8. 10. 2026 Insights Study and Education Taxes and Accounting Renáta Šejnová 9 minutes
Are you considering a stable profession that remains in high demand regardless of economic downturns? Accountancy is a field offering immense security, a clear career trajectory, and the flexibility to work from an office or home. But the question remains: how do you become an accountant from scratch? Do you absolutely need a university degree, or is a retraining course enough? How do you secure your first placement, and what accountant salary can you expect at the start? In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire journey step by step.
If you picture an accountant's job as transcribing numbers from paper invoices into thick ledgers, you are several decades behind. Today's accountant is more of a data analyst and corporate advisor. If you find yourself asking, [Is it pointless learning accountancy when we have AI?], the answer is: absolutely not. Artificial intelligence removes the routine tasks, which makes companies need professionals who understand the broader financial context even more.
The duties of an accountant vary by role and experience (as defined by national occupational standards):
No, you do not need to be a 'maths genius' or a quiet introvert who is terrified of picking up the phone. You won't be using complex calculus. What the profession does require is logical thinking and the willingness to track down an error when a spreadsheet is out by a few pence.
Crucial traits include meticulousness, discretion (you will see actual company finances and colleagues' salaries), and the ability to meet deadlines. Tax returns and VAT submissions will not wait until you are in a better mood. A willingness for lifelong learning is also vital, as tax and accounting regulations change constantly.
In many European regions (including the Czech Republic), general accountancy is not a strictly regulated profession (unlike a certified auditor or tax advisor). This means there isn't a single mandatory route for accountancy education.
A business academy or commercial secondary school provides an excellent theoretical foundation of debits and credits. Graduates can step straight into junior roles, though it is usually a stepping stone for further education.
If you hold a degree or diploma in a completely different field and fancy a change, an accountancy retraining course is ideal. An intensive accounting course will teach you the practical basics (from booking documents to VAT and payroll fundamentals) within weeks or months. For many, a good accounting course is the fastest route to a stable job.
If you aim higher—hoping to become a Chief Accountant, Finance Director, or Auditor—a university degree in economics or finance is a massive advantage. You will gain a much deeper insight into corporate finance, taxation, and management accounting.
The biggest hurdle: you are an accountant with no experience, but job adverts demand at least a year's practice. How do you break the cycle?
Warning: As a beginner, never accept an offer to manage the complete accounts for a self-employed acquaintance without the supervision of a senior expert. The potential tax office fines are not worth the risk.
Before sending your CV, ensure it speaks the employer's language. A junior accountant role does not require knowledge of complex international standards (IFRS), but it does require reliability. Highlight:
Tip: Unsure how to word your CV? Check out our guide.
A sample of current job adverts (from LinkedIn and local job boards) reveals a clear trend. Requirements for accounting software fall into two streams:
Today, accounting is digital. The market expects you not to be afraid of electronic document flows, bank data imports, or bulk processing in Excel (Power Query).
Financial compensation depends on many factors. Portals like Platy.cz may state that most people in the "accountant" position earn roughly between 32,500 and 56,800 CZK gross (as of 2026 data). However, it is vital to know that this is not a flat starting salary.
Based on long-term data (including ISPV statistics for 2025) and market trends, you must break down the wage brackets:
Accountancy is not a dead end. Once you understand financial flows, lucrative avenues open up. You can move into a Chief Accountant role, or focus on planning (see our article Controlling in the Age of AI). Another elite path involves audits and taxes—read more in A Career in Audit vs. Tax Advisory. Experienced accountants also frequently become highly sought-after ERP consultants.
If you are looking for education that won't scare you off with excessive, dry theory but instead prepares you for practice, the ideal choice is the Accountancy Specialisation within the Bachelor's degree at Sting.
Sting focuses heavily on real-world applications. Classes are led by practitioners—people who navigate tax firms and businesses daily. You will learn how to work with current software and build contacts that make finding your first placement easier. If you are already working, Sting offers a finely tuned part-time study programme that fits flexibly around your shifts or junior practice. Check out the admissions process information and kick-start your financial career with confidence.
How to become an accountant with no experience?
Start as a billing clerk, data-entry worker, or secure a placement in an SSC or accountancy practice.
What education must an accountant have?
It is not strictly regulated by law. A business secondary school or a solid retraining course is the baseline. For management, a university degree is preferred.
Is an accounting course enough to get a job?
Yes, a certified course coupled with a willingness to learn is often enough to secure a junior position.
How much does a junior accountant earn in 2026?
Starting salaries generally range from 30k to 40k CZK depending on the region and company size.
Which accounting programs are worth knowing?
POHODA, Money S3, and ABRA are dominant in smaller regional firms. SAP is the corporate standard. Advanced Excel is universal.
Is accountancy suitable for someone without a business degree? Absolutely. People with analytical minds can retrain effectively.
Will AI replace accountants?
No. It will replace manual data entry. The role is shifting towards analysis, oversight, and financial advisory.
8. 10. 2026 Insights Study and Education Taxes and Accounting
Related articles
© 2025 NEWTON University Group, s.r.o. Vysoká škola NEWTON, a.s.(v internacionálním prostředí NEWTON University), NEWTON Business School, a.s., Vysoká škola Sting, o.p.s.
If you have any questions, please ask us.
Marketing Manager
Notice
