Accounting supervisors manage a team of accounting clerks and ensure policy compliance. To become one, complete a post-secondary accounting program, gain relevant work experience, pass the CPA exam, and meet continuing education requirements. Internal promotion is preferred in large companies.
People who are detail oriented and enjoy working with numbers and computer systems often want to become an accounting supervisor. Accounting supervisors are found in a wide range of industries, ranging from retail to manufacturing. The accounting supervisor’s primary role is to manage a team of accounting clerks, who are responsible for processing accounting-related transactions such as deposits, invoice payments, and reconciliations.
Most people who want to become an accounting supervisor follow a standard career and training program. He or she completes a post-secondary accounting training program, gains related work experience, passes the Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) certification exam, and secures a position as a supervisor. While some candidates won’t go down this route, the vast majority of employers require the accounting supervisor to complete formal accounting training and hold a professional designation. In many companies, the accounting supervisor is responsible for ensuring policy compliance and managing staff.
The first requirement to become an accounting supervisor is to complete a post-secondary education program in accounting. This type of training is widely available at the college and university levels. The average program lasts three to four years and covers a wide range of courses from finance to statistics.
The certification exam to become a professional accountant is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). To achieve this designation, candidates must complete a degree, have sufficient and relevant work experience, and successfully complete the Uniform CPA Examination. This exam is very difficult and requires years of preparation and study. Upon successful completion, applicants can use the CPA designation after their name. Once you become an accounting supervisor, you must meet specific continuing education course requirements to maintain your position as a CPA.
The related work experience needed to become an accounting supervisor is typically as a bookkeeper or bookkeeper. In addition to accounting skills, candidates should also have experience supervising and managing others. This type of experience is the most difficult to obtain in the workplace. Many people volunteer with outside agencies or activities to gain supervisory-level experience.
The vast majority of large companies prefer to promote the team from within. This is especially true in accounting, where all candidates are required to follow the same type of career path. Keep your supervisor informed of your progress in the CPA program and volunteer to perform additional tasks or work in a supervisory capacity on a small project. Use these opportunities to showcase your skills so you can be considered for an accounting supervisor position.
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