How to become an Accountant in India
An accountant records, classifies and reports a company's financial transactions, ensuring the books are accurate and compliant. In India they typically maintain ledgers, reconcile accounts, process invoices and payroll, prepare financial statements, handle GST and tax filings, and support audits — providing the reliable financial records that managers and regulators depend on for decisions and compliance.
Key takeaways
- To become an Accountant: Bachelor's degree in commerce, accounting or finance (B.Com).
- Master the skills employers test for: Bookkeeping, Tally, GST & TDS, Bank reconciliation, Financial statements.
- Typical experience asked for is 0–6 yrs; typical pay is typically ₹2.5L–₹9L/yr.
Steps to become an Accountant
- 1
Meet the education requirement
Bachelor's degree in commerce, accounting or finance (B.Com)
- 2
Build the core skills
Develop the skills employers test for: Bookkeeping, Tally, GST & TDS, Bank reconciliation, Financial statements. Practise on real projects so you can show, not just tell.
- 3
Gain experience
Get hands-on through internships, freelance work or personal projects. Most Accountant openings list 0–6 yrs of experience — start building it early.
- 4
Prepare your resume & interview
Put your skills and projects on a strong resume, then rehearse the most-asked Accountant interview questions before you apply.
- 5
Apply to live roles
Apply to Accountant jobs that match your level on OnJob, with an AI fit score for each so you target the ones you can actually win.
Skills and qualifications an Accountant needs
- Bachelor's degree in commerce, accounting or finance (B.Com)
- Knowledge of accounting principles, GST and TDS
- Proficiency in accounting software (Tally, Zoho Books) and Excel
- Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy
- Understanding of statutory compliance and audit support
How to become an Accountant — FAQs
How do I become an Accountant in India?
An accountant records, classifies and reports a company's financial transactions, ensuring the books are accurate and compliant. In India they typically maintain ledgers, reconcile accounts, process invoices and payroll, prepare financial statements, handle GST and tax filings, and support audits — providing the reliable financial records that managers and regulators depend on for decisions and compliance. To get there: Bachelor's degree in commerce, accounting or finance (B.Com), master skills like Bookkeeping, Tally, GST & TDS, Bank reconciliation, gain experience through internships or projects, and apply to roles that match your level.
What does an accountant do?
An accountant records and reports a company's financial transactions, keeps the books accurate, reconciles accounts, processes invoices and payroll, prepares financial statements, and handles GST and tax filings — ensuring the business stays financially organised and compliant.
What is the difference between an accountant and a chartered accountant?
An accountant handles day-to-day bookkeeping and financial records, typically with a B.Com. A chartered accountant (CA) is a certified professional who can audit accounts, sign off statutory filings and provide expert tax and advisory services, requiring the rigorous CA qualification.
What software do accountants use in India?
Tally is the most widely used accounting software in India, along with Zoho Books, QuickBooks and SAP at larger firms. Strong Excel skills are essential alongside any accounting package.
How much does an accountant earn in India?
Freshers typically earn ₹2.5L–₹4L per year, mid-level accountants ₹4.5L–₹7L, and senior accountants ₹8L+. Check our salary guide for current ranges.
Everything about Accountant on OnJob
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