Purchasing Resources for Accounting Training

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You eat, sleep and dream numbers, you live for spreadsheets and balanced checkbooks–you were born to be an accountant. As an accountant, you will always be in demand, as law requires every business to keep and retain financial records. The majority of businesses are considered "small" businesses; this means that many small business owners are busy to keep up, meaning that accountants are indispensable. First off, you will need at least an associate's degree; however a bachelor's degree is advised. Then you will prepare for taking the CPA Exam, and then you will obtain the certification of your choice. Your certification is also important; in fact a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is considered the gold standard in the accounting field. In some states, you must be a CPA to certain types of taxes.

You need a general understanding of what aspect of accounting that you'd like to go into. Are you strictly interested in doing taxes? Do you want to do something like forensic accounting? You have a full range of positions to choose from. As you are comparing your accounting training possibilities, it helps to have the full picture. Here, you will be able to use the resources you need to make your decision about accounting training.

Accounting Training Key Terms

Learn some definitions that will help pave the path for accounting training

The world of accounting encompasses a wide variety of job titles, each with their own job description and set of rules for success. Keep in mind that most training for accountants will require a college degree and/or certification programs that one must complete.

In addition to the general education and ethics training that all accountants must undergo, those who specialize will have further requirements to complete. Specialists in the accounting field can specialize in a certain area (such as corporate or real estate), and they can also specialize in type (such as management accountant or certified public accountant).

Financial statement / accountant's report

A financial statement is a presentation of financial data including balance sheets, income statements and statements of cash flow, or any statement meant to communicate the financial position of a business or person. Financial statements are also sometimes called accountant's reports.

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)

Created in 2002, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, also known as PCAOB, is a non-profit organization who main mission is to protect investors' interests. They investigate (and discipline, if necessary) public accounting firms and their employees.

Uniform CPA Examination

Once the requirements are satisfied, an accountant can sit for the Uniform CPA Examination, and upon passing the test, will then earn the CPA title. The education and experience requirements can vary between states, but most require a Bachelor's degree plus two years experience working in the field.

Certified Management Accountant Program

The IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)conducts the Certified Management Accountant program for global recognition, faster career advancement and higher pay. A certified management accountant has to have a Bachelor's degree, two years of experience and a passing grade on the exam. CMAs work more with preparing budgets, business models and investment strategies.

CFP certification

Certified financial planners, or CFPs, are certified by the CFP Board after completing a series of requirements that include education, experience, ethics and an exam. A certified financial planner's main work consists of developing an overall financial plan for his or her clients. Clients may be individuals, public or private companies or non-profit organizations.

CIA exam

To become a certified internal auditor (CIA), you must past the CIA exam administered by The Institute of Internal Auditors. Auditors monitor companies, usually on a consultation basis, to make sure that the company is running efficiently, that its financial reports are honest and correct, that they are behaving ethically, and they are complying with laws.