# data[].attributes.body
Although the day-to-day tasks for accountants may vary, they typically consist of analytical skills, detail-oriented work, communicating with other accountants and teams, performing financial work, and using announcing technology to budget, manage payroll, etc.
https://online.champlain.edu/blog/day-in-the-life-of-an-accountant

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you’re considering pursuing a career as an accountant, you’re probably wondering what the typical day of an accountant looks like.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/business-economics-jobs
There are some other careers other than accounting that align with a bachelor's degree in business economics.

# data[].attributes.body
Once you become an accountant, you can advance to specific positions (listed on website).
https://www.efficientlearning.com/accounting-career-guide/#:~:text=Career%20Advancement%3A%20Management%20accountants%20may,financial%20officers%2C%20or%20corporate%20presidents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ERROR: The request could not be satisfied

# data[].attributes.body
Accountants help to make sure that businesses manage their money properly to ensure they can manage their debt.
https://www.mchenry.com.au/14-things-an-accountant-can-do-for-you/
"There’s more to tax than completing and submitting your returns. A great accountant will:

lower your tax exposure

help you deal with old tax debts

fix poor record-keeping

help you avoid audits

make sure your books are watertight if you’re audited"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Accountants do tax and compliance work - we all know that. But the best ones do so much more. They're excellent troubleshooters and strategic advisors for small business. Learn what they can do for you.

14 things you didn't know an accountant could do

Accountants do more than you think. They can give you strategic advice and come up with clever ways to save money or boost revenue. They'll also remove or automate administrative tasks that distract you from your core business. Get an accountant and you'll run your business with more clarity and confidence.

So what does an accountant do? The question is what don't they do.

1. Launch a startup

Starting a new business can be exhilarating, but it takes more than a good idea. You need to know it will make money - and you need to convince investors and lenders of the same thing. An accountant can do that for you.

They'll help test your idea, identify your startup and operating costs, and create credible revenue forecasts. They also know which lenders are playing ball at any one time, so you can approach the right people for finance. Plus they'll work on your pitch, so you're ready to impress those lenders.

2. Help with business strategy

There are so many moving parts in a business. Sometimes it's hard to know where to focus. Accountants can help you figure out what's important.

They'll work with you to set goals - personal, professional and financial - then give you tools to measure your progress. You'll end up with a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that tell you how your business is doing.

If you have accounting software, your accountant will set up dashboards that allow you to check your KPIs at any time of the day or night. And if things aren't going as planned, what does an accountant do then? They'll help you troubleshoot the issues, test solutions, and reset your KPIs as needed.

3. Fix your cash flow

Many profitable businesses fail because they run out of money at the wrong time and can't afford to pay suppliers or staff. Even a highly active business won't last long if payments are slow to come in, or expenditure is too high.

Accountants know that revenue ebbs and flows, and that costs do the same. They'll help you predict the effect on cash flow and come up with strategies to manage the situation. They'll organise cash reserves and come up with a spending plan that ensure there's always money in the bank. It'll make payday less stressful, supplier relations easier - and sleep deeper.

4. Listen and support you

Being in business is tough. It can be lonely, too. When things seem too hard, and you start thinking about the cozy 9 to 5 you left behind, a top accountant can keep your head in the game.

They know how much your business means to you. They can reassure and reset you on your journey. And they'll help you cope with stress by breaking down big business problems into manageable parts. Giving moral support is an important part of what accountants do.

5. Manage your debt

There's good debt and bad debt. Your accountant can help you tell one from the other. They'll find the least expensive borrowing strategies for your business - with the right mix of repayment flexibility and low interest. If you need refinancing, they'll take care of that too.

Accountants will also advise when spare cash should be used to pay back loans, and when it should be reinvested in the business. They'll do that by considering the numbers behind your business and looking at how your debt's structured to develop a specific strategy for you. It's not just blanket advice.

6. Deal with unpaid invoices

Unpaid invoices are a fact of business. Chasing those debtors is a distraction you don't need, but you can't afford to ignore the problem. Your accountant can take the headache away.

They can set up invoice systems that send automatic reminders to customers when their bill is due and/or overdue. Some accountants will even call businesses that don't respond to emails.

If invoices remain unpaid after this, your accountant can arrange debt financing - where a business will buy your unpaid invoices from you and chase the payment themselves.

7. Write and pitch loan applications

Applying for a loan is both an art and a science. A good accountant will do more than just pull together your numbers. They can help you craft a compelling story.

Lenders obviously need to see solid financials and credible forecasts, but that's just the beginning. An accountant will tie it all together in a presentation that sells the wider vision for your business. There won't be any spreadsheets. You'll be armed with graphs and charts that visualise the numbers - allowing your lender to literally see the opportunity. And they'll use powerful forecasting tools that loan officers trust.

8. Budget smartly

Detailed budgeting can eat up a lot of your time and energy. As a result, many businesses end up working off a vague set of numbers that are full of assumptions and estimates. Your accountant can help you produce a rigorous, accurate budget that gives you real confidence. You'll know the real cost of doing business. You'll know how much money you can reinvest. And you'll know what you can pay yourself.

9. Get you staffed up

Need hired help, but not sure where to start? Your financial advisor can step in here too.

What does an accountant do to assist with your human resources?

They'll figure out what sort of hire will boost business the most. Will your bottom line benefit more from a sales person or a technician?

They'll work out the cost of hiring, training and paying an employee to make sure you can afford it.

They'll also help you get payroll right, including complying with government paperwork, tax and insurance requirements.

10. Set up your cloud accounting software

Your accountant will automate a lot of your business's accounting so that sales and expense data flows directly into your accounts. They'll also set you up with invoicing systems that tell you what's been paid and what hasn't. Smart software will even send reminder emails to clients who haven't paid so you don't have to.

There are dozens of other automated systems they can implement for you, such as:

cash flow dashboards, so you always know where you stand

KPI tracking, so you can check overall business performance 24/7

automated accounts payable, so you're always on top of expenses

mobile accounting apps that allow you to manage your finances from the road

11. Help you manage inventory

Do you spend a lot on storage, or lose money writing off obsolete or damaged goods? Or do you sometimes lose revenue because you run out of stock? Smart inventory management is critical to doing good business.

Your accountant will identify the cost of holding inventory and come up with strategies to save some of that money. Plus they'll review your sales data to help predict stock needs, so you can place accurate orders. They can even set up software that tracks stock levels and auto-orders items as they run low.

12. Make your business zing with efficiency

The cost of doing business can climb quickly with things like:

storage - physical or IT

energy - electricity, gas, utilities

staff (and downtime)

Do you think about these costs strategically? If you don't have the time or expertise, that's something an accountant can do for you. They'll identify unnecessary costs in your business and help you develop more efficient ways of working.

13. Unlock the power of technology

Smart business software can automate a lot of the things you do manually. An accountant can take away those distractions by setting up affordable software for things like:

staff scheduling and time recording

point of sale

taking payments

customer relationship management

invoicing

payroll

This is one of the most important things an accountant can do for you. Automating business processes takes away pain, lowers costs and ensures everything runs smoothly. Just make sure you find a tech-savvy accountant that knows about business apps.

14. Bring some fun into your business - honestly

What does an accountant do? The easy answer used to be that they wore suits and sat behind big desks. Not even that's true anymore. Many modern accountants have interesting backgrounds and will come into your workplace to see how your business actually works.

Check out accountant and bookkeeper stories to learn about financial advisors who come from rock bands, orchestras and cheerleading troupes, to name a few.

It's easier than ever before to find an accountant who you relate to on both a personal and professional level - and they can make all the difference to how you run your business.

And let's not forget tax
There's more to tax than completing and submitting your returns. A great accountant will:

lower your tax exposure

help you deal with old tax debts

fix poor record-keeping

help you avoid audits

make sure your books are watertight if you're audited

What does an accountant do? They make business better

If your current accountant is going through the motions, you'll be amazed at the difference a top accountant can make. They can bring a tonne of extra capability and insight into your business.

So what does an accountant do? Really, it's whatever you need. Because if they can't solve your business problem themselves, they'll know who can.

Just remember that when looking for an accountant, consider more than their knowledge and skill. You should be able to have very frank conversations with them so find somebody you like. An accountant that's easy to get on with and can do all of these things for you is out there.

How to find an awesome accountant

Nothing beats a recommendation from someone you respect and trust so ask friends, family and business partners what they think of their accountants. If you that doesn't work, you still have options. We've compiled a list of progressive accountants that offer a wide range of services and understand the power of business software.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Accountants do tax and compliance work - we all know that. But the best ones do so much more. They're excellent troubleshooters and strategic advisors for small business. Learn what they can do for you. Accountants do more than you think. They can give you strategic advice and come up with clever ways to save money or boost revenue.

# data[].attributes.body
Courses needed for business economics major at UCLA:
https://economics.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9-Bus-Econ-Major-Requirement-Worksheet-Updated-March-2023.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
In order to become an accountant, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or business. It is also required that one spends 150 hours in courses that connect to accounting. This takes around four years to be accomplished.
https://universityhq.org/best-colleges/california/online-accounting-degrees/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20California%20Board,should%20take%20around%20four%20years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Professional Ethics Study Subjects: 10 Semester Hours

A minimum of 3 semester hours in accountants' professional responsibilities or accounting ethics at an upper division level or higher is required.

Maximum seven semester hours in courses in any of the following subject areas: Auditing

Business, Government and Society

Business Law

Business Leadership

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Ethics

Fraud

Human Resources Management

Legal Environment of Business

Management of Organizations

Morals

Organizational Behavior

Professional Responsibilities

In addition, the ethics portion may be comprised of a maximum three semester hours in courses from the following disciplines: But the course title must contain one of the following words or terms:

Introduction; General; Fundamentals of; Survey of; Introductory; Principles of; Foundations of.

Find Colleges Offering Accounting Programs Online

This course requirement list is quite strict and credits cannot be used to qualify more than once. For example, if you take a three credit hour course titled "Business, Society, and Government" you could use all three credit hours towards your Business or Ethics requirement or split the hours with one going towards Business and two going towards Ethics requirements but you'll find that you cannot use the class as three hours towards Business as well as three hours of learning toward Ethics requirements.

If you have earned your master's degree in accounting it will satisfy the 20 semester hours of accounting study, and the hours completed in the fulfillment of the master's degree can be counted toward the other three educational areas: 24 semester units of accounting subject, 24 semester units of business-related subjects, and 10 semester units of ethics study. In addition, completion of a Master of Accounting, Taxation, or Laws in Taxation is equivalent to the 20 semester hours of accounting study.

Taking the California CPA Exam

You may sit for the exam once you have earned your bachelor's degree and have completed the 24 semester hours each in accounting and business. The California CPA exam is overseen by the California Board of Accountancy, the state board associated with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), so your first step will be to start the application process on their website. Your school transcripts must be submitted directly to the CBA so that should be your first step after creating an application account. Keep in mind that most schools allow two to six months until degrees are posted on official transcripts and another 10 to 15 days to process a transcript request so there may be an extended time frame from when you start the process and when you are eligible to sit for the test.

Make sure all information is correct on your application, and keep your account information updated if you move during the process. The initial application fee is $100 and, if you need to reapply at a later date, the fee is $50. The CBA does comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so if you require reasonable accommodations if you have a physical or mental disability or medical condition, don't keep it to yourself, you should let them know in advance.

Search Programs Offering Accounting Majors

The exam itself is comprised of four sections and you may take them separately or all at once, though most people spread them out since they last four hours each and are particularly difficult. You should know how you plan to take the sections and in what order long before you sign up.

The Auditing and Attestation (AUD) section covers generally accepted auditing standards and procedures as well as the ability to apply them in auditing.

The Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section assesses your knowledge of responsibilities of the profession as well as the legal implications of business transactions as they relate to accounting and auditing.

The Regulation (REG) section evaluates your knowledge of principles and procedures for federal income, managerial accounting, estate, and gift taxation, and accounting for governmental or a not-for-profit association.

The Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) section covers knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for businesses, including financial accounting concepts and standards as well as their application in public accounting engagements.

Because the exam sections may be taken individually, you will pay separately for each section as follows:
It will take about a week to process your payment, at which time you'll receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS). You'll need the NTS for admittance to the exam so keep it in a safe place.

The test is given in three month windows with the first two months of each window being the time frame for sitting for the exam. They are as follows:

You may take one or all four test sections in any given window but may not take the same section twice in the same window. The test is given at Prometric Testing Centers throughout California so you'll be able to choose a testing center site convenient to your location. When you arrive at the testing center you are required to have your NASBA issued NTS and two forms of valid, current identification (ID) including one with a photograph. You will not be allowed to sit for the exam if you do not meet these requirements, and these are the only items you'll be allowed to carry into the exam room. All other possessions will be stored in a locker during the testing period.

Test scores are released approximately two weeks after the exam is completed and can be found on your CBA account, which is updated daily. A score of 75 or higher is a passing grade, and you have an 18-month window to complete and pass all four sections of the exam. Failure to complete all four exams successfully within the 18-month time frame will result in having to take one or more exams over, even if you passed that section in the past.

Find Colleges Offering Accounting Programs Online

Continuing Professional Education Requirements

Your CPA license is valid for a two-year period, and it expires every other year at midnight on the last day of your birth month. The renewal fee is $120 and you must provide proof of continuing education requirements (CE) when you renew your license.
Your CE courses must be completed within the past two-year time frame and a minimum of 12 hours must be in non-technical subject areas such as the following:

Auditing and Accounting

Computer and information

Consulting

Fraud

Financial planning

Taxation

The other eight hours of CE will be in non-technical subjects such as:

Communication skills

Negotiation and motivational techniques

Marketing and sales

Office management, practice management, and personnel management

Word processing

Because continuing education requirements may change you should keep abreast of the subject through CPA organizations and associations as you work in the field.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best Accounting Degrees in California for 2023 - CPA Exam Requirements in CA | UniversityHQ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Professional Ethics Study Subjects: 10 Semester Hours A minimum of 3 semester hours in accountants' professional responsibilities or accounting ethics at an upper division level or higher is required.

# data[].attributes.body
Information for most sections on this website:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-2Source #1
https://www.mastersinaccounting.info/salary/
Source #2
https://universityhq.org/best-colleges/california/online-accounting-degrees/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20California%20Board,should%20take%20around%20four%20years.
Source #3
https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/blog/2020/10/28/what-working-as-an-accountant-is-really-like/
Source #4
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#:~:text=Most%20accountants%20and%20auditors%20work%20in%20offices%2C%20but%20some%20work,their%20clients'%20places%20of%20business.
Source #5
https://career.ucsb.edu/career-paths/business-entrepreneurship/accounting/discover-options#:~:text=At%20UCSB%2C%20students%20will%20major,students%20when%20looking%20to%20hire.
Source #6
https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/specialized-academic-programs/accounting-minor-program#:~:text=Accounting%20Minor%20Program%20%7C%20UCLA%20Anderson%20School%20of%20Management
Source #7
https://www.accountingedu.org/california-cpa/#:~:text=The%20California%20Board%20of%20Accountancy,semester%20units%20of%20college%20credit.
Source #8
https://economics.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9-Bus-Econ-Major-Requirement-Worksheet-Updated-March-2023.pdf
Source #9
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
Source #10
https://www.mchenry.com.au/14-things-an-accountant-can-do-for-you/
Source #11
https://www.efficientlearning.com/accounting-career-guide/#:~:text=Career%20Advancement%3A%20Management%20accountants%20may,financial%20officers%2C%20or%20corporate%20presidents.
Source #12
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/business-economics-jobs
Source #13
https://online.champlain.edu/blog/day-in-the-life-of-an-accountant
Source #14 (for hook)
https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2015/04/5-reasons-why-your-business-needs-an-accountant.html

# data[].attributes.body
The average accountant makes about $77,250 a year. But, once one becomes a top-earning accountant, they will earn about $124,000 a year. You can become an accountant in any state, but the highest paying areas are California, New York, and Washington D.C. Accountants tend to work in offices but they can also travel to meet the needs of their clients.
https://www.mastersinaccounting.info/salary/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#:~:text=Most%20accountants%20and%20auditors%20work%20in%20offices%2C%20but%20some%20work,their%20clients'%20places%20of%20business.
https://www.efficientlearning.com/accounting-career-

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Accountants are well-compensated compared to other professions with similar education requirements, though the salary that you can earn as an accountant is dependent on several factors, including your geographic location and level of education and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that candidates with a master's in accounting may have an advantage in the job market. ¹ Certified public accountant (CPA) or other certifications like chartered financial analyst (CFA) or certified internal auditor (CIA) can also increase a candidate's base salary and provide opportunities for promotion. ¹ Additional factors that may determine your compensation level include your negotiating skills, the size of the company, and the industry you work in (e.g. insurance, tax preparation, healthcare, and so on). On this page, you will find further information about the factors that impact accountant salaries as well as a table outlining the best states for accountants.

How Much Does an Accountant Make?

The BLS reports that the median annual wage for accountants and auditors nationally was $71,550 as of May 2019. ¹ The top-earning 10% of accountants and auditors earned more than $124,450, while the lowest-earning 10% earned less than $44,480. ¹ The top-paying industries for accountants and auditors were accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services ($83,460 per year); management, scientific, and technical consulting services ($81,730 per year); and real estate ($77,830 per year). ¹

Specialty roles within these larger fields also impact salary. According to the Robert Half 2021 Salary Guide, the median salary for senior internal auditors was $90,500 per year, compared to senior financial reporting specialists and SEC financial reporting analysts ($85,000 per year), general accountants ($81,000 per year), and cost accountants ($81,750 per year). ² As in other industries, an individual's experience makes a difference, too - according to Robert Half's salary data, those with only one to three years of experience in these areas typically make $10,000 to $15,000 less per year than their more senior counterparts. ² The table below provides an easy-to-digest overview of the differences in requirements, salary, and outlook for different types of accountants.

Accountant Salary and CPA Outlook by State

The following sortable table provides data on accounting salaries by state as well as the rate of job growth and the cost of living as it relates to the ratio of the average salary/median home list price. The best states for accountants are weighted by the percentage the average salary buys of the median list price for homes in a given state and the projected job growth. This data can provide insight on whether accounting job growth and salary potential justify the costs of attending a master's in accounting program.

Additional Resources
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
2. Robert Half 2021 Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance Professionals: https://www.roberthalf.com/sites/default/files/documents/2018_salary_guide_US_accounting_and_finance.pdf
3. O*NET OnLine, Accountants and Auditors: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2011.00
4. O*NET OnLine, Financial Quantitative Analysts: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2099.01
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Analysts: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm
6. O*NET OnLine, Financial Examiners: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2061.00
7. O*NET OnLine, Financial Managers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3031.00
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Managers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm
9. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
10. Projections Central: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
11. Zillow.com: https://www.zillow.com/home-values/ (data from November 2020)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Accountant Salary and CPA Outlook by State

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Accountants are well-compensated compared to other professions with similar education requirements, though the salary that you can earn as an accountant is dependent on several factors, including your geographic location and level of education and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that candidates with a master's in accounting may have an advantage in the job market.

# data[].attributes.body
This career path can be very stressful at times. Throughout the year, accountants can feel a lot of stress when they enter the end of a financial year. Although there are less stressful moments for this career, these specific times during the year can make them feel a lot of pressure. This job can also be seen as boring since it requires an extensive amount of math. Even though there isn't a specific way to fix this issue, there are ways to manage stress and to increase your mathematical skills.
https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/blog/2020/10/28/what-working-as-an-accountant-is-really-like/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
More than Motivation: Study, Career and Life Inspiration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Why are you considering a career in financial services? Is it because it's a stable, growing industry? Because there's opportunities for growth and overseas travel? Or maybe it's because of the above-average wage for Accountants?

There are plenty of good reasons to follow a career as an Accountant. In this blog, we take a look at some of the pros and cons and what it's really like to work as an Accountant.

So, what does an Accountant do?

An Accountant's job offers much more diversity than people realise. Here's just some of the responsibilities an Accountant carries out in their day-to-day:

Analyse expenditure and revenue of a company

Prepare reports, budgets and forecasts

Identify where a company can save money, or can afford to spend more money

Present financial information to colleagues and management

Collate financial information that can be used to help make key business decisions

Provide financial advice

Liaise with external and internal auditors

Of course, there are many different types of jobs out there for Accountants; and the roles you perform each day will depend on what kind of accounting job you have. For example, a day in the life of a Forensic Accountant will look quite different to that of a Tax Accountant. But at their core, you still need to utilise the same skills and knowledge to succeed in either role.
Want to know what your career path in finance could look like? Read our blog: 'What are the different types of jobs out there for Accountants?'Is being an Accountant a good career? Read on to find out.

What are the benefits of being an Accountant?

Just like any other job, there are plenty of benefits to being an Accountant. But there are also downsides. In our opinion, the pros of following a career as an Accountant definitely outweigh the cons. However, if you're considering becoming an Accountant, it's important to look beyond any stereotypes or myths you might have heard and consider both sides of the coin before you launch your career.

Pros and cons of working as an Accountant

Pro: It's a growing industry

As an Accountant, you'll be joining a workforce of 800,000 professionals which continues to grow. Financial services is a stable, reliable industry, and there's plenty of room for growth for those ambitious types who want to climb the ladder.

Pro: Salaries are competitive

Demand is high for trained, qualified professionals in Australia, and the salary for an Accountant is competitive. The average full-time wage is $1660 per week, which is higher than the national average of $1460.

Pro: You can work in any industry

The goal of a business is to make money. And the best person to handle money matters is a qualified professional! As an Accountant, you could find yourself working in any industry, whether that's for a small or large company, a B corporation or a charity. And as money is a global language, you could also find yourself working overseas.

Pro: Your skills will always come in handy

Having accounting skills and knowledge is incredibly useful, especially if you want to start your own business. And having a background in accounting will add a big boost to your resume if you want to pursue a different career in the future, as many of your skills (preparing reports, reading numbers and data, forecasting, communicating with stakeholders, etc.) are transferable.

Pro: You're always learning something new

Accountants need to continue to study and learn throughout their entire careers. This is an industry that doesn't sit still (despite the reputation it has for being 'boring', which we'll get to below). The rapid evolution of technology, changing laws and certification requirements means that the best Accountants are the ones who are always looking for new ways to upskill and learn something new. Now, this could be a pro or a con, depending on how you feel about study. But at OC, we whole-heartedly believe that a dedication to knowledge and ongoing education is a key for success, and definitely not something that fits into the 'con' pile.
There are plenty of benefits to becoming an Accountant.

Pro: There's a wide range of jobs to choose from

As we mentioned above, there are many more jobs out there other than ' Accountant'. Auditor, Financial Planner, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst, Forensic Accountant, Chief Financial Officer... These are all potential career outcomes you could work towards.

Con: It can sometimes be stressful

Being an Accountant does come with its challenges. There are busy seasons throughout the year where those working in financial services will be under pressure. For example, the end of the financial year can be incredibly busy for many Accountants, whether they specialise in tax or not.

Con: Sedentary work environment

If you prefer to be outdoors and can't imagine working behind a computer, then maybe accounting isn't for you. For the most part, Accountants work in office environments. There might be opportunities for travel (and there are some roles, like Auditor, which involve site visits), but mostly you'll be sitting behind a desk.

Con: Accountants have a 'boring' reputation
Take the first step towards an exciting career in financial services and start a 7 day free course trial online today.

Unfortunately, Accountants are generally depicted as boring and/or weird (think Keith from the UK The Office). However, the nature of the job dictates that Accountants need to maintain a level of professionalism, which some can read as dull. Accountants need to be professional-what would your reaction be if you walked into a dimly lit accountancy office to the blaring beats of Slumberjack, and sat down opposite a Tax Agent dressed in a Pikachu onesie? Would you trust this person to do your taxes? So, while being an Accountant isn't as glamorous as, say, being the captain of a cruise ship or being a touring musician, it's still a worthwhile career path and can be hugely rewarding.

Ready to follow a rewarding career path in financial services?

Whether you're looking to launch your career, formalise your skills, take the next step up the ladder or expand your existing skill set, we offer a number of online accounting courses that can help you reach your goals.

Our FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping has been designed in consultation with industry experts to provide you with the in-demand skills employers are looking for. In this course, you'll learn how to prepare financial reports, manage operational budgets, prepare business activity statements (BAS), establish and maintain payroll systems, small business planning and much more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What working as an Accountant is really like - The pros and cons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why are you considering a career in financial services? Is it because it's a stable, growing industry? Because there's opportunities for growth and overseas travel? Or maybe it's because of the above-average wage for Accountants? There are plenty of good reasons to follow a career as an Accountant.

# data[].attributes.body
The main job of an accountant is to keep the books and run the financials for a business. They typically sort and store everything dealing with a business's financial standing. Accountants will give a business advice and also report the financial standing of this business based on their findings.
https://universityhq.org/best-colleges/california/online-accounting-degrees/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20California%20Board,should%20take%20around%20four%20years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Professional Ethics Study Subjects: 10 Semester Hours

A minimum of 3 semester hours in accountants' professional responsibilities or accounting ethics at an upper division level or higher is required.

Maximum seven semester hours in courses in any of the following subject areas: Auditing

Business, Government and Society

Business Law

Business Leadership

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Ethics

Fraud

Human Resources Management

Legal Environment of Business

Management of Organizations

Morals

Organizational Behavior

Professional Responsibilities

In addition, the ethics portion may be comprised of a maximum three semester hours in courses from the following disciplines: But the course title must contain one of the following words or terms:

Introduction; General; Fundamentals of; Survey of; Introductory; Principles of; Foundations of.

Find Colleges Offering Accounting Programs Online

This course requirement list is quite strict and credits cannot be used to qualify more than once. For example, if you take a three credit hour course titled "Business, Society, and Government" you could use all three credit hours towards your Business or Ethics requirement or split the hours with one going towards Business and two going towards Ethics requirements but you'll find that you cannot use the class as three hours towards Business as well as three hours of learning toward Ethics requirements.

If you have earned your master's degree in accounting it will satisfy the 20 semester hours of accounting study, and the hours completed in the fulfillment of the master's degree can be counted toward the other three educational areas: 24 semester units of accounting subject, 24 semester units of business-related subjects, and 10 semester units of ethics study. In addition, completion of a Master of Accounting, Taxation, or Laws in Taxation is equivalent to the 20 semester hours of accounting study.

Taking the California CPA Exam

You may sit for the exam once you have earned your bachelor's degree and have completed the 24 semester hours each in accounting and business. The California CPA exam is overseen by the California Board of Accountancy, the state board associated with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), so your first step will be to start the application process on their website. Your school transcripts must be submitted directly to the CBA so that should be your first step after creating an application account. Keep in mind that most schools allow two to six months until degrees are posted on official transcripts and another 10 to 15 days to process a transcript request so there may be an extended time frame from when you start the process and when you are eligible to sit for the test.

Make sure all information is correct on your application, and keep your account information updated if you move during the process. The initial application fee is $100 and, if you need to reapply at a later date, the fee is $50. The CBA does comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so if you require reasonable accommodations if you have a physical or mental disability or medical condition, don't keep it to yourself, you should let them know in advance.

Search Programs Offering Accounting Majors

The exam itself is comprised of four sections and you may take them separately or all at once, though most people spread them out since they last four hours each and are particularly difficult. You should know how you plan to take the sections and in what order long before you sign up.

The Auditing and Attestation (AUD) section covers generally accepted auditing standards and procedures as well as the ability to apply them in auditing.

The Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section assesses your knowledge of responsibilities of the profession as well as the legal implications of business transactions as they relate to accounting and auditing.

The Regulation (REG) section evaluates your knowledge of principles and procedures for federal income, managerial accounting, estate, and gift taxation, and accounting for governmental or a not-for-profit association.

The Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) section covers knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for businesses, including financial accounting concepts and standards as well as their application in public accounting engagements.

Because the exam sections may be taken individually, you will pay separately for each section as follows:
It will take about a week to process your payment, at which time you'll receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS). You'll need the NTS for admittance to the exam so keep it in a safe place.

The test is given in three month windows with the first two months of each window being the time frame for sitting for the exam. They are as follows:

You may take one or all four test sections in any given window but may not take the same section twice in the same window. The test is given at Prometric Testing Centers throughout California so you'll be able to choose a testing center site convenient to your location. When you arrive at the testing center you are required to have your NASBA issued NTS and two forms of valid, current identification (ID) including one with a photograph. You will not be allowed to sit for the exam if you do not meet these requirements, and these are the only items you'll be allowed to carry into the exam room. All other possessions will be stored in a locker during the testing period.

Test scores are released approximately two weeks after the exam is completed and can be found on your CBA account, which is updated daily. A score of 75 or higher is a passing grade, and you have an 18-month window to complete and pass all four sections of the exam. Failure to complete all four exams successfully within the 18-month time frame will result in having to take one or more exams over, even if you passed that section in the past.

Find Colleges Offering Accounting Programs Online

Continuing Professional Education Requirements

Your CPA license is valid for a two-year period, and it expires every other year at midnight on the last day of your birth month. The renewal fee is $120 and you must provide proof of continuing education requirements (CE) when you renew your license.
Your CE courses must be completed within the past two-year time frame and a minimum of 12 hours must be in non-technical subject areas such as the following:

Auditing and Accounting

Computer and information

Consulting

Fraud

Financial planning

Taxation

The other eight hours of CE will be in non-technical subjects such as:

Communication skills

Negotiation and motivational techniques

Marketing and sales

Office management, practice management, and personnel management

Word processing

Because continuing education requirements may change you should keep abreast of the subject through CPA organizations and associations as you work in the field.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best Accounting Degrees in California for 2023 - CPA Exam Requirements in CA | UniversityHQ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Professional Ethics Study Subjects: 10 Semester Hours A minimum of 3 semester hours in accountants' professional responsibilities or accounting ethics at an upper division level or higher is required.

# data[].attributes.body
Accounting is a reliable and growing industry since there are more and more people being employed into this field every day. Another benefit of becoming an accountant is that they receive a salary above the average amount. There are also many work environments that accountants can work in such as small companies or large companies.
https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/blog/2020/10/28/what-working-as-an-accountant-is-really-like/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
More than Motivation: Study, Career and Life Inspiration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Why are you considering a career in financial services? Is it because it's a stable, growing industry? Because there's opportunities for growth and overseas travel? Or maybe it's because of the above-average wage for Accountants?

There are plenty of good reasons to follow a career as an Accountant. In this blog, we take a look at some of the pros and cons and what it's really like to work as an Accountant.

So, what does an Accountant do?

An Accountant's job offers much more diversity than people realise. Here's just some of the responsibilities an Accountant carries out in their day-to-day:

Analyse expenditure and revenue of a company

Prepare reports, budgets and forecasts

Identify where a company can save money, or can afford to spend more money

Present financial information to colleagues and management

Collate financial information that can be used to help make key business decisions

Provide financial advice

Liaise with external and internal auditors

Of course, there are many different types of jobs out there for Accountants; and the roles you perform each day will depend on what kind of accounting job you have. For example, a day in the life of a Forensic Accountant will look quite different to that of a Tax Accountant. But at their core, you still need to utilise the same skills and knowledge to succeed in either role.
Want to know what your career path in finance could look like? Read our blog: 'What are the different types of jobs out there for Accountants?'Is being an Accountant a good career? Read on to find out.

What are the benefits of being an Accountant?

Just like any other job, there are plenty of benefits to being an Accountant. But there are also downsides. In our opinion, the pros of following a career as an Accountant definitely outweigh the cons. However, if you're considering becoming an Accountant, it's important to look beyond any stereotypes or myths you might have heard and consider both sides of the coin before you launch your career.

Pros and cons of working as an Accountant

Pro: It's a growing industry

As an Accountant, you'll be joining a workforce of 800,000 professionals which continues to grow. Financial services is a stable, reliable industry, and there's plenty of room for growth for those ambitious types who want to climb the ladder.

Pro: Salaries are competitive

Demand is high for trained, qualified professionals in Australia, and the salary for an Accountant is competitive. The average full-time wage is $1660 per week, which is higher than the national average of $1460.

Pro: You can work in any industry

The goal of a business is to make money. And the best person to handle money matters is a qualified professional! As an Accountant, you could find yourself working in any industry, whether that's for a small or large company, a B corporation or a charity. And as money is a global language, you could also find yourself working overseas.

Pro: Your skills will always come in handy

Having accounting skills and knowledge is incredibly useful, especially if you want to start your own business. And having a background in accounting will add a big boost to your resume if you want to pursue a different career in the future, as many of your skills (preparing reports, reading numbers and data, forecasting, communicating with stakeholders, etc.) are transferable.

Pro: You're always learning something new

Accountants need to continue to study and learn throughout their entire careers. This is an industry that doesn't sit still (despite the reputation it has for being 'boring', which we'll get to below). The rapid evolution of technology, changing laws and certification requirements means that the best Accountants are the ones who are always looking for new ways to upskill and learn something new. Now, this could be a pro or a con, depending on how you feel about study. But at OC, we whole-heartedly believe that a dedication to knowledge and ongoing education is a key for success, and definitely not something that fits into the 'con' pile.
There are plenty of benefits to becoming an Accountant.

Pro: There's a wide range of jobs to choose from

As we mentioned above, there are many more jobs out there other than ' Accountant'. Auditor, Financial Planner, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst, Forensic Accountant, Chief Financial Officer... These are all potential career outcomes you could work towards.

Con: It can sometimes be stressful

Being an Accountant does come with its challenges. There are busy seasons throughout the year where those working in financial services will be under pressure. For example, the end of the financial year can be incredibly busy for many Accountants, whether they specialise in tax or not.

Con: Sedentary work environment

If you prefer to be outdoors and can't imagine working behind a computer, then maybe accounting isn't for you. For the most part, Accountants work in office environments. There might be opportunities for travel (and there are some roles, like Auditor, which involve site visits), but mostly you'll be sitting behind a desk.

Con: Accountants have a 'boring' reputation
Take the first step towards an exciting career in financial services and start a 7 day free course trial online today.

Unfortunately, Accountants are generally depicted as boring and/or weird (think Keith from the UK The Office). However, the nature of the job dictates that Accountants need to maintain a level of professionalism, which some can read as dull. Accountants need to be professional-what would your reaction be if you walked into a dimly lit accountancy office to the blaring beats of Slumberjack, and sat down opposite a Tax Agent dressed in a Pikachu onesie? Would you trust this person to do your taxes? So, while being an Accountant isn't as glamorous as, say, being the captain of a cruise ship or being a touring musician, it's still a worthwhile career path and can be hugely rewarding.

Ready to follow a rewarding career path in financial services?

Whether you're looking to launch your career, formalise your skills, take the next step up the ladder or expand your existing skill set, we offer a number of online accounting courses that can help you reach your goals.

Our FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping has been designed in consultation with industry experts to provide you with the in-demand skills employers are looking for. In this course, you'll learn how to prepare financial reports, manage operational budgets, prepare business activity statements (BAS), establish and maintain payroll systems, small business planning and much more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What working as an Accountant is really like - The pros and cons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why are you considering a career in financial services? Is it because it's a stable, growing industry? Because there's opportunities for growth and overseas travel? Or maybe it's because of the above-average wage for Accountants? There are plenty of good reasons to follow a career as an Accountant.

# data[].attributes.body
Some drawbacks of becoming an accountant is that you will be working in an office all day, and this may not be enjoyable for some that prefer to be outdoors. This job can also be stressful or become boring at times.
https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/blog/2020/10/28/what-working-as-an-accountant-is-really-like/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
More than Motivation: Study, Career and Life Inspiration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Why are you considering a career in financial services? Is it because it's a stable, growing industry? Because there's opportunities for growth and overseas travel? Or maybe it's because of the above-average wage for Accountants?

There are plenty of good reasons to follow a career as an Accountant. In this blog, we take a look at some of the pros and cons and what it's really like to work as an Accountant.

So, what does an Accountant do?

An Accountant's job offers much more diversity than people realise. Here's just some of the responsibilities an Accountant carries out in their day-to-day:

Analyse expenditure and revenue of a company

Prepare reports, budgets and forecasts

Identify where a company can save money, or can afford to spend more money

Present financial information to colleagues and management

Collate financial information that can be used to help make key business decisions

Provide financial advice

Liaise with external and internal auditors

Of course, there are many different types of jobs out there for Accountants; and the roles you perform each day will depend on what kind of accounting job you have. For example, a day in the life of a Forensic Accountant will look quite different to that of a Tax Accountant. But at their core, you still need to utilise the same skills and knowledge to succeed in either role.
Want to know what your career path in finance could look like? Read our blog: 'What are the different types of jobs out there for Accountants?'Is being an Accountant a good career? Read on to find out.

What are the benefits of being an Accountant?

Just like any other job, there are plenty of benefits to being an Accountant. But there are also downsides. In our opinion, the pros of following a career as an Accountant definitely outweigh the cons. However, if you're considering becoming an Accountant, it's important to look beyond any stereotypes or myths you might have heard and consider both sides of the coin before you launch your career.

Pros and cons of working as an Accountant

Pro: It's a growing industry

As an Accountant, you'll be joining a workforce of 800,000 professionals which continues to grow. Financial services is a stable, reliable industry, and there's plenty of room for growth for those ambitious types who want to climb the ladder.

Pro: Salaries are competitive

Demand is high for trained, qualified professionals in Australia, and the salary for an Accountant is competitive. The average full-time wage is $1660 per week, which is higher than the national average of $1460.

Pro: You can work in any industry

The goal of a business is to make money. And the best person to handle money matters is a qualified professional! As an Accountant, you could find yourself working in any industry, whether that's for a small or large company, a B corporation or a charity. And as money is a global language, you could also find yourself working overseas.

Pro: Your skills will always come in handy

Having accounting skills and knowledge is incredibly useful, especially if you want to start your own business. And having a background in accounting will add a big boost to your resume if you want to pursue a different career in the future, as many of your skills (preparing reports, reading numbers and data, forecasting, communicating with stakeholders, etc.) are transferable.

Pro: You're always learning something new

Accountants need to continue to study and learn throughout their entire careers. This is an industry that doesn't sit still (despite the reputation it has for being 'boring', which we'll get to below). The rapid evolution of technology, changing laws and certification requirements means that the best Accountants are the ones who are always looking for new ways to upskill and learn something new. Now, this could be a pro or a con, depending on how you feel about study. But at OC, we whole-heartedly believe that a dedication to knowledge and ongoing education is a key for success, and definitely not something that fits into the 'con' pile.
There are plenty of benefits to becoming an Accountant.

Pro: There's a wide range of jobs to choose from

As we mentioned above, there are many more jobs out there other than ' Accountant'. Auditor, Financial Planner, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst, Forensic Accountant, Chief Financial Officer... These are all potential career outcomes you could work towards.

Con: It can sometimes be stressful

Being an Accountant does come with its challenges. There are busy seasons throughout the year where those working in financial services will be under pressure. For example, the end of the financial year can be incredibly busy for many Accountants, whether they specialise in tax or not.

Con: Sedentary work environment

If you prefer to be outdoors and can't imagine working behind a computer, then maybe accounting isn't for you. For the most part, Accountants work in office environments. There might be opportunities for travel (and there are some roles, like Auditor, which involve site visits), but mostly you'll be sitting behind a desk.

Con: Accountants have a 'boring' reputation
Take the first step towards an exciting career in financial services and start a 7 day free course trial online today.

Unfortunately, Accountants are generally depicted as boring and/or weird (think Keith from the UK The Office). However, the nature of the job dictates that Accountants need to maintain a level of professionalism, which some can read as dull. Accountants need to be professional-what would your reaction be if you walked into a dimly lit accountancy office to the blaring beats of Slumberjack, and sat down opposite a Tax Agent dressed in a Pikachu onesie? Would you trust this person to do your taxes? So, while being an Accountant isn't as glamorous as, say, being the captain of a cruise ship or being a touring musician, it's still a worthwhile career path and can be hugely rewarding.

Ready to follow a rewarding career path in financial services?

Whether you're looking to launch your career, formalise your skills, take the next step up the ladder or expand your existing skill set, we offer a number of online accounting courses that can help you reach your goals.

Our FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping has been designed in consultation with industry experts to provide you with the in-demand skills employers are looking for. In this course, you'll learn how to prepare financial reports, manage operational budgets, prepare business activity statements (BAS), establish and maintain payroll systems, small business planning and much more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What working as an Accountant is really like - The pros and cons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why are you considering a career in financial services? Is it because it's a stable, growing industry? Because there's opportunities for growth and overseas travel? Or maybe it's because of the above-average wage for Accountants? There are plenty of good reasons to follow a career as an Accountant.

# data[].attributes.headline
Colleges that offer an Accounting Major/Minor 

# data[].attributes.subject
Colleges that offer an Accounting Major/Minor 

# data[].attributes.body
One college that offers an Accounting major is University of California, Santa Barbara. Aside from this, most colleges offer some form of a Business major and then offer an Accounting minor, such as UCLA and UC Davis. UCLA has an Accounting Minor Program that students can apply to. This program allows for students to be better prepared when entering a career in accounting.
https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/specialized-academic-programs/accounting-minor-program#:~:text=Accounting%20Minor%20Program%20%7C%20UCLA%20Anderson%20School%20of%20Management
https://career.ucsb.edu/career-paths/business-entrepreneurship/accounting/discover-options#:~:text=At%20UCSB%2C%20students%20will%20major,students%20when%20looking%20to%20hire.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Accounting Minor Program provides students with a comprehensive background in different accounting topics including financial and managerial accounting, taxation, financial statement analysis and more. The accounting program not only prepares students to enter careers in public and private accounting but also related fields, such as banking and consulting.

# data[].attributes.body
There is no additional schooling required outside of a bachelor's degree to become an accountant.
"The California Board of Accountancy states that all certified public accountants must have a bachelor’s or higher degree and 150 semester units of college credit."
https://www.accountingedu.org/california-cpa/#:~:text=The%20California%20Board%20of%20Accountancy,semester%20units%20of%20college%20credit.