Every jurisdiction has different educational and experience requirements that must be met before taking the exam. To become a CPA, you must meet all the criteria set by your state’s Board of Accountancy. Requirements for taking the CPA Exam and applying for a license can differ by state.

Is CPA a certificate, degree, or license?

Many CPAs who specialize in taxation start as general accountants and develop tax expertise over time. However, if your education includes a significant amount of taxation coursework, you may be able virtual accountant to go straight into this specialized position. CPAs who specialize in taxation can advance to roles such as management accountants or financial managers. Public accounting is a profession that demands — and rewards — continuous learning.

CPAs in Education

Alternatively, depending on your career path, you can focus on a wide spectrum of accounting services. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a highly respected professional designation in the accounting and finance industry. CPAs are recognized as experts in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and business consulting, making them essential in both the corporate world and public accounting firms.

• You can also pursue management consulting, information technology, education, and financial planning careers.
• While both CPAs and accountants handle financial data, CPAs have passed a rigorous licensing exam and met additional education and experience requirements.
• Candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window to earn their CPA license.
• All candidates must take and pass Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG).
• CPAs, or Certified Public Accountants, have met specific licensing requirements, including education, experience, and passing the CPA exam.
• To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Apply for public accounting jobs.

Accounting is also a great second career for more experienced people looking to make a change. I am currently working as an outsourced controller for a not-for-profit. Today, my day consisted of reviewing the monthly close done by the staff accountant. We then had a Zoom call to discuss our questions for each other and the next steps toward finishing the close.

Compensation and career growth

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a prestigious title awarded to qualified accounting professionals. Licensing is granted by each state’s Board of Accountancy, with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offering valuable resources for obtaining the license. The CPA title designation ensures adherence to the highest professional standards within the accounting QuickBooks industry.

• The CPA designation continues to be the most highly-sought after and versatile credential for accountants.
• Most states require 1 to 2 years of relevant accounting work before granting a CPA license.
• Known as the Big Four, these accounting firms boast the highest annual revenue globally, making them appealing places to work for many accountants.
• While public accounting is often seen as a stepping stone for recent graduates, it is also a career where seasoned professionals can rediscover purpose, reinvent themselves, and thrive.
• They can also help businesses identify areas where they can reduce costs and increase revenue.

Different Types Of Certified Public Accountants

CPAs perform a wide range of tasks that go beyond standard bookkeeping. Their expertise is valuable in financial reporting, risk management, tax compliance, auditing, and business advisory services. Depending on their specialization, CPAs may work in public accounting firms, private corporations, what does a certified public accountant do government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. CPAs are responsible for a wide range of accounting services, including auditing, tax preparation, financial planning, and consulting.