How to Get a Job as a Private Accountant

A private accountant works with one specific company as opposed to a public accountant who works with several clients. Even though a large accounting firm may hire a public accountant, it is the nature of the work that distinguishes these two areas of the accounting industry. When you work with one specific company, all of your work will relate to the financial dealings of that company. Your duties will all deal with aspects of the company’s finances that help managers make important decisions regarding investments, acquisitions and the development of new projects.

In order to become a private accountant, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, such as business. You will get a job as an entry-level accountant with a firm and then with experience you will be able to take on more and more clients. When you gain experience you must also obtain certification in this field, which is the same as that of a public accountant – the CPA. This requires an additional thirty hours of course work beyond that required for your degree and a passing score on a comprehensive four part exam. Since all states have specific regulations regarding certification to work in each state, you should consult these regulations to ensure that you have the proper documentation and course requirements.

In general, to become a private accountant and meet the requirements for the CPA certification, you course work over and above your degree program should include courses in accounting, upper level courses beyond the basics and related courses in the areas of business administration, business law, management and others. You must also have at least two years of experience working with a certified private accountant performing duties such as:

• Evaluating, recording and summarizing financial records
• Performing advisory services for management
• Auditing financial records
• Preparing tax returns and
• Preparing financial summaries and reports
  

You need to achieve a score of 90% or higher on the Professional Ethics Exam no longer than two years prior to taking the certification exam. To meet the requirements for certification as a private accountant, you also need to provide five letters of recommendation from your supervisors attesting to the fact that you have been performing your duties in a satisfactory manner. Although there are four parts to the certification exam, you do not have to take them all at the same time. As you take each exam and pass it, then you move on to studying for the next exam. You do have to have a passing score of 75% on the first two exams and 50% on the last two parts.

Obtaining a position as a private accountant and gaining the certification you need can lead to advancements in your accounting career. You can be promoted to the position of cost accountant or management accountant within the firm, which also brings with it a raise in salary. However, in these advanced positions, you will also need to engage in continuing education to achieve the higher-level certifications.