Action Plan for Jose Fernando Diego Roa
Future Career:****** accountant
● June 2021
Receive El Capitan Diploma
Step 1: Enroll in a degree program
Regardless of what I plan to do in my career, I’ll need to first earn myBachelor of
Science in Accounting. the first step of learning how to become an accountant. In
my accounting degree program, I’ll take math classes and learn about tax law. I
can also expect to take business-related courses such as these:
● Financial recordkeeping
● Ethics
● Statistics
● Management
● Personal and business tax
● Auditing
● International finance
Lastly, I’ll want to hone my communication skills, since they will be essential to
forming strong working relationships with the individuals and management teams
that will rely on my expertise. Students who do well in accounting programs tend
to excel at math and be organized, analytical and structured. A bachelor’s degree
is the first step in preparing me to sit for the CPA exam or seek entry-level
employment as an accountant.
Step 2: Choose my career path
Deciding on a career path is often the next step to becoming an accountant. I can
choose to specialize in a particular field of accounting, including managerial
accounting, financial accounting, or tax accounting. Or, I can work toward
qualifying as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or obtaining my MBA, which
usually requires additional hours and continuing education.
● Accountants provide several important services for the clients. Here are a
few examples:
● Bookkeeping
● Auditing financial records
● Completing tax returns
● Offering guidance on the most effective uses for a company or personal
funds
Most accountants work in private offices or as a part of a corporate team. Some
are employed by government agencies at the local, state or, federal level.
Auditors may travel from one company to another throughout the year to examine
financial records and provide objective guidance to clients locally or across a
particular region.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for accountants in
2017 was $69,350. Those working in the finance and insurance sectors earned the
highest salaries, with a median of $71,760, while government accountants were
the lowest paid at a median of $65,180.
Step 3: Find an internship
Many students find that working at a paid or unpaid internship can provide
valuable experience that can pay off in higher wages and increased job
opportunities after graduation. Sometimes, an internship can lead to a job offer,
so it’s important to be professional, build my network, and give my best effort
every day.
Step 4: Complete my degree
Completing my degree program, along with any additional coursework needed, is
the next step on my path toward a career in accountancy. Keep in mind, many
universities require a specific grade point average if I’m going on to achieve an
advanced degree.
Step 5: Find a job
With my degree in hand, I’ll be ready to seek and obtain an entry-level position in
the accountancy field. I could even earn the extra credits required to sit for the
CPA exam while working my first job.
Step 6: Get certified
Depending on which specialty field I choose, I may elect to obtain one of several
additional qualifications. Obtaining certifications beyond my degree can improve
my marketability and increase my professional credibility:
Certified Certified Public Accountants, more commonly
Public referred to as CPAs, are required to pass a
Accountan comprehensive examination and must have
ts thorough knowledge in the accounting field.
These specialists are qualified to represent
clients before the Internal Revenue Service
and to file reports with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Certified Accountants with at least five years of
Informatio experience in the information systems field
n Systems can take an examination offered by ISACA,
Auditors formerly known as the Information Systems
Audit and Control Association, to be qualified
as a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
Certified Certified Management Accountants must have
Manageme two years of experience in management
nt accounting and pass an examination offered
Accountan by the Institute of Management Accountants.
ts
Certified Certified Internal Auditors are required to pass
Internal a four-part test administered by the Institute of
Auditors Internal Auditors and must have at least two
years of work experience as internal auditors.
Potential Timeline for Becoming an Accountant:
Year 1:
● Research and decide on the university program you wish to pursue.
● Apply for admission and enroll in a four-year degree program.
● Begin your studies.
Years 2 – 4:
● Complete coursework in accounting, finance, and taxation.
● Decide on a concentration for your career path and take courses to prepare
for certification in your chosen field.
● Pursue internship opportunities that allow you to gain experience while
you learn.
● Graduate with your bachelor of science in accounting.
Year 5:
● Seek employment in the finance field.
● Complete a master’s degree program, if desired.
● For CPA students, complete any additional coursework required to qualify
for the four examinations.
Year 6 and beyond:
● Acquire the necessary experience to take certification examinations.
● Continue to pursue continuing education and employment opportunities to
further your career in this fast-paced and fast-growing field.
