How to Change Your Career to Accounting

 * Career job information for job seekers

By Dan Kelley, eHow Contributor

Accountants are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment growth for accountants and auditors is likely to increase faster than average, in part because changing financial regulation have made accurate financial reporting crucial. Becoming an accountant often requires a bachelor's degree, but many colleges offer certificate programs to train students whose bachelor's degree is in another field. For those who aren't college graduates, many community colleges offer associates degrees that can help train you for a career in accounting. Some accountants, especially clerks in an office, learn their craft on the job. Depending on circumstances, the process may take as little as a year and as long as two years. The median salary for accountants was $59,000 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Switching careers to become an accountant

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Perform a self-audit. The purpose of a self-audit is to determine what you are willing to endure to obtain the certifications that are necessary to become an accountant. Such factors include the amount of free-time you have for coursework, the distance you are willing to travel, whether you are willing to move and how much you are willing to pay. If you currently have a job, you may have time for only one course at a time. On the other hand, having a job means that your employer may be willing to pay for some of your courses. If you are employed, you might want to ask if you can pick up additional responsibilities in the accounting department to augment your training.

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Research programs. Using the information from your self audit, begin researching programs. Find colleges near your home, or within driving distance from your office. Contact the school to inquire about its admission process, course offerings and tuition. Some schools, for example, offer post-baccalaureate certificate programs that begin in the fall or spring and mandate that you take them in order from introduction to advanced course. Others may allow you to begin classes out of sequence. Look at the school's course catalog for the times that classes are offered. This will help you evaluate whether you will have time to get to class if you are leaving the office. Online programs may also be valuable, in that you may be able to complete the degree on your time.

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Research state requirements. Businesses often hire accountants with only a degree in accounting. Many, however, will require that an accountant hold a Certified Public Accounting credential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that accountants with a CPA credential will have an easier time finding employment. In 46 states, plus the District of Columbia, CPA candidates must have 150 hours of college-level course work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other states may require a specific number of college accounting classes. All states require candidates to pass an exam. Research whether any of the schools you are evaluating has a program specifically designed to help students take the CPA exam.

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Apply to programs you think may suit your needs and schedule. Apply to more than one program to keep your options open in case you are not accepted to a specific program. At the same time, apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Financial Aid, or, FAFSA form.

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Evaluate the schools that have accepted you and the financial aid offers you have received. Once you have filled out your financial aid form, you will learn the amount of loans, grants or scholarships you are eligible for. Use this information to narrow down your final selection of a school.

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Use your network to find a job. Once enrolled in classes, be persistent in networking with instructors and classmates about career opportunities and openings.

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