* Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in accounting (or a related field) takes four years.
* Postgraduate studies (Optional but often beneficial): Many accountants pursue a Master's degree in accounting, which adds another one to two years. This is particularly helpful for those aiming for higher-level positions or specific specializations.
* Professional Certifications: After your education, you'll need to pass a professional exam to become a certified accountant. The amount of time this takes varies greatly depending on individual study habits and the specific exam (e.g., CPA, CMA). It can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years.
Therefore, the total time can range from four to seven years or more, depending on the chosen educational and certification path.