How to Become an Accountant 1-2-3
Start an Accounting Business
Accountants are a valuable resource for their customers. They perform much needed services like accounting,
tax, personal financial planning, auditing and management consulting. As an accountant, you can be hired by
both individuals and large companies.
Accounting Training:
The more education, skills and experience you have, the more jobs you will be qualified to take, and the
more money you can earn. Some accountants get a degree in accounting, while others obtain a CPA License
(Certified Public Accountant). This advanced credential can help accountants better market themselves and also
help them land more jobs. To become a CPA, you generally need a 4-year degree and will need to pass a
certification exam.
Online Accounting Degree:
If you need to brush up on your skills or
gain credentials, you do not need to sign up for an expensive college course. You can complete a web-based
accounting class and get your undergraduate certificate simply by studying at home. Free Information Packet
Are you prepared to start your
own company and be your own boss? You may know accounting, but if you are not experienced in running a
company, it is a good idea to get guidance from professionals. Accounting business experts Larry Young and
Betty Sheeder can show you how.
They can show you exactly what it takes to get started, including financing your start-up, naming your
company and obtaining the licenses you need.
Larry and Betty also cover different ways you can pick up new clients, plus how much to charge for your
services so that you can deliver value to customers and make a profit. They also include important information
on how to advertise effectively when you have lots of competitors in the marketplace.
- Tips on managing your accounting business with maximum efficiency.
- How to attract a steady flow of customers with a complete market plan.
- Insider advice on computer software, pricing structures and information on government websites that can
help you get started.
Start an Accounting Business 
Accounting Business Start-Up Checklist:
1. Draw up a business plan. This does not have to be complicated, but even
a simple plan will help you launch and manage your company effectively. Sample plans are available online
and can help you write your own. See one free here: accounting business plan.
2. Get the business licenses you need from your local government office.You can walk into your city office, call or visit the
website for instructions.
3. If you plan to operate your accounting business out of your home, check
with your local government office about zoning ordinances and possible land use restrictions.
4. File your business name with the county clerk, or if you want to form a
corporation, find out how to incorporate your business.
5. Set up a business bank account, because you want to keep the expenses and income from your
accounting business separate from your personal finances.
6. Find out which types of business insurance you need. You can get free
business insurance quotes online. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers
of America) can also help you find qualified agents.
7. Get a business phone line. Whether you use a toll-free 800 phone number, a multi-line phone system, VoIP or simply add an additional
phone number to your existing service, you'll want a number specifically for your business.
8. Many people overlook the money-saving benefits of
Microsoft Office software or Office Professional. With this software
(which you may already have), you can complete many tasks yourself without having to pay someone else,
like:
- Track projects and events on a business calendar (which you can print out) so you don't miss
important deadlines
- Create professional-quality marketing materials (like brochures, newsletters and business cards)
without having to pay a designer
- Design company presentations for clients that help you make more sales,
- Manage customer databases and track inventory so you can run your company at top
efficiency
- And put together contracts, proposals, flyers, budgets, invoices, receipts and all sorts of documents
quickly with 100's of business form templates.
9. For more steps to starting your company, visit the Business Start-Up Checklist.
Business Resources for Accountants:
How Accountants Get New Clients
Get free advertising by networking - join professional groups and industry organizations in your area. Take
part in charity events and community activities. The more people who know about you and what you do, the more
business and referrals you can generate for free.
- Steve McIntyre-Smith teaches professional accountants worldwide how to make more money. He has
developed a proven marketing system that even works for accountants who don't know a thing about marketing.
You can find out more at his website. He's been helping other small business accountants succeed for more
than 10 years: Marketing Tips for
Accountants
- See also: TeaSpiller.com which helps people find accountants in their area. Create an online
profile of the accounting services that you offer, post your photo, deliver quotes to prospects, add
client endorsements and more.
- Set up a website (Save money with a free website builder.) Want
people to find your website in the search engines? Get listed in 20 search engines for free or
in 300 search engines for $4.
Associations for Professional Accountants
