If you’re looking to become an accountant without a degree, there are a few things you should know.

A degree in accounting is not required to work in this field. However, having some kind of certification or license will help you stand out from other candidates. Accounting professionals can obtain certification by passing one or more exams offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). These exams cover areas such as auditing, management and financial reporting, taxation, and information technology.

Becoming certified as an accountant may require completing undergraduate coursework in accounting and business administration and passing the CPA exam or one of the specialized exams offered by AICPA. Becoming certified as a public accountant (CPA) takes about two years if you attend school full time and complete all requirements for licensure on time.

How To Become Accountant Without Degree

How to become an accountant without a degree

Use the following steps as a guide to become an accountant without a degree:

1. Make a list of what you already know

Depending on your mathematical skills and courses you took in high school, you may already have a basic understanding of accounting concepts. Take some time to make a list of what you understand that relates to accounting so that you know where to start your learning.

2. Enroll in an accounting certification course

Whether you have a degree, it is important to have a certification in accounting to further your knowledge and increase your chance of employment. You can use an accounting certificate to qualify for several jobs in accounting. There are various courses that you can enroll in online or in-person, which helps you prepare to pass a certification exam. Look online to find a program that fits your schedule best.

3. Look for volunteer experience

Volunteering is a great way to familiarize yourself with accounting if you have little experience. You can do administrative tasks or work in a bookkeeping position, both of which offer you valuable insight into the daily procedures of accounting. Look for local charities or organizations who include volunteer accountants on their staff.

Related: What are the Benefits of Volunteering? Top Reasons to Volunteer

4. Get a full-time job in an accounting department to gain experience

A great way to grow as an accountant is to gain as much experience as possible. While you may not necessarily work as an accountant, working within an accounting department may help you better understand what a career in accounting entails. You may observe accountants while they work and get an idea for how a typical accounting department runs its operations on a day-to-day basis.

Look online for jobs that are hiring entry-level accounting clerks or assistants. Many employers hire clerks who are active in a certification program, even if they haven’t finished with the program yet.

5. Reach out to other accountants

Networking is a great way to build professional relationships, find new opportunities and learn more about accounting. By expanding your network and establishing connections with fellow accountants, you are setting yourself up for career advancement. One way to network is by joining an online accountant association where you connect with other accounting professionals.

Accounting jobs for non-accounting majors

You can become an accountant even if you have a degree in a different field from accounting. Individuals with knowledge of bookkeeping or skilled in mathematics have the potential to qualify for an accounting job. Along with a degree, you also need a certification in accounting. Here is a list of majors that qualify for accounting jobs:

Business administration degree

A business administration degree gives you the chance to study all parts of a company, including the financial department. You may use this degree to understand how accounting connects with other aspects of the company, like payroll, sales or budgeting.

Computer science degree

A computer science degree gives you understanding of the technology field, which is beneficial since, as an accountant, you work with several software programs to store and maintain financial data.

Education degree (mathematics focus)

A degree in education can help you as an accountant because you familiarize yourself with mathematical concepts that accountants use, like algebra, calculus and statistics. This degree may also teach you successful leadership skills that you can use for career advancement in accounting.

Accounting certifications without a degree

The National Bookkeepers Association offers various accounting certifications that do not require a degree, and you can enroll and complete the following certification exams online, including:

• Bookkeeper certification: This certification allows you to validate and show your bookkeeping skills. There is a bookkeeping course that you must complete before taking the exam that focuses on teaching people with no prior knowledge the basics of bookkeeping.
• Accounting certification: This certification gives you an understanding of the fundamentals of accounting, including accounts payable, inventory, financial statements and reporting standards. The prerequisite for this certification includes a course on accounting principles.
• Accounting analysis certification: This certification focuses on the business aspect of accounting, concentrating on how to generate and analyze accounting information. You must first complete the accounting analysis course offered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).
• QuickBooks certification: This involves training and familiarizing yourself with the accounting software, QuickBooks, which is a software that is most commonly used among accounting agencies. The prerequisite for this certification involves completing a fundamental course on QuickBooks.