accountant [CA(SA)].
Lisa
There are different types of accountants who do different things, so it depends what your goal is. In South Africa, if you want to become a Chartered Accountant, you should definitely take a look at the SAICA website which gives you information about taking that path. SAICA offers three professional accounting and business designations from a foundational to a strategic level of accounting and business competence – Accounting Technician [AT(SA)], Associate General Accountant [AGA(SA)] and Chartered Accountant [CA(SA)].
Lisa
Updated
Luisa’s Answer
Hi Asive,
I think you are in the right path. Based on your description, I do not know if you have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance or certificates. There is a difference. If you do have a bachelor's degree, then all you gotta do is apply to accounting jobs that you're interesting in (last step of your journal). Like Ashraf said, you can apply to one of the big 4 accounting firm or to a smaller firm. It will depend on the environment that you feel comfortable working in. to apply to accounting jobs, try using job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, see if your school provides you with a career profile where employees can see your profile and invite you to apply, or simply go to the website of the company you're interested in and apply directly. Starting you career as an accountant is your second and most important journey after you are done with school!
I wish you the best of luck!
I think you are in the right path. Based on your description, I do not know if you have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance or certificates. There is a difference. If you do have a bachelor's degree, then all you gotta do is apply to accounting jobs that you're interesting in (last step of your journal). Like Ashraf said, you can apply to one of the big 4 accounting firm or to a smaller firm. It will depend on the environment that you feel comfortable working in. to apply to accounting jobs, try using job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, see if your school provides you with a career profile where employees can see your profile and invite you to apply, or simply go to the website of the company you're interested in and apply directly. Starting you career as an accountant is your second and most important journey after you are done with school!
I wish you the best of luck!