Demystifying Financial Jobs: From Bookkeeper to CFO

📚Being a bookkeeper is the starting level for most financial jobs, requiring knowledge of bookkeeping software.

💰Tax preparers need a high school diploma and certification, and their salaries range from $18 to $25 per hour.

🔍CPAs have a deeper knowledge of bookkeeping and finance, requiring a bachelor's degree, passing the CPA exam, and 150 hours of schooling.

📊Accountants review, analyze, and verify financial information, typically holding a bachelor's degree and earning $57,000 to $100,000 per year.

🔒Controllers review and adjust financial books, often working as CPAs and requiring seven years of accounting experience. Their salaries range from $162,000 to over $300,000 per year.

What is the difference between an accountant and a CPA?

—An accountant is a broad term that encompasses various financial roles. CPAs are accountants who have passed the CPA exam and often have more experience and knowledge.

What education is required to become a bookkeeper?

—No specific degree is required to become a bookkeeper, but knowledge of bookkeeping software is essential.

How much do tax preparers earn?

—Tax preparers typically earn $18 to $25 per hour, depending on their experience and certifications.

What are the educational requirements for CPAs?

—CPAs need a bachelor's degree, passing the CPA exam, and 150 hours of schooling, including specific accounting courses.

What does a controller do?

—Controllers review and adjust financial books, ensuring accurate financial reporting and analyzing performance. They often hold a CPA license and have several years of accounting experience.

00:00This video breaks down financial jobs, including bookkeeper, accountant, tax preparer, CPA, CFO, and controller.

03:18Bookkeepers start at an annual salary of $33,000 and need knowledge of bookkeeping software.

04:59Tax preparers earn $18 to $25 per hour, requiring a high school diploma and certification.

06:29CPAs have a deeper knowledge of bookkeeping and finance, requiring a bachelor's degree, passing the CPA exam, and 150 hours of schooling.

08:04Accountants review, analyze, and verify financial information, earning $57,000 to $100,000 per year.

08:38Controllers review and adjust financial books, often working as CPAs and earning $162,000 to over $300,000 per year.