How to Become an Accountant / Bookkeeper in the Philippines or Abroad

CAREER PATH · WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?

Keep a company's money records accurate: recording sales and expenses, preparing reports, payroll and taxes. Bookkeepers can start work in months; becoming a licensed CPA takes a college degree and the PRC board exam.

Jobs: Bookkeeper · Accounts Assistant · Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk · Payroll Officer · Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Pick the situation that fits you. Steps marked FI you can do with Filipino Institute. Steps marked Outside FI are done at a college, TESDA or PRC.

I'm still in school (under 18)

1
FI · K–12FI Online K–12 (Senior High)Self-Paced from ₱51,480/yr · Live Online available
2
Outside FIChoose the ABM strand in Senior HighAccountancy, Business and Management – the best preparation for accounting
3
FI · Free courseFinancial Literacy for LearnersShort sampler · ₱0
4
Outside FIBS Accountancy – 4 years at a CHED-recognised collegeRequired for the CPA exam
5
FI · PRC ReviewCPA Licensure Exam ReviewSelf-Paced from ₱3,990
6
Outside FIPass the PRC CPA Licensure ExamYou become a licensed CPA

I'm an adult and want a job soon

1
FI · Free courseBookkeeping IntroductionShort sampler · ₱0
2
FI · Short courseBasic Bookkeeping24 learning hours · ₱4,000
3
FI · Short coursePayroll Basics24 learning hours · ₱4,000
4
FI · Professional DiplomaAccounting & Bookkeeping720 learning hours · from ₱8,500
5
FI · Professional CertificationProfessional Certification in Bookkeeping8 modules + exam · ₱8,500 · FIPC-BK
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FI · My FIBuild your CV in My FIYour finished FI courses show as verified
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GoalApply as Bookkeeper or Accounts Assistant

I already work in accounts (several years)

1
FI · PathwayPEDAP – turn your experience into an FI diplomaFor 1+ years' experience · ₱8,500
2
FI · Professional DiplomaManagement Accounting720 learning hours · from ₱8,500
3
FI · Professional CertificationProfessional Certification in Payroll Administration8 modules + exam · ₱8,500 · FIPC-PAY
4
Outside FIA college degree (e.g. BS Accountancy)Degrees that lead to a PRC board exam usually can't be earned through ETEEAP – check with the university first

I already have a BS Accountancy degree

1
FI · PRC ReviewCPA Licensure Exam ReviewSelf-Paced ₱3,990 · Plus ₱5,990 · Group Live ₱8,500 · VIP ₱17,000
2
Outside FIPass the PRC CPA Licensure ExamThen register with PRC

Licence and requirements

To call yourself a CPA in the Philippines you need a BS Accountancy degree and must pass the PRC CPA Licensure Exam. Bookkeeping and accounts-assistant jobs do not need a licence.

FI Professional Diplomas and Certifications are skills-training credentials from Filipino Institute. They are not TESDA National Certificates, CHED degrees or PRC licences.

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