How Do You Specialize in Business Valuation in Accounting?

business valuation and accounting

To specialize in business valuation in accounting, you’ll need hands-on experience, an accounting license and the knowledge to pass a difficult exam. Not everyone can earn this certification. If you can make the cut, you’ll be an in-demand professional for your ability to combine business acumen with a strong understanding of tax regulations and accounting principles. These are the steps you’ll need to follow for a chance at completing your certification in business valuation.

Accredited in Business Valuation

The best way for an accountant to show an ability to evaluate a business’s worth is to earn the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) certification. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants maintains this certification process. First, you’ll need to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Then, you’ll have to pass the ABV Examination and demonstrate at least 150 hours of business valuation experience. Finally, you’ll have to complete regular continuing education (CE) courses to maintain your certification.

Certified Public Accountants

Anyone who completes a bachelor’s degree in accounting is an accountant, but graduation doesn’t prove competence. That’s where CPA licensing comes in. To reach the fullest heights of your career, and to be taken seriously as a business valuator, you’ll need to become a CPA. This involves completing at least 150 hours of accounting credit hours and passing a rigorous exam. Most students choose to meet these requirements by pursing a combined bachelor’s and master’s in accounting program, but some prefer to earn a master’s of business administration (MBA) with a focus in accounting. Although you aren’t required to become a CPA in order to work in business valuation, your job prospects will be greatly enhanced with your CPA license.

Coursework

If you know from the start of your degree in education that you want to enter business valuation, you can focus your degree on the knowledge you’ll need. A minor or concentration in business will be extremely helpful. You’ll have some flexibility in choosing classes; always pick options that will increase your understanding of the business world. A few courses in communications will help you communicate your findings to clients. Outside of the university system, you can attend seminars and trainings on business valuation, but make sure they’re from a reliable source .

Internships

Not every degree program will require you to complete an internship in accounting to graduate. However, because an internship that involves business valuation will be helpful to your professional development, you should ask your professors to help you find one. Most accounting internships offer a competitive pay rate and a summer schedule to work around your classes. If you’re lucky, you can complete the 150 required hours of hands-on experience to become Accredited in Business Valuation during your undergraduate studies. This will let you earn the certification as soon as you pass the CPA exam.

The beauty of this professional development plan is that if you aren’t able to become certified, you’ll end this journey with a valuable degree, a strong network from your internship experiences and an in-demand license as a CPA. With such a strong safety net, why not try to specialize in business valuation in accounting?

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