Accounting Qualifications: Degrees and Certifications Explained

If you're interested in a career in accounting, you'll need to have the right qualifications. A Bachelor's degree in Accounting is a common starting point, but there are many other options to consider.

Some accounting certifications are more prestigious than others, but they all require a certain level of education and experience. The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification, for example, is a highly respected credential that requires a minimum of 120-150 semester hours of college credit.

Having a degree in Accounting can also open doors to other certifications, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). These certifications can be a great way to specialize in a particular area of accounting and advance your career.

To become an accountant, you'll need to obtain the right qualifications, which can vary depending on your location and career goals. In the UK, the AAT qualification is typically the minimum level expected of an accountant, but to become a chartered accountant, you'll need to progress to the ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualifications.

You can study for AAT courses at Level 2 (intermediate) without formal entry requirements, but a good standard of English and maths is expected. Completing GCSEs in these subjects is advised, especially if you're looking to progress to a professional qualification further down the line.

Here are some key accounting qualifications:

The AAT Diploma is a great way to get started in accounting. You can study for it at any age, with no upper limit, and it's perfect for career changers.

The AAT Diploma is available at three levels: Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Level 2 provides a grounding in the basics, while Level 3 allows you to master complex accounting disciplines. Level 4 is for those who want to learn higher accounting tasks and qualify for senior finance roles.

Each level takes around 6-18 months to complete, depending on your existing skills and experience. You can start with any level, and it's recommended that you use the AAT Skillcheck to find out which qualification is right for you.

Here's a breakdown of the typical job opportunities for each level:

These qualifications are a great way to get started in accounting and can lead to AAT full membership (MAAT) or AAT bookkeeping membership (AATQB).

Tax accounting is a specialized field that requires a deep understanding of tax laws and regulations. It's a challenging and rewarding career path that involves preparing tax returns and ensuring clients comply with the law.

Tax accountants must stay up-to-date on the latest changes to the tax code, which is updated annually by the IRS. This requires a strong knowledge of tax laws and the ability to navigate complex regulations.

To become a tax accountant, you'll typically need to obtain certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Other popular certifications include the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Tax accountants can specialize in forensic accounting, which involves investigating financial crimes and irregularities. Forensic accountants can earn an average salary of $64,588 per year.

Some top-rated companies hiring forensic accountants include Studler Doyle, IT Veterans, Reichman & Associates, PC, Morones Analytics, and HSSK.

Our accounting qualifications are highly established and industry-recognised, covering three different levels of skills and knowledge.

Typical job roles and salary expectations vary according to the level of qualification.

The median annual salary for accountants is $78,000, according to the BLS, with the highest 10% earning over $132,690 and the lowest 10% making under $48,560.

Having a bachelor's degree and CPA licensure is typically required to advance in an accounting career. Forensic accounting is a growing and high-demand field, with a median salary of $64,588 for forensic accountants and $74,756 for fraud examiners.

Here are some examples of accounting job titles and their corresponding US base salaries:

If you're just starting out in accounting, the AAT Certificate is a great place to begin. This qualification provides a solid foundation in the basics of accounting.

The AAT Certificate is available at different levels, with the Level 2 Certificate being a popular choice. It typically takes 6-12 months to complete, depending on how you study and your pace.

You can study the AAT Certificate in various ways, but it's essential to find a method that works for you. Some people prefer online learning, while others prefer classroom-based study.

The Level 2 Certificate is equivalent to Level 6 in Scotland. This qualification is a stepping stone to further accounting qualifications and can open doors to exciting career opportunities.

The accountant career path is a stable and secure field with many opportunities for advancement. Accountants can work in various industries, from public accounting to industry accounting, and can specialize in areas like financial accounting, management accounting, or forensic accounting.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for accountants was $78,000 as of May 2022. However, salaries can range from $48,560 to over $132,690, depending on factors like location, expertise, and professional qualifications.

To become an accountant, you typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting and CPA licensure. Some accountants may also choose to pursue certifications like the CFE or CIA designation. These certifications can increase earning potential and open up more job opportunities.

Public accountants work for third-party companies, performing services like auditing financial statements, preparing taxes, and management consulting. They can start as team members and progress to leadership roles with increasing responsibility.

Auditing is a stable and secure profession with the potential to earn a high salary. It involves an independent review of a company's financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP. Some auditing certifications include the CPA, CIA, and CFE designations.

Chartered accountants are finance professionals who provide advice and expertise to individuals, companies, and organizations. To become a chartered accountant, you'll need to undertake in-depth accountancy training, pass professional exams, and ensure your skills are current. The earning potential for a recently qualified chartered accountant is around £51,000 within two years of completing their accountancy training.

Here are some examples of accounting job titles and US base salaries:

These figures are based on data from Glassdoor and other sources, and can vary depending on factors like location and industry.

To become a certified accountant, you'll need to pass certain exams. The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam or the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam are required for general accountants and auditors.

You must achieve a minimum score of 75 on each CPA exam section to pass, and the CPA exam pass rate is tracked by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The AICPA also offers an ethics exam, which you'll need to pass with a score of at least 90.

In addition to passing exams, most states require a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some states also have a residency requirement and charge a fee for licensing applications.

To become a licensed member, you'll need to meet the requirements set by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). In the UK, becoming an AAT licensed member allows you to run your own accounting or bookkeeping practice.

To qualify, you'll need to study AAT and progress to become an AAT licensed member. The AAT is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, with a specific set of rules and regulations.

To become licensed, you'll need to meet the AAT's requirements, which include studying AAT and gaining the necessary experience. You can then apply to become an AAT licensed member and start your own accounting or bookkeeping practice.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind:

Note: The AAT's address and charity number are 30 Churchill Place, London E14 5RE, and 1050724 respectively.

The regulatory bodies that determine accounting standards are responsible for guiding accounting practices. These bodies include the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), which establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for public, private, and non-profit organizations.

FASB is one of the key players in setting accounting standards. Their standards are based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) focuses on setting accounting and financial reporting standards for governments at the state and local level. This is crucial for transparency and accountability in government finances.

The Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) improves federal financial reporting standards and guides users on what to do with federal financial information.

Here are the key regulatory bodies that set accounting standards:

To become an accountant, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, which takes about four years to complete. This degree will give you a solid foundation in accounting principles and business management.

Most bachelor's degree programs consist of 120 credits, but certified public accountant requirements include an additional 30 credit hours of study. You can take these additional courses at the graduate level, or as part of a master's degree in accounting, which may require only a few more courses.

A master's degree in accounting may be necessary for individuals pursuing a CPA license, which requires 150 credits of additional education. This professional license does not require a master's degree, but the coursework includes further study of accounting and business operations.

A bachelor's degree in accounting typically takes about four years to complete and meets the requirements for most entry-level accounting positions. This degree can be earned through a bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or bachelor of business administration program.

Most bachelor's degree programs consist of 120 credits, but certified public accountant requirements include an additional 30 credit hours of study. This can be completed through a master's degree in accounting, which may require only a few more courses.

Accountant education requirements include courses in generally accepted accounting principles, accounting information systems, and international financial reporting standards. These courses provide a broad view of business operations and are essential for a career in accounting.

A bachelor's degree in accounting can be earned through a variety of programs, but it's essential to choose a program that includes courses in accounting, business, computer science, and information systems. This will provide a solid foundation for a career in accounting and related fields.

In the field of accounting, information systems play a crucial role in collecting, storing, and analyzing financial data.

Accounting information systems specialists design and maintain the computer systems used to store financial data, combining knowledge of accounting principles and information technology to automate financial processes.

These specialists are involved in capturing financial records, compiling financial documents, processing financial data, and ensuring accountability and compliance.

In this role, you'll use accounting information systems to track a company's financial transactions, generate reports, and help decide where to allocate resources.

The key responsibilities of accounting information systems specialists include:

To advance in an accounting career, you typically need a bachelor’s degree and CPA licensure. With a strong educational foundation, you can move into leadership roles and increase your earning potential.

Industry qualifications, like CPA or CMA certification, can significantly boost your salary. For example, the median salary for accountants was $78,000 as of May 2022, but top-performing accountants can earn up to $132,690.

Accountants can work in various industries, from public accounting to industry accounting and government accounting. Within these types, there are several positions and career paths to explore.

Here are some examples of job titles and corresponding US base salaries for different types of accounting roles:

These salaries can vary depending on factors such as location and industry, but they give you an idea of the earning potential in different accounting roles.