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How to Become an Accountant

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February 11, 2021

  • Salary Potential. According to third-party data, CSU Global B.S. in Accounting alumni saw an average salary increase of 94% five years after graduation. The average salary at the time of graduation was $47,920; five years later it was $93,250.
  • Work in Your Field. Only around a third of American degree-holders work in a job related to their major. However, 90% of alumni from our Bachelor’s in Accounting program report working in the field, while 93% of our Master’s in Accounting alumni report the same.
  • Several Job Options. Accounting is a broad industry, and depending on your career objectives and willingness to pursue additional certifications, you could choose from several different career paths.
  • Preparing, analyzing, and confirming the accuracy of financial records.
  • Paying taxes and preparing returns.
  • Organizing financial records.
  • Identifying ways to improve the bottom line by reducing costs or increasing value.
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA). CPAs serve as consultants on financial issues, like simple accounting and taxes. They generally work with companies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). This certification is suitable for those who are interested in the investment management industry. CFAs will help individuals invest their money wisely and deal with trading and asset management.
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA). This certification qualifies accountants to guide companies and businesses in making business financial decisions and analyzing internal budgets for review.
  • Enrolled Agent (EA). Licensed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the EA certification is the IRS’s top credential. EAs work only with tax issues.
  • Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA). Essentially, a CFSA is an auditor for strictly financial institutions like banks, insurance companies, and, yes, even other financial services.
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). This certification will prepare you to become an internal auditor. The accreditation will allow even entry-level auditors to hold titles like financial analyst, auditing specialist, risk assessment specialist, and more.
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). This certification will allow accountants to study financial records to find evidence of fraud. They may even work with law enforcement and review government contracts to prevent fraud.
  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). This distinguished certification is one of the top designations a financial expert can possess. Essentially, a CGMA will help manage business actions based on financial expertise.
  • Zero requirements to show up at set times or in physical locations.
  • Monthly class starts.
  • Accelerated 8-week courses.
  • A #1 ranking on The 50 Best Online Bachelors in Accounting Programs from Accounting.com.
  • A #1 ranking on The 30 Best Bachelor’s in Accounting Online from Best College Reviews.
  • A #2 ranking on The 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degrees from Great Business Schools.
  • A #4 ranking on Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs from College Consensus.
  • A #1 ranking in Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs from Intelligent.
  • A #1 ranking on 25 Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting from Best Master Programs.
  • A #3 ranking on Top 15 Most Affordable Masters in Forensic Accounting Online Programs from Best Colleges.
  • A #4 ranking on The Best Accounting Degree Programs from Best Value Schools.