A career in accounting opens doors to diverse professional opportunities, from bookkeeping and auditing to financial analysis and payroll administration. While many accounting roles don’t require special certification, earning your CPA designation can significantly enhance your career prospects, earning potential, and professional standing in the accounting profession. Let’s explore what it means to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and how you can prepare for the Uniform CPA Examination.
What is a Certified Public Accountant?
A Certified Public Accountant is a trusted financial professional who has met the highest standards of education, experience, and ethical conduct in public accounting. Licensed CPAs operate under a strict code of ethics established by state boards of accountancy and maintain high professional standards through continuous education. The CPA designation represents expertise and demonstrates the highest level of competence to employers and clients alike.
It’s important to understand that while all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. Obtaining CPA licensure elevates your standing in the accounting profession and opens doors to specialized roles in public accountancy that are unavailable to other non-certified accountants.
Services CPAs Provide
Certified Public Accountants provide a range of financial services including:
- Management accounting
- Preparation and analysis of financial statements
- Tax preparation and planning
- Financial statement auditing
- Financial forensics and forensic accounting
- Personal financial planning
- Business consulting
- International accounting
- Environmental accounting
- Financial reporting and analysis of financial documents
Why Pursue CPA Certification?
The journey to becoming a CPA requires dedication and perseverance, but aspiring CPAs find the rewards substantial:
Enhanced Career Opportunities
- Licensed CPAs typically have access to more senior-level positions in accounting firms
- Many organizations prefer or require CPAs for financial management and leadership roles
- Greater job security and stability in the field of public accounting
- Opportunities to work with prestigious clients through CPA firms
Increased Earning Potential
- The median income for CPAs was $81,680 as of 2024
- CPA salaries increase substantially with experience
- Experienced CPAs with 20+ years in the field can earn twice that amount
- CPAs consistently out-earn non-certified accountants throughout their careers in the accounting profession
Professional Mobility
- Many state boards allow CPA license transfer from one jurisdiction to another
- CPA credentials are recognized nationwide by the accounting profession
- Flexibility to work in various sectors, including government financial services, non-profit, education, and private industry
Career Growth
- Constant changes in business law and taxation create ongoing demand for CPAs
- Specialization opportunities for licensed CPAs in growing fields like forensic accounting, IT consulting, international accounting, and management accounting
Requirements to Become a CPA Candidate
While specific requirements vary by state board, the general path to obtaining CPA certification is:
1. Education Requirement
Most states require 150 semester credit hours of education for CPA licensure, typically including:
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) recommends checking your specific state’s education requirements, as they can vary significantly.
2. Uniform CPA Examination
All CPA candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam, which consists of four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Covers auditing procedures, standards, and the responsibilities of auditors
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Tests knowledge of financial statements and reporting frameworks
- Regulation (REG): Focuses on federal taxation, business law, and ethics
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): Examines general business concepts and financial management
Each section of the Uniform CPA Examination is a four-hour test, and candidates must pass all four sections within 18 months. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) administers this examination through CPA Examination Services.
3. Experience Requirement
Most state boards require a specific amount of professional experience:
- Typically 1-2 years of documented work experience in accounting or public accounting
- Experience must often be verified by a licensed CPA
- Experience requirements can vary based on your level of education
- Some states, like North Carolina, have specific experience requirement details for CPA licensure
4. Ethics and Professional Conduct
Many state boards require:
- Completion of an ethics course or exam
- Background checks for CPA licensure
- Professional standards and responsibilities training
- Adherence to the code of ethics established by the American Institute of CPAs
Starting Your CPA Journey at CIAT
At CIAT, our Associate of Business Administration program provides an excellent foundation for your CPA journey. This program offers:
- 64 credits, including 8 credits in accounting
- Practical, career-focused education that aligns with industry standards
- Knowledge and skills that prepare you for entry-level accounting positions
While this associate degree is a strong first step, most state boards require 150 semester credits and a bachelor’s degree for CPA certification. After completing your associate degree at CIAT, you can transfer to a bachelor’s program to fulfill the remaining educational requirements for CPA licensure.
Next Steps After Your Associate Degree
To complete your journey to becoming a licensed CPA after earning your associate degree:
- Transfer to a Bachelor’s Program: Look for programs with articulation agreements with CIAT to maximize credit transfer
- Complete Additional Credits: Since most state boards require 150 semester credits, you may need to take additional courses beyond your bachelor’s degree
- Gain Work Experience: Start building relevant accounting experience while completing your education to meet experience requirements
- Prepare for the Uniform CPA Exam: Consider exam preparation courses to increase your chances of success on all four sections of the examination
Skills for Success as a Certified Public Accountant
Beyond education and CPA certification, successful public accountants typically possess:
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with accounting software and digital tools for preparing financial documents
- Tax Knowledge: Up-to-date understanding of tax laws and regulations
- Business Acumen: Understanding of business structures and financial operations
- Auditing Expertise: Skills needed for examining financial statements and records
- Communication Skills: Ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly to clients
- Organizational Abilities: Exceptional attention to detail and time management
- Ethical Judgment: Commitment to professional standards and integrity in public accountancy
Is Becoming a CPA Right for You?
If you enjoy working with numbers, analyzing finances, and helping clients navigate their financial journeys, a career as a Certified Public Accountant could be ideal. While the path requires significant time and effort to meet education requirements and pass the Uniform CPA Examination, the rewards of job security, competitive CPA salaries, and career advancement opportunities make it worthwhile for many accounting professionals.
At CIAT, we’re committed to helping you take the first steps toward this respected credential in the accounting profession. Our Associate in Business Administration program provides the foundation you need to continue your education and eventually pursue CPA licensure.
Ready to start your journey toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant?
