Are you good with numbers, interested in finances and enjoy analysing data? Then a career in accounting might be just right for you. Accountants are well-paid professionals who carry out accounting functions that can include auditing, account and financial statement analysis, or they may be employed in executive, planning or advisory roles.
As you can see, there are many different types of accountant roles you can take on and there is also a great deal of flexibility in where and how you choose to work. Most enterprises need to employ accountants so you could find yourself working for a small, owner-led business, a large global company, a private practice, or get to work for clients who require the services of in-demand outsourced accountants.
To follow this career path, you will need a formal qualification. You’ll also want to look into accounting courses that will give you an idea of whether this line of work is right for you, as well as allowing you to specialise in a particular discipline if you already work in this field.
Let’s find out how to become an accountant.
Pick a speciality or generalise
Accountants at varying levels can, in essence, tackle almost any role or task of a financial nature. Some choose a generalist role, which will see them carry out a variety of tasks across a business from generating customer invoices using the latest software to filing company taxes. Others specialise in a particular area of finance like forensic accounting, for example.
These are just some of the disciplines open to you if you choose to become an accountant. Keep in mind that each area of expertise will impact not only the type of work you do on a daily basis, but also the benefits and accountant salary on offer, as well as hours and where you’ll be able to work (for a local employer or international clients).
- Auditing
- Business valuation
- Environmental accounting
- Government finance
- Information management and technology assurance
- Internal financial accounting
- Management accounting
- Non-profit accounting
- Outsourced accounting
- Personal finance accounting
- Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) accountant
- Tax accounting
Accessing the right accountant training
There are so many available accounting qualifications and courses to choose from, making a selection can be daunting. But not to worry. If you’re looking for a real-world, supportive, and hands-on learning experience that gives you the best industry-relevant training to ensure you are job-ready as soon as you graduate, then we’d love to be that education partner you need.
Another important consideration is where and how you’ll study. Online accounting courses mean you can go ahead with your studies no matter where you live and have the flexibility to learn in your own time so you can continue to work or keep up with family commitments.
These are some of the industry-recognised generalist and specialist courses you could benefit from.
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40217
This comprehensive course teaches you all the accounting and bookkeeping fundamentals and you also have the option to learn industry-leading accounting software progams like MYOB, QuickBooks and Xero. On completion of the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40217, you could work as a certified bookkeeper, a registered BAS agent with the Tax Practitioners Board (other criteria apply), a payroll officer, or an account assistant. You can also use this accounting certificate to pursue higher education such as the Diploma of Accounting FNS50217 or Diploma of Payroll Services FNS50417.
Certificate III in Accounts Administration FNS30317
This course is aimed at aspiring accounts officers or clerks, accounts payable or receivable officers, accounts assistants, or anyone looking to progress to the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40217 qualification. The in-demand Certificate III in Accounts Administration FNS30317 will give you a job-ready understanding of accounting and bookkeeping fundamentals, it will help you establish and maintain payroll systems, and set up and operate computer accounting systems, along with designing and producing business documents.
Diploma of Accounting FNS50217
A gold standard for accounting professionals in Australia, the Diploma of Accounting FNS50217 is a highly sought-after credential approved by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). Building strategically on previous studies, you will take a deeper dive into provisional financial and business performance information, preparing budgets and forecasts, comprehending taxation documentation for individuals and legal entities, management reporting, and emotional intelligence in the workplace.
BAS Agent Skill Set FNSS00004
The BAS Agent Skill Set FNSSS00004 course expands your knowledge and the skills you can use to further your career in the financial industry. This accounting certification thoroughly prepares you to navigate BAS Agent tasks and processes with confidence. This is a great pathway to becoming a certified bookkeeper or registered BAS agent.
If you’d like more insight on various career pathways after you graduate, read our blog What career doors open up with a Diploma of Accounting?
Professional associations
If you’d prefer to get a bachelor’s degree in accounting, there are benefits to joining a recognised accounting institution after qualifying. Once you’re on the books of an internationally acclaimed organisation like the Institute of Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, or CPA Australia, you can improve your career growth opportunities both locally and overseas.
Choosing a career path partner
It’s not hard to see why accounting is a rewarding career choice, with excellent job prospects, above-average salaries, and opportunities for advancement.
Deciding the best accounting courses to take that will set you on the right career path is an important first step and we’re here to help. The Ab2 Institute of Accounting was created to serve those who want to get ahead in the accounting and financial industries by offering the latest courses and thinking from industry experts to help you move forward and stay relevant every step of the way.
Contact us today to find out how we can partner with you as you walk the exciting path ahead.
