Obtaining an accounting certificate without a university degree
Episode 3, Oct 23, 07:43 AM
Explore practical strategies for obtaining accounting certifications and learn about key job roles that don’t require a university degree.
The accounting industry is changing, and demand for skilled accountants and bookkeepers is growing. Many people assume that a career in accounting requires a university degree, but this isn't always the case. In fact, several rewarding accounting jobs and certifications don't require a four-year degree.
By getting one or several certifications in accounting, you can open many doors before you decide whether or not to pursue a four-year degree.
Accounting certifications that don’t require a university degree
Various certifications provide a strong foundation in accounting, equipping you with essential skills and knowledge. These certifications not only prepare you for specific accounting roles but also enhance your credibility when applying for them.
Certified bookkeeper
The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) offers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, a respected certification that validates your experience and knowledge in bookkeeping.
As a Certified Bookkeeper, you’ll be qualified to manage the entire bookkeeping process, from balancing accounts to generating financial reports. Key skills you’ll gain through certification include mastering adjusting entries, error correction, payroll management, and understanding essential tax principles.
Enrolled agent
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax advisor certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This certification includes learning about audits, collections, and appeals. Upon completion, you should have a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and filing practices.
As a federally licensed EA, you’ll be qualified to apply for the following jobs:
By getting one or several certifications in accounting, you can open many doors before you decide whether or not to pursue a four-year degree.
Accounting certifications that don’t require a university degree
Various certifications provide a strong foundation in accounting, equipping you with essential skills and knowledge. These certifications not only prepare you for specific accounting roles but also enhance your credibility when applying for them.
Certified bookkeeper
The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) offers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, a respected certification that validates your experience and knowledge in bookkeeping.
As a Certified Bookkeeper, you’ll be qualified to manage the entire bookkeeping process, from balancing accounts to generating financial reports. Key skills you’ll gain through certification include mastering adjusting entries, error correction, payroll management, and understanding essential tax principles.
Enrolled agent
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax advisor certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This certification includes learning about audits, collections, and appeals. Upon completion, you should have a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and filing practices.
As a federally licensed EA, you’ll be qualified to apply for the following jobs:
- Tax Preparer
- Tax Consultant/Advisor
- Tax Researcher/Analyst
- Estate Planner
- Tax Compliance Officer
- Freelance Tax Professional
- IRS Representation Specialist
Certified payroll professional
The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification, offered by the American Payroll Association (APA), indicates your expertise in payroll systems and compliance with payroll regulations. This certification is ideal for specializing in payroll processing.
With your CPP designation, you’ll be proficient in calculating and administering wages, withholding taxes, and employee benefits.
Fundamental payroll certification
Issued by PayrollOrg, the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is designed for entry-level payroll professionals. It’s a great way to get started if you’re new to payroll and looking to understand more while qualifying for entry-level payroll jobs.
In the FPC course, you’ll cover:
The Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification, offered by the American Payroll Association (APA), indicates your expertise in payroll systems and compliance with payroll regulations. This certification is ideal for specializing in payroll processing.
With your CPP designation, you’ll be proficient in calculating and administering wages, withholding taxes, and employee benefits.
Fundamental payroll certification
Issued by PayrollOrg, the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is designed for entry-level payroll professionals. It’s a great way to get started if you’re new to payroll and looking to understand more while qualifying for entry-level payroll jobs.
In the FPC course, you’ll cover:
- Basic payroll computation
- Employee benefits
- Payroll administration
- Payroll systems and software
Accounting jobs that don’t require a university degree
If you’re not yet sold on pursuing a four-year degree geared toward an accounting profession, there are several options you can pursue to dip your toes in and still have the opportunity to secure an entry-level job.
If you’re not yet sold on pursuing a four-year degree geared toward an accounting profession, there are several options you can pursue to dip your toes in and still have the opportunity to secure an entry-level job.
- Accounting assistant: supports the finance department with tasks like data entry, managing invoices, and assisting in the preparation of financial statements
- Bookkeeper: manages day-to-day financial transactions, record keeping, and ensures accuracy and compliance in the financial statements of an organization
- Accounting clerk: handles transaction processing, updates ledgers, assists in the preparation of budgets, and ensures accurate financial record-keeping
- Payroll clerk: processes payroll, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, tax withholdings, and employee records management
- Tax preparer: prepares and files clients’ tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax laws and maximizing potential deductions and credits
Tips for becoming an accountant without a degree
The competitive landscape of the job market is constantly changing. If you want to increase your chances of getting a job in the accounting industry, here are a few tips.
Gain practical experience
Demonstrating practical experience is a must-have for job candidates in any industry. Here are some ways to get practical experience in accounting:
The competitive landscape of the job market is constantly changing. If you want to increase your chances of getting a job in the accounting industry, here are a few tips.
Gain practical experience
Demonstrating practical experience is a must-have for job candidates in any industry. Here are some ways to get practical experience in accounting:
- Internships: these can help you gain experience in understanding daily accounting tasks and possibly lead to permanent positions.
- Part-time or temporary positions: target part-time or temporary roles during busy periods like tax season or the fiscal year's end. These roles often require basic accounting skills and can provide exposure to fundamental accounting practices and software.
- Job shadowing: arrange to shadow an experienced accountant to observe daily operations and workflows. This can be a first step in gaining experience and building relationships with professionals.
- Freelancing: Offer freelance accounting services to gain diverse experience while serving multiple clients. Use platforms like Upwork to find gigs related to bookkeeping, tax preparation, or general accounting tasks.
Familiarize yourself with accounting software
With accounting technology becoming more prevalent, accountants need professionals who can navigate the software that makes their jobs easier. Understanding these tools can significantly improve your job performance and prospects.
Consider the following:
With accounting technology becoming more prevalent, accountants need professionals who can navigate the software that makes their jobs easier. Understanding these tools can significantly improve your job performance and prospects.
Consider the following:
- QuickBooks: widely used for general bookkeeping, payroll management, and invoicing. It’s the go-to choice for comprehensive financial tools
- TaxDome: practice management software that integrates client management, automated billing, secure document handling, and workflow automation. Accountants use TaxDome to save time on administrative tasks and streamline their workflows
- Sage 50 Accounting: used for billing, payroll, and comprehensive financial management. It’s adaptable to various industry-specific requirements
- Xero: cloud-based accounting software used mainly by small businesses to facilitate financial tracking and operations such as invoicing, bank reconciliation, and expense tracking
Continue your education while you work
There are plenty of online courses that you can take while working. As you consider furthering your education in accounting, degrees with varying interests will provide value in your career.
There are plenty of online courses that you can take while working. As you consider furthering your education in accounting, degrees with varying interests will provide value in your career.
- Economics
- Finance
- Business administration
- Accounting
These worthwhile degrees can help you focus your concentration on your desired area in accounting and prepare you to pursue additional certifications.
Conclusion
Becoming a certified accounting professional without a university degree is possible. Certifications open entry-level job opportunities that help develop the skills needed to progress in your accounting career.
As you move forward, remember that the combination of certification, practical experience, and continuous learning will equip you with the tools to succeed.
Conclusion
Becoming a certified accounting professional without a university degree is possible. Certifications open entry-level job opportunities that help develop the skills needed to progress in your accounting career.
As you move forward, remember that the combination of certification, practical experience, and continuous learning will equip you with the tools to succeed.