How hard/Whats it like to become an accountant?

Question

Can anyone give me an insight, i was planning on becoming one

Answer 1

I'm planning on becoming one, I start my degree this year.  I think it will be hard but it is very financially rewarding.  Money isn't everything but it makes the world go round.  How old are you?  You should speak to a careers advisor about it.  Email me your msn if you want and i will add you to my MSN and keep you updated on what the course is like when i start it.  

x*x

[e-mail]

Answer 2

You are dealing with yesterday's news and someone else's money. It's really boring.

Answer 3

In the United States to become a CPA you will need a Masters Degree.  Once you have your degree you will have to work for a CPA or a government agency for a year or two.  Finally, you will have to pass the CPA exam which is one of, if not the, toughest of the professional exams.

While gaining experience expect to get stuck doing routine audit work.  It is boring and tedious, but necessary for you to understand.  Once you pass your CPA you will start moving into the more interesting aspects of the profession.  Analysis, planning, working with client management to minimize taxes, ways to improve the business operations of the clients and consulting.

Hope this helps

Jerry-the-bookkeeper

Answer 4

In the UK there are different types of accountant and different routes to reach them.

The usual route to becoming a Chartered Accountant is to have a degree (subject not important - my stepson was a psychology graduate) and apply to one of the big firms like Price Waterhouse for a position.  You study for your qualifications while you work for them.

There's also ACCA, which is Cost Accountancy and CIMA, which is Cost and Management Accountancy.  You can start on your route to either by doing a 2 year part time course for an Accounting Technician qualification and then move on to studying for the professional qualifications.  If you pass with distinction it gives you some exemption from the foundation stages of ACCA or CIMA.

If you have a related degree, there is some exemption from the foundation stages of ACCA and CIMA.

Chartered accountants often specialise in things like tax and other disciplines of accounting.  Certified or Cost and Management accountants work on more than just the numbers.  They become more involved in what's happening within a business.  (I studied for CIMA many years ago and found it a good all round approach to business.)

In terms of how hard it is, you need to pass your exams and you need to work for a company that's big enough to have an accountancy department where you're using your learning.  Once you're qualified, you can decide where to go - set up your own practice, work as a consultant, there are lots of options.

Good luck!