You don't have to spend four-plus years in university to work in accounting.
Through an accounting technology program, you can start off a little lower
on the totem pole and be out working in the field in anywhere from
one to three years.
For example, GateWay Community College in Arizona offers a microcomputer
accounting course and a full-time two-year diploma program, with the option
of doing just one year and acquiring a certificate. Many private business
colleges have accounting programs which can take less than a year. And sometimes
the courses can be transferred towards an accounting degree.
Think hard about what kind of accounting you want to be doing and talk
to prospective employers to see what kind of program they would recommend.
Once you've chosen a program, you have to be accepted. Accounting technology
programs are extremely popular; having a high academic average will
certainly help your chances.
And while you obviously need to study math in high school, you should
also focus on English. Communication skills are important in this field.
"It seems to be a big problem with all accounting students, not having
adequate English writing skills," says Roger Hamood. He is an accounting professor
at Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Hamood recommends high school students take any form of economics or business-related
courses their high school offers. Computer skills are also useful.
Typical expenses for an accounting program include textbooks and
a business math calculator.
You can sometimes find good deals on these items, so shop around.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
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