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Luciano
Student
Lombard, Illinois
1
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What are the entrance requirements for being a accountant
What are the requirements for be a accountant
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7 answers
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Luciano,
To become an accountant in Illinois, follow these steps:
1. Education: Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field from a recognized institution. Make sure your degree includes the required accounting courses and credit hours.
2. Examination: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam, which has three main sections (AUD, FAR, REG) and one specialty section (BAR/ISC/TCP).
3. Experience: Obtain at least one year of full-time accounting experience. This can be in public or private sectors and must be verified by a licensed CPA.
4. Licensing: Apply for your CPA license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) after passing the exam and completing your experience.
5. Continuing Education: Keep your license active by completing the necessary continuing professional education (CPE) hours.
For more details, visit the Illinois CPA Society and the Illinois Board of Examiners websites.
If you wait more than four years to apply for your license after getting your CPA certificate, you'll need to complete 90 CPE hours. Also, you must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam.
You can apply for the CPA exam anytime during the year. Illinois does not require you to be a resident or a U.S. citizen to take the exam. Changes to the CPA license requirements are expected in 2027, offering more pathways to licensure.
Good luck!
To become an accountant in Illinois, follow these steps:
1. Education: Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field from a recognized institution. Make sure your degree includes the required accounting courses and credit hours.
2. Examination: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam, which has three main sections (AUD, FAR, REG) and one specialty section (BAR/ISC/TCP).
3. Experience: Obtain at least one year of full-time accounting experience. This can be in public or private sectors and must be verified by a licensed CPA.
4. Licensing: Apply for your CPA license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) after passing the exam and completing your experience.
5. Continuing Education: Keep your license active by completing the necessary continuing professional education (CPE) hours.
For more details, visit the Illinois CPA Society and the Illinois Board of Examiners websites.
If you wait more than four years to apply for your license after getting your CPA certificate, you'll need to complete 90 CPE hours. Also, you must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam.
You can apply for the CPA exam anytime during the year. Illinois does not require you to be a resident or a U.S. citizen to take the exam. Changes to the CPA license requirements are expected in 2027, offering more pathways to licensure.
Good luck!
Andrew Fan
Deals Advisory Associate
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Luciano,
A good place to start is to think about what kind of accounting career you want and what interests you most. For example, in public accounting you can work in audit, tax, or consulting, often at large firms like PwC, Deloitte, or EY. There’s also corporate accounting, where you work inside a company to manage its finances, government accounting, where you handle public funds, and forensic accounting, which is more investigative, like a financial detective. These are just a few of the many possible paths.
No matter which path you choose, the common foundation is education. Most accountants start with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business. In college, you’ll study topics like financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. These courses provide the background you’ll need to succeed and prepare you for certifications.
Certifications are an important part of an accounting career. The most well-known is the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license, which is required for many higher-level accounting jobs and for signing off on audits. To earn the CPA, you’ll usually need 150 college credit hours (a bit more than a typical bachelor’s degree) plus passing a challenging multi-part exam and gaining professional experience. There are also other certifications like the CMA (Certified Management Accountant), which focuses more on corporate finance and management, and the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), which is useful if you’re interested in auditing within organizations. Each certification has its own requirements for education, exams, and work experience.
It’s also worth knowing that beyond academics, successful accountants build skills in problem-solving, communication, and technology. Employers value people who can explain financial information clearly, work with data tools, and think critically about numbers.
Finally, don’t worry if you don’t know exactly which path you want right now. Many students start by getting a general accounting degree and then explore different areas through internships or early jobs. As you gain experience, you’ll discover what areas of accounting interest you most and can pursue the certifications and career paths that match your goals
A good place to start is to think about what kind of accounting career you want and what interests you most. For example, in public accounting you can work in audit, tax, or consulting, often at large firms like PwC, Deloitte, or EY. There’s also corporate accounting, where you work inside a company to manage its finances, government accounting, where you handle public funds, and forensic accounting, which is more investigative, like a financial detective. These are just a few of the many possible paths.
No matter which path you choose, the common foundation is education. Most accountants start with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business. In college, you’ll study topics like financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. These courses provide the background you’ll need to succeed and prepare you for certifications.
Certifications are an important part of an accounting career. The most well-known is the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license, which is required for many higher-level accounting jobs and for signing off on audits. To earn the CPA, you’ll usually need 150 college credit hours (a bit more than a typical bachelor’s degree) plus passing a challenging multi-part exam and gaining professional experience. There are also other certifications like the CMA (Certified Management Accountant), which focuses more on corporate finance and management, and the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), which is useful if you’re interested in auditing within organizations. Each certification has its own requirements for education, exams, and work experience.
It’s also worth knowing that beyond academics, successful accountants build skills in problem-solving, communication, and technology. Employers value people who can explain financial information clearly, work with data tools, and think critically about numbers.
Finally, don’t worry if you don’t know exactly which path you want right now. Many students start by getting a general accounting degree and then explore different areas through internships or early jobs. As you gain experience, you’ll discover what areas of accounting interest you most and can pursue the certifications and career paths that match your goals
Jason Lee
Consulting
33
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jason’s Answer
I assume you're asking about the entrance requirements for being an accountant in Illinois?
To start as an accountant in Illinois, having a bachelor’s degree plus some hands-on experience (like internships or entry-level jobs) is usually enough. If you want to go further and become a CPA, you’ll need extra classes, pass exams, and gain some professional experience.
1. Education
Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor’s in accounting, finance, or a related field.
2. Entry-Level Roles
Jobs like bookkeeping or payroll assistant usually ask for a degree or relevant coursework, basic accounting knowledge, and familiarity with software like Excel. Experience helps but isn’t always required.
3. Skills
Attention to detail, good organization, communication skills, and being comfortable with numbers are key.
4. CPA License (optional but valuable)
Becoming a CPA means extra coursework, passing exams, and working under a licensed CPA—it can really boost your career.
To start as an accountant in Illinois, having a bachelor’s degree plus some hands-on experience (like internships or entry-level jobs) is usually enough. If you want to go further and become a CPA, you’ll need extra classes, pass exams, and gain some professional experience.
1. Education
Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor’s in accounting, finance, or a related field.
2. Entry-Level Roles
Jobs like bookkeeping or payroll assistant usually ask for a degree or relevant coursework, basic accounting knowledge, and familiarity with software like Excel. Experience helps but isn’t always required.
3. Skills
Attention to detail, good organization, communication skills, and being comfortable with numbers are key.
4. CPA License (optional but valuable)
Becoming a CPA means extra coursework, passing exams, and working under a licensed CPA—it can really boost your career.
Shirley L
Accountant
78
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hi Luciano,
In order to become an accountant, you can start with pursuing a Bachelor's degree in accounting, which will take approximately four years. Although it's not necessarily required, you can also pursue a Master's degree in Accounting or Tax to deepen your knowledge.
It's important to remember that it is not required to be Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to be an accountant. There are successful accountants in the profession who are not CPAs. However, CPAs tend to earn more than non-CPAs and it opens up more opportunities. The CPA exam has four sections, which can be taken over the course of 30 months. I would check with the state requirements where you intend to practice to gain a more holistic view of the criteria. It will require numerous hours of studying, but it's an invaluable investment in your career.
If you are interested in tax, you can also become an enrolled agent (EA) who can represent taxpayers when working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
In order to become an accountant, you can start with pursuing a Bachelor's degree in accounting, which will take approximately four years. Although it's not necessarily required, you can also pursue a Master's degree in Accounting or Tax to deepen your knowledge.
It's important to remember that it is not required to be Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to be an accountant. There are successful accountants in the profession who are not CPAs. However, CPAs tend to earn more than non-CPAs and it opens up more opportunities. The CPA exam has four sections, which can be taken over the course of 30 months. I would check with the state requirements where you intend to practice to gain a more holistic view of the criteria. It will require numerous hours of studying, but it's an invaluable investment in your career.
If you are interested in tax, you can also become an enrolled agent (EA) who can represent taxpayers when working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
L D
Manager
36
Answers
Killona, LA
Updated
L’s Answer
Many accountants start with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business. In college, you'll learn about financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law, which are essential for your career. Entry-level jobs like bookkeeping or payroll assistant might accept someone for the position with relevant college experience without a degree if they have good skills with Excel and other accounting software skills.
While a degree is a great start, many accountants earn certifications to grow their careers. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is well-known and often required for higher-level positions. To become a CPA, you'll need about 150 college credit hours, pass an exam, and gain experience with a licensed CPA. The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) focuses on corporate finance, while the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is great for those interested in auditing.
Best of luck!
While a degree is a great start, many accountants earn certifications to grow their careers. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is well-known and often required for higher-level positions. To become a CPA, you'll need about 150 college credit hours, pass an exam, and gain experience with a licensed CPA. The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) focuses on corporate finance, while the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is great for those interested in auditing.
Best of luck!
Ray Yap
Microsoft GCR CFO
1
Answer
Seoul, South Korea
Updated
Ray’s Answer
Good question Luciano. I saw many people had given you great advices and i would synthesize it to the following:
1. Education & certification: Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor’s in accounting, finance, or a related field. Stronger education background increase you chances to be successful in long-term as you further advance. Having a certified public accountant (CPA) will definitely a plus but not mandatory.
2. Skills: Attention to detail, sensitive to number, know how to leverage technology to deliver tasks, i.e. knowing how to use Microsoft Office and other accounting system. Able to apply logical thinking into process and tasks. Able to communicate well with others.
3. Experience: Try to equip different finance function experience, i.e. Treasury, tax, management P&L, commercial finance etc to widen experience as you gradually grow.
Hope this helps you give you a high level indicators and wishing you all the best!
1. Education & certification: Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor’s in accounting, finance, or a related field. Stronger education background increase you chances to be successful in long-term as you further advance. Having a certified public accountant (CPA) will definitely a plus but not mandatory.
2. Skills: Attention to detail, sensitive to number, know how to leverage technology to deliver tasks, i.e. knowing how to use Microsoft Office and other accounting system. Able to apply logical thinking into process and tasks. Able to communicate well with others.
3. Experience: Try to equip different finance function experience, i.e. Treasury, tax, management P&L, commercial finance etc to widen experience as you gradually grow.
Hope this helps you give you a high level indicators and wishing you all the best!
Harry Clapeck
Manufacturing
47
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Harry’s Answer
Hi Luciano, Sorry, but don't understand your question. Are you asking about getting a job - or getting into school? I will try to answer you, but maybe it might be easier if you revised your question.
Harry
Harry