High School

A solid understanding of mathematics is required for accounting work. While in high school, be sure to take as many math classes as possible, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. Business classes are also essential. Accountants use computers and various software for their research and reports, so round out your curriculum with computer science classes as well as English and writing classes.

Postsecondary Education

Most audit and assurance accountants hold a bachelors degree in accounting or a similar field. Some jobs may require a masters degree in accounting or in business administration with a focus on audit and assurance accounting. Some colleges and universities offer specialized bachelors degree programs in internal auditing and other accounting and auditing specialties. The typical curriculum for a bachelors degree program in accounting includes math, statistics, economics, finance, business law, humanities and English requirements, as well as natural and behavioral science. Students also participate in an internship program while in school to gain practical work experience. In some instances, employers may hire individuals with an associates degree or prior bookkeeping and accounting clerk experience for junior accountant positions.

Certification

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) participates in the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) with colleges and universities that offer an internal auditing curriculum within a degree program (undergraduate or post-graduate). It reviews and endorses postsecondary programs that meet its standards. At many schools, students who complete the program are ready to conduct basic internal audits immediately upon hire, as well as have received an educational foundation that helps them to prepare for the IIAs certified internal auditor examination. One such program is offered by the Department of Accounting at the University of New Orleans. Students must take the following classes: Internal Auditing and Operational Auditing, and then complete one of the following courses: Information Technology Auditing and Advanced Accounting Information Systems, Internship in Internal Auditing, or Fraud Examination. Those who meet these requirements receive a certificate of completion. Other schools offer certificates in general accounting or accounting and auditing specialties.

Other Education or Training

Audit and assurance accountants must take continuing education classes to maintain licensing and certification and stay current with industry developments and evolving accounting, auditing, and assurance practices. Organizations that offer continuing education programs, including webinars, self-study programs, and seminars, include the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, Institute of Management Accountants, Institute of Internal Auditors, and ISACA. among many others. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Many audit and assurance accountants are certified. Certification is required of all accountants who file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many accountants become certified to improve their job prospects and to grow their business. Accountants are certified by their states board of accountancy. State requirements for certification vary, but what is universal is that accountants must pass a national exam. To qualify, they must have completed 150 semester hours of college course work; this is more hours than most bachelors degrees. Students may enroll in a five-year bachelors degree program to meet the 150-hour requirement. Some states allow accounting work experience to substitute for college degree requirements. Many states also require licensure candidates to have completed 2,000 working hours that have been verified by a licensed CPA. Check with your states board of accountancy or the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) Web site (https://www.thiswaytocpa.com) for CPA requirements for your state. In 2024, the AICPA launched a revised CPA examination. Candidates must complete three core sections: Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Taxation and Regulation. Then they select one discipline from the following categories: Business Analysis and Reporting, Information Systems and Controls, and Tax Compliance and Planning. The AICPA says that "new content has also been added throughout the exam to test on relevant topics of emerging technology and financial planning." Visit https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/download/learn-what-it-takes-to-become-a-cpa to learn more about the examination.

In addition to the CPA credential, accountants may receive certification offered through professional associations to further their careers. For example, the Institute of Management Accountants awards the certified management accountant designation to applicants who meet experience and educational requirements, have passed a two-part exam, and who agree to meet continuing education requirements. The Institute of Internal Auditors offers the certified internal auditor credential to internal auditors who meet experience/education requirements and who pass a three-part exam.

Employers prefer to hire audit and assurance accountants with a bachelors degree and several years of accounting experience. Many gain entry to the field through an internship in an accounting firm while in school.

Strong math and organizational skills are needed to do this type of work. Audit and assurance accountants must be analytical and detail oriented to pinpoint issues and discrepancies in documentation and determine solutions. Their work is critical for minimizing tax liabilities, detecting fraud, and assuring accurate financial reporting. They work well independently and also know how to work well on a team. They are also able to write well and communicate clearly, both of which are essential for writing reports and discussing business issues with clients.