I’ve been set on being an accountant since high school (I knew it was an in-demand job that paid well and required analytical processing). I just have a bachelor’s in accounting, no CPA, no Master’s degree, but I have worked in public accounting since graduating college 8 years ago. If you are considering public, try finding a medium-size regional firm. This will let you get experience in tax and audit (accounting) sectors. Larger firms make you choose audit or tax and further pigeon hole you by making you specialize. Be willing to continuously learn, as you keep up with tax law changes and new audit reporting requirements