Become an accountant without a degree by gaining experience in bookkeeping, earning certifications like Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or Chartered Accountant Technician (CAT), and taking online courses in accounting principles. Some employers offer apprenticeships or promote from within based on skills and experience.
Many people think you need an accounting degree to get into the accounting field. But you can gain experience, get accounting certifications and get accounting jobs without a 4 year degree. Employers often prioritize experience, certification and practical accounting skills over formal education.
This guide will walk you through a step by step process to start an accounting career without a bachelor’s degree.
Many people think you need an accounting degree to get into the accounting field. But you can gain experience, get accounting certifications and get accounting jobs without a 4 year degree. Employers often prioritize experience, certification and practical accounting skills over formal education.
We look at process to start an accounting career without a bachelor’s degree.
What is an Accountant
An accountant keeps track of a company’s financial records by recording financial transactions, preparing tax returns and reconciling accounts. Entry level accounting jobs focus on bookkeeping, payroll processing and financial reporting.
Tasks Without a Degree
- Bookkeeping: Managing accounts receivable, accounts payable and outstanding bills.
- Tax Preparation: Assisting with tax returns under a licensed CPA or enrolled agent.
- Data Entry: Entering financial transactions into accounting software like QuickBooks.
- Auditing Clerk: Reviewing financial reports.
Positions That Don’t Require a Degree
- Accounting Clerk – Reconciles accounts and processes invoices.
- Tax Preparer – Prepares tax returns for individuals or businesses.
- Payroll Assistant – Manages employee payments and deductions in the HR department.
- Bookkeeper – Maintains financial records and bank statements for small businesses.
- Receivable Clerks – Tracks incoming payments and outstanding bills.
Employers value verified experience, on-the-job training and accounting certifications over educational requirements.
Certifications Instead of a Degree
Certification can replace a bachelor’s degree in many accounting positions. Certifications show accounting skills, financial accounting knowledge and management accounting expertise.
Top Certifications for Non-Degree Holders
| Certification | Requirements | Career Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Bookkeeper (CB) | High school diploma, bookkeeping experience | Bookkeeper, accounting clerk, auditing clerk |
| Enrolled Agent (EA) | Pass the EA exam | Tax preparer, tax consultant |
| Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | Pass the CMA exam, relevant experience | Management accounting, financial reports |
| QuickBooks Certification | Online courses or training | Bookkeeping, data entry |
| Chartered Tax Professional (CTP) | Tax coursework, verified experience | Tax preparation, IRS representation |
CPA Exam: You need a bachelor’s degree to take the CPA exam and get a CPA license. But alternative certifications offer career opportunities without a 4 year degree.
Experience Without a Degree
Accounting jobs require hands on experience with financial transactions, reconciliations and financial reports. Employers value real world accounting skills over college education.
How to Gain Experience
- Entry Level Positions: Apply for bookkeeping, payroll or accounting clerk roles.
- Freelancing: Offer tax preparation, bookkeeping or financial accounting services online.
- On-the-Job Training: Learn accounting tasks while working in an office or accounting firm.
- Internships: Gain experience by working with a licensed CPA or public accounting firm.
- Volunteering: Help non-profits with bank statements, tax returns and financial reports.
Employers often waive educational requirements for candidates with accounting skills and professional certification.
Learning Accounting Skills Through Online Courses and Self-Study
Self education through community college courses, online courses and additional coursework can build the necessary accounting knowledge. Many professionals use online resources instead of formal college education.
How to Learn Accounting Without a Degree
- Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, Udemy and edX offer accounting courses.
- Community College Courses: Take tax preparation, business management or accounting classes.
- Accounting Books: Study financial accounting, management accounting and auditing.
- YouTube Tutorials: Watch step by step lessons on reconciling accounts and tax preparation.
- Practice with Accounting Software: Learn QuickBooks, Xero and Excel for financial reports.
Employers recognize additional accounting courses as alternative education.
Master Accounting Software and Tools
Employers value accounting skills over educational requirements so software proficiency is key.
Top Accounting Software
| Software | Use Case |
|---|---|
| QuickBooks | Bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial reports |
| Xero | Cloud-based accounting for small businesses |
| FreshBooks | Invoicing and accounts receivable |
| Microsoft Excel | Financial modeling and data entry |
| Wave Accounting | Free software for startups |
How to Learn Accounting Software for Free
- Take Online Courses: Many companies offer free QuickBooks and Excel training.
- Use Free Trials: Practice bookkeeping and reconciling accounts with demo accounts.
- Watch Video Tutorials: Learn bank statement imports, tax returns and management accounting processes.
Knowing these tools can help you get accounting jobs without a bachelor’s degree.
Networking and Career Opportunities
Networking helps non-degree professionals find entry level positions, freelancing opportunities and CPA’s willing to mentor.
How to Network in Accounting
- Join Online Communities: Participate in accounting forums and LinkedIn groups.
- Attend Industry Events: Meet accountants at public accounting seminars.
- Find a Mentor: Work under a licensed CPA or professional accountant.
- Offer Free Work for Testimonials: Get verified experience and references.
- Apply for Jobs on Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork and Fiverr offer accounting jobs.
Networking helps you gain experience, find career opportunities and build credibility in the accounting industry.
No Degree Required
Once you have experience, career advancement requires specialization and professional certification.
Long Term Growth
- Higher Level Certifications: CMA certification or EA exam prep.
- Specialize in a Niche: Tax preparation, auditing clerk or business administration.
- Start an Accounting Firm: Bookkeeping and financial accounting services.
- Get a Degree Later: Many professionals start with an associate’s degree and additional college credits.
- Become a CPA Candidate: Some states allow CPA exam eligibility with experience and additional coursework.
With experience, professional certification and strong accounting skills you can advance your career without a traditional accounting degree.
Final Points
You can be an accountant without a degree by getting hands on experience, earning accounting certifications and learning financial accounting tasks. Employers value skills, software knowledge and verified experience over educational requirements.
Summary
✔ Accounting Jobs Without a Degree: Bookkeeper, tax preparer, payroll assistant, accounts receivable clerk.
✔ Certifications Instead of a Degree: CB, EA, CMA, QuickBooks, CTP.
✔ How to Get Experience: Entry level positions, freelancing, internships and on-the-job training.
✔ Best Learning Resources: Online courses, community college courses, self study materials.
✔ Essential Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Microsoft Excel.
✔ No Degree Required: Specialize in tax preparation, become an enrolled agent or start an accounting firm.
You don’t need a degree to build a successful accounting career. Follow these steps and you can enter the accounting field, gain experience and advance professionally without a 4 year degree.
Need more information on getting an accounting certification or a job without a degree? Comment below! 🚀
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about these topics.
Can I be an accountant without an accounting degree?
Yes, you can be an accountant without an accounting degree. While a bachelor’s degree in accounting is the traditional route, there are alternative ways to get into the accounting field.
You can start by getting experience as an accounting clerk or pursuing accounting certifications like CMA or EA. Many employers value practical experience and professional certifications over formal education.
What certifications can I get without an accounting degree?
Here are some accounting certifications that don’t require an accounting degree:
– Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Bachelor’s degree in any field and 2 years of experienc2.
– Enrolled Agent (EA): No degree required, focus on tax preparation and IRS representation.
– Certified Public Accountant (CPA): In some states you can take the CPA exam without an accounting degree but you’ll need to meet specific education requirements.
These certifications will help you build your accounting skills and increase your career opportunities in the accounting field.
How can I get accounting experience without a degree?
To get accounting experience without a degree:
-Start as an accounting clerk or entry level positions in accounts receivable or payable.
– Look for on-the-job training in bookkeeping or tax preparation1.
– Volunteer to do financial transactions for non-profit organizations.
– Take community college courses or online accounting courses.
– Look for internships or apprenticeships in accounting firms or finance departments.
Getting hands on experience with tasks like reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports and managing company’s financial records can be beneficial for your accounting career.
How to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) without an accounting degree?
While most states require a bachelor’s degree in accounting to become a CPA, some states allow non-accounting majors to take the CPA exam. Here’s the general process:
– Check your state’s CPA requirements as they vary by state.
– Complete the required accounting coursework which may involve taking additional accounting courses at a college or university.
– Get the required work experience, typically 1-2 years in public accounting or related fields3.
– Study for and pass the CPA exam which consists of four sections37.
– Apply for your CPA license once you’ve met all requirements7.
Becoming a CPA without an accounting degree may take more time and effort but it’s achievable with persistence and the right approach to education and experience.
