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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 6%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a significant achievement that opens the door to a variety of career opportunities in accounting and finance. The process to earn this prestigious designation involves several steps, which require dedication and a commitment to professional excellence.
To start off, you'll need to meet the educational prerequisites set by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and your state's Board of Accountancy.
It's important to check with your state's Board of Accountancy (open in a new tab with noopener noreferrer) for the exact educational requirements in your state.
Passing the Uniform CPA Examination is an essential step in becoming a CPA.
The AICPA website provides resources (open in a new tab with noopener noreferrer) to help you prepare for the CPA exam.
Gaining relevant work experience is another crucial requirement for CPA licensure.
For specific experience requirements, consult your state's Board of Accountancy (open in a new tab with noopener noreferrer).
Some states also require candidates to pass an ethics exam administered by either their state board or by the AICPA.
Check with your state board for details on ethics requirements.
After meeting all educational, examination, and experience requirements, you can apply for your CPA license.
Your state board will review your application and notify you once your CPA license has been granted.
To maintain your CPA license, you'll need to complete Continuing Professional Education credits regularly.
For CPE requirements and opportunities, visit your state's Board of Accountancy (open in a new tab with noopener noreferrer).
By following these steps and staying committed to meeting the ongoing requirements, you can achieve the esteemed CPA designation and enjoy the benefits it brings to your career in accounting. Remember to stay informed about any changes in requirements or procedures by regularly checking in with authoritative sources like AICPA and NASBA.
The career path for a Certified Public Accountant can vary widely, but typically includes the following stages:
CPAs have the flexibility to work in a variety of industries, including but not limited to:
Yes, CPAs can specialize in various areas such as:
Becoming a CPA offers several benefits:
Educational requirements for becoming a CPA generally include:
For specific state requirements, visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) homepage.
CPA license renewal periods vary by state but are commonly every one to three years. Renewal usually requires:
Check with your local state board of accountancy for precise information.
Yes, most states require some form of work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. The specifics can include:
Visit your state's board of accountancy website for details on experience requirements.
CPAs can work internationally, particularly if they have credentials recognized globally such as:
International opportunities may require knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Technology impacts CPAs in several ways:
CPAs must stay updated with technological advancements through CPE and self-learning.