Fastest Way To Become a Accountant in Washington 2025

If you're eager to join one of the largest accounting firms in Washington State, then you shouldn't attend more schooling than you need. Instead, it's best to follow the fastest way to become an accountant.

By meeting the minimum requirements, you can start working full-time as soon as possible. Read on to learn about the details.

What Does an Accountant Do?

You may be surprised to learn that an accountant can handle a significant variety of tasks. While handling numbers and keeping books is part of the equation, there's often more to it than that.

For instance, you may find yourself in charge of filing a business's taxes and coordinating regular audits. Some accounting roles involve ensuring regulatory compliance. You could even work in forensic accounting and uncover potential crimes.

If you focus solely on the fastest way to become an accountant, then you can expect to conduct entry-level work. Examples include assisting with payroll, preparing financial reports, and more.

How Long Does it Take To Become an Accountant in Washington?

Without an undergraduate degree, you can expect to be working as an accountant in a couple of years. At the bare minimum, you'll have to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related subject, such as business.

While a master's degree in accounting isn't necessary to begin working, you could fast-track this higher degree if you've already completed an undergraduate program. In this scenario, you could earn your graduate degree in two years or fewer.

The Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Washington

The steps to become an accountant are simpler than you might suspect. The following steps can help you stay on track as you expedite your career in accounting.

1. Earn a Relevant Undergraduate Degree

At the very least, you'll need to graduate from an accredited university and hold a degree in either accounting, business, or something similar. The program can take anywhere from two to four years. You can expect to take accounting courses like financial accounting, managerial accounting, and cost accounting.

A bachelor's degree can sometimes come with a specialization, such as tax preparation. It depends on the school you choose, but it isn't necessary to begin working as a basic accountant.

Some colleges also offer valuable internships. Again, it isn't usually necessary to begin working right away, but it can help you get your bearings in the field. Plus, the work experience you get from an internship can sometimes help you find a job more quickly.

2. Pursue a Master's Degree in Accounting

Perhaps you have an undergraduate degree and would like to expand your job prospects. In this case, you should think about earning a master's degree in accounting. While the coursework is more detailed and demanding, it'll be worth it when you find yourself meeting the prerequisites for a wider range of job openings.

One of the fastest upper-level accounting programs is offered by the University of Washington at the Foster School of Business in Seattle. When taken on a full-time basis, the program lasts an intensive nine months.

3. Consider a Certified Public Accountant License

While you can work as an entry-level accountant with a bachelor's or master's degree, you'll have fewer opportunities if you forgo a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, every accountant who files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should be a licensed CPA.

Many university programs are designed to prepare you to take the CPA exam. Before you take it, you must meet many different requirements, such as having a minimum of 2,000 hours of relevant experience, completing an American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) code of professional conduct course, and watching a video about Washington CPA essentials.

Accelerated Accounting Programs in Washington

Some degree programs can take as long as four years. Instead, you can take an accelerated accounting program in half the time and put those extra years toward real-world work experience.

The following schools can quickly teach you staple accounting strategies, business administration subjects, and more.

North Seattle College

For one of the fastest accounting degrees, look no further than North Seattle College's accounting program. The university offers several different options, but the Associate of Applied Science degree in accounting is the quickest.

Many faculty members have industry and even government experience. Best of all, you'll have the opportunity to use the most cutting-edge software to make mock-up financial statements and more.

• Time to completion: Two years
• Tuition cost: About $127.59 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Western Governors University

Western Governors University boasts a highly flexible online accounting program. It can be completed as fast as you can master the material.

The program consists of 40 courses that can help you either work right away or meet license requirements. You can expect to learn about payroll, financial recording, and taxes, among other vital topics.

• Time to completion: Three years or fewer
• Tuition cost: $3,955 every six-month term
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

University of Washington

Whether you see yourself working in the private sector or a government agency, the University of Washington can help you with its business administration program. By choosing the accounting major, you'll learn to manage and control financial operations.

After earning this degree, you can even go on to take the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) exam and work toward a CPA license for more opportunities.

• Time to completion: Two years
• Tuition cost: About $1,242 per credit
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

FAQs About the Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Washington

You might be wondering if an investment in an expedited accounting program is worth it. This will depend on your financial and career goals. The following frequently asked questions and answers can make the path clearer.

How Much Does it Cost To Become an Accountant in Washington?

The cost of a college education with an accounting major can vary based on the school, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and many other factors. The lower end of tuition is just under $7,000, but it can be as much as $32,000.

Altogether, attending a public university can cost around $26,000 minimum. However, a range of loans and potential grants or scholarships can help offset some of the fees.

What Can I Do With an Accounting Degree in Washington?

Even with the most basic degree in accounting, you can apply for positions with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Remember, you can expect to do entry-level accounting work unless you pursue an advanced degree and pass the Washington CPA exam.

What Are the Education Requirements To Become a CPA in Washington?

In addition to passing the CPA exam itself, you'll need to have at least a year of work experience monitored by an already certified CPA professional. As mentioned, you'll also need to pass an AICPA code of professional conduct course, among other smaller steps. Once you have everything you need for your application, you can then submit your license application to the Washington State Board of Accountancy.

Explore Accounting Degrees

By staying on the fastest degree route, you can start earning money as an accountant in no time.

If you're interested in other programs or universities, then be sure to take a look at the programs covered on Learn.org and start your path to becoming an accountant.