How Do I Go into Investment Accounting?

To go into investment accounting, which involves handling accounts that include various types of investments, you will typically need a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree in accounting. Many employers also prefer to hire certified public accountants (CPAs) for this job, though some may not strictly require certification. You will likely need experience as well, not only to obtain certification but also to land a job in this field. Problem-solving skills and analytical abilities also are important when you want to go into investment accounting.

For a career as an investment accountant, you will typically have to start by graduating from secondary school and then going on to become a CPA, which means you have to gain certification in accounting from an authority in your jurisdiction. To accomplish this, you will likely have to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting, though in some places you may need about 30 credit hours beyond the basic requirements for earning a bachelor's degree. For instance, if you typically need 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree in your jurisdiction, you may instead need 150 credit hours to be eligible to become a CPA.

The educational program you complete to become a CPA and prepare for a career as an investment accountant will likely include a wide range of courses and topics. For example, you might take accounting, tax, and business law courses as your prepare for this certification. You'll likely have to take courses that cover such topics as fraud examinations and auditing as well. Your program may also include courses in tax planning and research and analysis.

In addition to meeting educational requirements, you will usually need experience to be eligible to take the certification exam to become a CPA. For example, in some places, you may need at least two years of related accounting experience to be eligible to take the exam. Once you've met your jurisdiction's education and experience requirements, you will then have to pass an exam or series of exams to earn certification.

Though you will likely have related experience from working toward becoming a CPA, you may need even more experience to go into investment accounting. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with at least four or five years of basic accounting experience for these jobs. Then, you may also need specific experience in areas of accounting important for this position. For example, a prospective employer may want you to have experience in real estate and specific types of investments such as mutual funds and futures. As you gain this type of experience, you will likely also build many skills that will help you go into investment accounting, such as problem-solving skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines.