To many people, the pursuit of a career in accounting is boring and frustrating. But this is not true. This career path is the main route to becoming a C-suite executive that relates to finance. You can become a chief financial officer (CFO) or as it will be known in the future, a Chief Value Officer (CVO). In this article, we streamline the steps that you can use to kickstart your accounting career.
The Idea of becoming an accountant
The primary reason why I chose the accounting career path while growing up was because I knew that accounting was an evolving profession. Earlier in my career, I knew that there would always be something new to learn. That means there is no dollar moment in the accounting field till you retire.
Tax laws change over time; accounting standards evolve as businesses do. In fact, for the past decades, corporate governance, risk management, strategy, and ESG (sustainability reporting) have become part of the profession. These have broadened the profession into something else.
Therefore, if a career in accounting is what you seek after secondary school or you're already in your 30s and want to change careers, I have got you on how to go about it.
Kick-starting a career path in accounting as a secondary school leaver
If you are through with your secondary school and have gotten your O’Level result from WAEC or/NECO exams, then you can do the following:
- Use higher education to start your career
- Register as an ATSWA student
Using higher education
There is a huge competition here. First, you will pass your UTME exam and write the entry exam set by the University or Polytechnic of your choice. Only after you have passed these two exams can you begin your study in accounting. A B.Sc or HND in Accounting will give you the right footing in your career journey in accounting.
Before completing your higher education, you should consider learning accounting software like QuickBooks, Sage 50, Tyms, and others. You should also learn Microsoft Excel Because you will need it a lot on the job. If possible, you should also learn data analytics.
Some individuals with the financial means may decide to pursue their ICAN exams while in the University. If you're not capable of doing so, the aforementioned will pit you in the right direction.
Registering as an ATSWA student
This is another way to kickstart your accounting career if you have an O’Level result. Unlike the higher education steps, you do not need to have passed accounting or commerce in your O’Level to begin. If you have Chemistry or Government or something similar, you can still proceed as long as you have 5 credits, including Maths and English, in your O’Level.
After registering for ATSWA, you will have to pass the three-stage examination. Next, you can proceed to ICAN to obtain the Chartered Accountant certificate. While learning through this path you should consider learning accounting software, Microsoft Excel and data analytics. The advantage of using this path is that you will spend fewer years to become a professional accountant when compared with the higher education pathway.
Kick-starting a career path in accounting from a different career
If you're already pursuing a different career and want to switch to accounting, then writing ICAN exams is the way to follow. Many people have shifted from the science field to finance through this medium.
You're not alone
The journey into the finance profession is not as boring as people say. Many people who find accounting boring and difficult are today's professionals in accounting. For me, accounting is a profession that I will always want to pursue. If I were to be born over again by my parents, I would always choose the accounting career.
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