A complete roadmap for those starting from scratch to switch careers to accounting in 2026.

"I want to change careers, but I don't know what I can do"—this is the question we get asked most often in our back office.

Accounting is one of the few career paths that is beginner-friendly, has stable demand, and becomes more valuable with experience. You don't need a finance background, nor do you need to pursue a master's degree right away. The following path is the route taken by many career changers.

Step 1: Obtain an entry certificate (0–3 months)

The Junior Accountant Certification is the first ticket to entering the accounting profession. The exam consists of two parts: "Junior Accounting Practice" and "Basic Economic Law," and is held once a year, usually in May.

Preparation advice for beginners: First, go through the textbook framework, focusing on accounting entries and tax rates; practice chapter-specific questions simultaneously, and concentrate on past exam papers one month before the exam. You don't need to enroll in expensive classes; someone to guide you through highlighting key points and answering your questions is sufficient.

Step 2: Improve practical skills (3–6 months)

Certificates only prove you understand the rules; companies want you to be able to get started immediately. This stage requires practice in:

• Accounting process using Yonyou/Kingdee accounting software;
• Invoice issuance, authentication, and tax declaration;
• Complete processing of payroll, social security, and housing provident fund records;
• Basic preparation of financial statements.

This part is recommended to be done in an offline computer room. One person, one set of accounts, and completing a full month's worth of accounts is more useful than watching ten lectures.

Step 3: Determine your direction and start sending out resumes (6–9 months)

In your first year in the industry, your goal is to "get on board." You can start as a cashier, expense accountant, or work for an accounting firm, where the monthly salary is generally 5,000-7,000 RMB in Shanghai. Don't look down on small companies; accounting firms can expose you to the accounts of dozens of different industries within six months, allowing for extremely rapid growth.

Step 4: Moving to the intermediate level (1–3 years)

After you've accumulated enough years of work experience, immediately take the intermediate accounting certification exam. The intermediate level is a salary watershed: once you pass the intermediate exam, you can typically earn over 10,000 RMB per month as a cashier, general ledger accountant, or accounting supervisor.

Suggestions on learning methods

The biggest obstacle to changing careers while employed isn't the difficulty, but the lack of time. It's recommended to dedicate 6-8 hours per week to studying, and enroll in a class with a tutor who provides follow-up support and allows for repeated viewing of recordings; this is far more efficient than trying to learn on your own.

Changing careers isn't something that happens overnight, but once you take that first step, the path ahead will become clearer and clearer.

Yongbo Continuing Education is always available; feel free to contact us!