Business accounting is very important because it is useful for conducting income and expense analysis so that you can get a big picture of the financial health of a business unit. This science separates business accounting from bookkeeping which focuses more on recording business activities and documenting transactions. Business accountants manage and produce financial reports, pay corporate taxes, and monitor all necessary financial reporting. Most companies carry out the business accounting function internally or use the services of a public accountant. This knowledge is quite challenging and useful for those who are interested in finance. Study business accounting with on-the-job training, or take a course or class to learn about the responsibilities and requirements of this job position.
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Method 1 of 3: Preparing for a Career in Business Accounting
Step 1. Take the appropriate class in high school
High school students who are interested in a career in accounting should take classes that prepare themselves for later college classes. Mathematics is needed to study accounting. Choose whether you are going to major in science or social studies.
- Science majors do not have Economics/Accounting subjects. But this major focuses on the exact, scientific method and logical reasoning. Many students majoring in Science are competent to study in the Accounting major.
- Social Studies majors have Economics/Accounting subjects. This course provides you with the basic capital to study advanced accounting science in college.
Step 2. Choose a major in college
An accountant does not have to have a degree in economics. However, most accountants go to college and have a degree in accounting. Often. The company prioritizes applicants who graduate from accounting majors.
- Accounting majors are widely available at various universities in Indonesia.
- Universitas Indonesia, Brawijaya, Airlangga, Diponegoro, and Gajah Mada are campuses that have the best accounting majors in Indonesia.
- Many colleges and universities offer on-campus and online courses. Some online programs may provide credit for previous work experience in the field.
Step 3. Choose a class related to corporate accounting
Corporate or business accounting is different from public accounting. The job of a public accountant is to conduct audits, which is to confirm the level of accuracy and validation of financial records. A business accountant works in the finance department within a business unit. Business accountants handle day-to-day accounting tasks such as balancing balance sheets, tracking expenses and income, paying company salaries and bills. Business accountants also prepare financial reports to comply with government regulations. Consider the needs of a business accountant when choosing a course. Take classes that provide appropriate knowledge and experience.
- Financial and business accounting courses teach the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (PSAK) and the basics of general ledger, trial balance, cost accounting, and inventory methods.
- Internal audit and forensic accounting teach the use of PSAK to look for irregularities in corporate accounting practices.
- Although some business accountants do not take care of the Tax Payable Letter (SPT), it is better to take a taxation course to learn Indonesian tax concepts.
- In addition to accounting classes, prepare for managerial positions and graduate work by taking other business classes such as economics, finance, management, communications, and quantitative analysis.
Step 4. Engage in extracurricular activities related to accounting
This activity can be capital in your resume later. This activity demonstrates your initiative and level of preparation for college and your career. Join a professional accounting organization on your campus. Engage in community service work such as preparing free tax returns for the elderly, or teaching community members about financial science. Join a sports team to demonstrate teamwork skills to achieve goals.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Training
Step 1. Get an internship in accounting
Before graduating, look for an internship in accounting. This provides experience that can be listed on a resume. In addition, you can also build connections as reference material to get a permanent job later. In addition, you will receive valuable training according to your chosen career path.
- Talk to your supervisor to see what your internship qualifications are. Many companies accept applicants who have a GPA above 3.
- Use university information resources such as job fairs, student organizations, and career centers to search for available internship vacancies.
- Contact the company directly to inquire about internship vacancies.
Step 2. Get a job for fresh graduates
Once you get your degree, you can start looking for a full-time job as an accountant. Positions for fresh graduates such as "Junior Accountant," and "Assistant Accountant". The responsibilities of this position are very basic, for example keeping journals, handling accounts payable, and gathering information to prepare reports. This work provides an opportunity to improve understanding of accounting and the business sector involved.
Step 3. Get a job without a degree
There are salaried positions in business accounting that do not require an educational degree. For example, there are companies that accept accounting or bookkeeping employees from high school graduates. This position provides experience with a variety of routine accounting tasks, such as helping with payroll, accounts payable or inventory preparation. In addition, you also create documents that are used in financial transactions, such as purchase orders and receipts.
- You will work under the supervision of the company's accountant or business manager.
- Some companies may offer tuition benefits for obtaining an undergraduate degree.
- Some colleges and universities will add value to this work experience.
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Further Education Opportunities
Step 1. Get a master's degree
After obtaining the SE (Bachelor of Economics) degree, you can proceed to the Master of Accounting (M. Ak.) degree. Another option is to take a Master of Management (MM) degree. The degree you take depends on your career goals. Many accounting firms are looking for master's degree graduates.
- If you are interested in and eventually land a leadership position and want to expand your focus beyond accounting, MM is a great choice.
- If you have strong technical expertise, a Masters in Accounting degree is for you.
Step 2. Get a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification
This certification is the highest certificate in business accounting. This certification is similar to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification in public accounting. CMA works in the areas of accounting analysis, organizational performance measurement, budgeting and corporate strategic assessment.
- Candidates must pass an exam with four main components: Business Analytics, Financial and Business Accounting, Strategic Management and Business Applications.
- In addition to passing the exam, you must also have a bachelor's degree, at least 2 years of professional work experience, and be registered with the Indonesian Institute of Accountants (IAI).
- The CMA must complete 30 hours of professional education annually.
Step 3. Get additional specific certifications according to the industry in which you are involved
You gain a lot by taking additional certifications. For example, you have great daytime power in a competitive job opportunity market. In addition, if you are fired from your job position, this certification will help you get a new job. In addition, certification will increase your salary and bonuses. There are several additional certifications to choose from.
- The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) evaluates the company's accounting practices to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) investigates, identifies, and prevents criminal and accounting fraud.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) performs audits on company information systems to assess system controls, data integrity, operational procedures, and system security.
- Certified Bank Auditor (CBA) enforces banking laws and regulations.
