Should I Consider Becoming an Accountant?

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While going over a college application you might come across the accounting program and ask yourself; should I become an accountant? You can never get enough math, and perhaps you enjoy working with percentages, equations, ratios and the likes. More to the point, maybe you like math, but are not so good at advanced math equations. It could be a giant puzzle of numbers to you and you could just sit in your own little corner and research and analyze all day. If this sounds interesting to you, consider becoming an accountant. This career can open doors that you perhaps never thought of before.

In order to look at the field of accounting, you do have to be able to translate numerical data from start to finish. Researching the different levels and different groups of accountants may help you decide on which path will be the best fit for you.

According to the National Association of State Board of Accountancy (NASBA), the field of accounting continues to grow and will continue to grow due to demand and the simple fact that the government will always want their cut on tax money.

Pro and Cons of Becoming an Accountant

Some accountants out there might tell you that the hours are extremely long and stressful. There are those who will say that you can work almost anywhere. Some might say that you have to keep taking classes to keep your licenses up to date. Others might say the field is resistant to recessions. Some might say staying up with the deadlines with client loads is difficult.

However, others are more positive and state that it’s exciting work, always in-demand, and of course, attractive six figure income. This is a field that will never “go away”. Accountants are in high demand because of the careful regulations businesses submit to. They must keep up to date for current regulations and compliance laws, ensuring their long-term growth.

The CPA Designation

The most common type of accountant is the Certified Public Accountant who does a little of everything. Many workers, who like the variety of the accounting profession, will choose the path of the CPA. There are also those who concentrate only on the auditing aspects of accounting and those who are consultants. There are some who concentrate on financial advice and future forecasts, to grow a better business. There are tax accountants who concentrate on doing the taxes of individuals and businesses. Then, there is the forensic accountant who usually works for the government and IRS. These people will oversee and investigate any criminal activities such as fraud, tax evasion, and embezzlement.

A CPA requires at least an associate’s degree. A bachelor’s degree would open the door for intermediate skills, which will allow for flexibility. For the more advanced accounting skills, using certain management tools would require a master’s degree to become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Do your research on schools of your choice. Knowledge is power. Yes, it is a worthwhile profession in the end, one that almost guarantees big money if you adhere to the guidelines and remain persistent.