10 answers
Emma
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
1506 views
What are the basic knowledge requirements to become an accountant ?
I’m in 8th grade and I’ve settled that an accountant is a job id be interested in. I’d like to know however what basic knowledge you’d have to know to start that route.
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10 answers
Hetal Patel
16
Answers
Updated
Hetal’s Answer
To start a career as an accountant, you should have a good understanding of basic math, money management, and bookkeeping. It helps to learn about income, expenses, savings, and simple financial records. Later, you can study accounting principles, taxes, and computer software like Excel or accounting apps.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Emma
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
503
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Emma,
Great question! It's awesome that you're thinking about your future career. To become an accountant, start by focusing on math, especially algebra and geometry, because accounting needs good number skills. It's also important to have strong English and communication skills to explain financial details clearly. In high school, try to take classes in accounting basics, business, and economics if you can, and keep doing well in math and English. Pay attention to details and work on staying organized, as these are key in accounting. Also, get comfortable with computers, especially spreadsheet programs like Excel, since accounting is mostly digital now. Most importantly, stay curious about how businesses work and how money moves in them—this curiosity will help as you learn and work toward certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
Great question! It's awesome that you're thinking about your future career. To become an accountant, start by focusing on math, especially algebra and geometry, because accounting needs good number skills. It's also important to have strong English and communication skills to explain financial details clearly. In high school, try to take classes in accounting basics, business, and economics if you can, and keep doing well in math and English. Pay attention to details and work on staying organized, as these are key in accounting. Also, get comfortable with computers, especially spreadsheet programs like Excel, since accounting is mostly digital now. Most importantly, stay curious about how businesses work and how money moves in them—this curiosity will help as you learn and work toward certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
Thank you so much for your input. I appreciate this!
Emma
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2423
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you would like to be an accountant in the future.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Different countries have different requirements to become an accountant. You can do some research on it.
2. Work hard on your maths
3. Attend the information session hosts by accounting department of colleges
4. Seek guidance from school career counselor
5. Speak to someone who are working as accountant
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Different countries have different requirements to become an accountant. You can do some research on it.
2. Work hard on your maths
3. Attend the information session hosts by accounting department of colleges
4. Seek guidance from school career counselor
5. Speak to someone who are working as accountant
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Emma
Charnelle Saint-laurent
Observer analyst
70
Answers
Huntington Station, New York
Updated
Charnelle’s Answer
Hello Emma,
That is great that you have an idea of what you want to do at a young yet mature age. An accountant needs to be a people person in order to have a good reputation and clients. Also, they need to be knowledgeable in math and actually understand it. That is all I think you need to be worrying about: your age and staying on track with your grades. When you reach college, you can dive right into your major or explore for two years. You should also try joining a math club or something. I hope this is helpful to you. One last thing, if you don't have the basics you can't move on to the advanced stages.
Regards,
CSL
That is great that you have an idea of what you want to do at a young yet mature age. An accountant needs to be a people person in order to have a good reputation and clients. Also, they need to be knowledgeable in math and actually understand it. That is all I think you need to be worrying about: your age and staying on track with your grades. When you reach college, you can dive right into your major or explore for two years. You should also try joining a math club or something. I hope this is helpful to you. One last thing, if you don't have the basics you can't move on to the advanced stages.
Regards,
CSL
Thank you so much for the advice and I will look into math clubs at my school, Emma.
Emma
Morgan Adams
Healthcare Administration
35
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
To become an accountant, you need a solid foundation in mathematics, particularly basic arithmetic, algebra, and statistics, along with a strong understanding of financial principles such as bookkeeping, financial statements, budgeting, and cost accounting. Knowledge of business concepts, economics, and taxation is also important, as well as familiarity with accounting software, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools. In addition to technical skills, successful accountants need attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, ethical judgment, and clear communication skills to interpret financial information and explain it to clients or organizations accurately.
Thank you so much!
Emma
Jenna Stevenson
Business Operations Consultant
1
Answer
Hermosa Beach, California
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
Hi Emma! That is so great that you are already starting to think about what you would like to do for your career. It is very important that you have a strong foundation and understanding in math (algebra, statistics, calculus, etc.). Often times, there are many clubs or after school programs that offer business / accounting classes that may help as well. It is important that you have a good understanding of the way businesses work especially on the financial side.
S I
Finance
24
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
S’s Answer
Hi Emma! It’s great that you’re already thinking about careers in 8th grade — accounting is a strong, flexible, and respected path.
You don’t need to know everything now. Below is a clear overview of the basic knowledge and skills that help people become accountants over time.
Core School Subjects to Focus On
You don’t need to be an advanced mathematician — accounting relies more on logic and accuracy than complex math.
• Basic math
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Percentages (very important in accounting)
• Fractions and decimals
• Algebra
• Helps with formulas and structured problem-solving
• Economics or business classes (if available)
• How businesses make money
• Costs, revenues, and profits
• English and writing
• Accountants write emails, explanations, and reports
• Clear communication is an important skill
Fundamental Accounting Concepts (Learned Later)
You are not expected to know these now — this is just to understand what accounting involves.
• How money moves through a business
• Income (money earned)
• Expenses (money spent)
• Profit and loss
• Basic financial statements
• Income statements
• Balance sheets
• Record-keeping and accuracy
• Organizing financial information
• Checking for small errors
Skills That Make a Good Accountant
These matter just as much as school subjects.
• Organization and planning
• Attention to detail
• Logical thinking and problem-solving
• Responsibility and integrity
• Patience and focus
Technology Skills
Modern accounting relies heavily on technology.
• Using spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets)
• General computer skills
• Learning new software and tools
• Comfort working with digital systems
Education Path (For the Future)
You don’t need to worry about this yet, but for awareness:
• Most accountants earn a college degree in accounting or business
• Some choose professional certifications later (such as CPA)
• There are many career paths: corporate accounting, tax, finance, consulting
What You Can Do Now
At your stage, this is what matters most:
• Build strong foundations in math and writing
• Learn basic money skills like budgeting and saving
• Stay curious and ask questions
• Explore clubs or classes related to math or business if available
• Don’t stress — you are very early, and you have plenty of time
You don’t need to know everything now. Below is a clear overview of the basic knowledge and skills that help people become accountants over time.
Core School Subjects to Focus On
You don’t need to be an advanced mathematician — accounting relies more on logic and accuracy than complex math.
• Basic math
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Percentages (very important in accounting)
• Fractions and decimals
• Algebra
• Helps with formulas and structured problem-solving
• Economics or business classes (if available)
• How businesses make money
• Costs, revenues, and profits
• English and writing
• Accountants write emails, explanations, and reports
• Clear communication is an important skill
Fundamental Accounting Concepts (Learned Later)
You are not expected to know these now — this is just to understand what accounting involves.
• How money moves through a business
• Income (money earned)
• Expenses (money spent)
• Profit and loss
• Basic financial statements
• Income statements
• Balance sheets
• Record-keeping and accuracy
• Organizing financial information
• Checking for small errors
Skills That Make a Good Accountant
These matter just as much as school subjects.
• Organization and planning
• Attention to detail
• Logical thinking and problem-solving
• Responsibility and integrity
• Patience and focus
Technology Skills
Modern accounting relies heavily on technology.
• Using spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets)
• General computer skills
• Learning new software and tools
• Comfort working with digital systems
Education Path (For the Future)
You don’t need to worry about this yet, but for awareness:
• Most accountants earn a college degree in accounting or business
• Some choose professional certifications later (such as CPA)
• There are many career paths: corporate accounting, tax, finance, consulting
What You Can Do Now
At your stage, this is what matters most:
• Build strong foundations in math and writing
• Learn basic money skills like budgeting and saving
• Stay curious and ask questions
• Explore clubs or classes related to math or business if available
• Don’t stress — you are very early, and you have plenty of time
Thank you so much for the advice.
Emma
Kenyatta Thomas
Software Engineering Manager
2
Answers
Westminster, Colorado
Updated
Kenyatta’s Answer
Hi Emma, I'm glad you asked!
If you're thinking about a career in accounting after high school, it's a good idea to build strong math skills. Try to take classes in algebra and probability & statistics. If your school offers business courses, those can give you a good start on understanding how businesses work. It's even better if you can take economics or finance classes too!
After you graduate, look for a college with a good accounting program. Arizona State University has a strong program and is nearby for you.
If you're thinking about a career in accounting after high school, it's a good idea to build strong math skills. Try to take classes in algebra and probability & statistics. If your school offers business courses, those can give you a good start on understanding how businesses work. It's even better if you can take economics or finance classes too!
After you graduate, look for a college with a good accounting program. Arizona State University has a strong program and is nearby for you.
I appreciate your support, Kenyatta
Emma
Evgeny Brusilovsky
Finance Technology
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Evgeny’s Answer
If you want to learn accounting, try thinking of yourself as a business. Start by keeping track of your money, what you own, and any loans. Create simple financial reports from this information. You can find free software to help you get started—there are many basic options available. After a few months, you'll begin to see patterns in your records. Then, you can move on to more advanced topics like budgeting or long-term planning. This way, you'll also get a feel for whether you enjoy this career path.
Thank you for the advice.
Emma
Mara Stajic
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Mara’s Answer
Emma, it's terrific that you already are thinking about becoming an accountant! I graduated with my accounting degree and it's a terrific career path. As has been mentioned, you want to make sure you build your foundational skills (math, etc.). You also want to make sure you're building other skills like communication (written and verbal) skills, attention to detail, and relationship building skills. These are skills that you can build at school, at volunteer events or sporting events. Accounting is more than just numbers, it's also a relationship-based career.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Emma