What Does a CPA Do? Job Duties and Career Paths

The role also offers flexible work arrangements, including part-time and freelance opportunities. The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential, offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), equips professionals with specialized fraud prevention, detection, and investigation skills. CFEs are trained extensively in understanding financial transactions, investigative techniques, and anti-fraud program design.

• Most states require candidates to meet specific education requirements, including a bachelor’s degree and 150 credit hours of education, but the degree does not have to be in accounting.
• Certified public accountants perform a wide range of accounting, auditing and tax activities.
• These are a great resource to both test your knowledge and get used to the format of CPA Exam questions.
• International candidates often face unique challenges when seeking CPA exam eligibility.
• Keep in mind that the exact work experience requirements may vary by state, so it’s important to refer to the guidelines provided by your state board of accountancy.
• The exam is a reminder to CPAs about the conduct expected and required of them when working with and in professional organizations.

Are there any additional requirements to become a CPA without an accounting degree?

Being a CPA comes with great responsibility, and maintaining your professional integrity is crucial for trust and confidence in the profession. ” or wondered if a career change into accounting is possible, rest assured that there is a clear path forward. You might not need an accounting degree if you have finance work experience post-graduation. You can contact your state board to check if your work experience qualifies according to the state jurisdiction you are applying to.

Before you start studying for the exam you need to identify your weaknesses and allocate extra study time to those areas. For example, many non-traditional candidates find they need extra study time in financial accounting and auditing. You can address these gaps by enrolling in targeted courses or using self-study resources. Each state’s board of accountancy has its own regulations and guidelines for licensure. It is crucial to research and understand the requirements of the state in which you plan to practice. Yes, it is possible to gain accounting work experience without an accounting degree.

Why Is a Degree Typically Required?

The Bookkeeping Certification validates proficiency in essential bookkeeping skills, ensuring candidates are equipped to manage financial records, track transactions, and maintain accurate accounting systems. In this article, I break down the benefits and requirements to help you pick the best fit for your goals. In the final step, we will explore the process of applying for CPA licensure once you have successfully passed the CPA exam. With relevant work experience under your belt, you’re one step closer to becoming a CPA.

#3: Free practice questions

Many candidates enroll in review courses or study programs to help them better understand the material and gain essential exam-taking skills. Additionally, practice exams and sample questions can be invaluable resources for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and assessing your preparedness. Each section of the CPA exam is designed to assess specific areas of expertise necessary for a CPA. The AUD section focuses on auditing knowledge and procedures, while the BEC section covers business concepts and the economic environment. The FAR section tests your proficiency in financial accounting and reporting, and the REG section assesses your understanding of federal taxation and business law. The CPA Exam covers a vast amount of material, and non-accounting majors may have gaps in their foundational knowledge.

While a traditional accounting degree is the most common path to CPA certification, there are alternative routes available for individuals with different educational backgrounds. As with educational requirements to become a CPA, experience requirements can vary by jurisdiction. However, most states typically require around two years of experience working in accounting under a licensed CPA. The good news is that all of your work experience does not need to be completed what does janitorial expense means within the same company or organization. Most jurisdictions require that all work experience must have a proper sign-off, but this could be from multiple companies in different cities. Although becoming a CPA without an accounting degree is a viable path, it may present some challenges.

Several universities offer combined BS/MS programs, allowing students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years while fulfilling the 150-hour requirement. If you have already been working in an accounting or finance-related role, be sure to assess whether your current position meets the experience criteria set by your state board. Keep track of your responsibilities and tasks, as well as the skills and knowledge you have acquired.

Credit by Examination (CLEP, AP, CPA Review Courses)

Submit your application to the state board along with supporting documentation, such as transcripts, proof of work experience, or credential evaluations. These five states further wave a residency requirement for CPA candidates, meaning that you can earn your CPA license, even if you don’t live there. Last, but certainly not least, you’ll need to study with a reputable CPA Review course to ensure you’re well-versed in all the topics you might see on the CPA Exam.

Get your free guide to the CPA Exam

The path to CPA for non-accounting majors will require you comparative financial statements to create a custom study strategy. You may need additional preparation time on topics you haven’t been exposed to or haven’t seen in some time. You should plan on building up your academic stamina in terms of how long you can study at a stretch. It may require studying in shorter stretches several times a day rather than a single longer session as you build back your academic stamina. Before you begin studying, be aware of the additional preparation time you may have to invest in order to address your specific weaknesses and build that into your preparation strategy.

For example, the CPA certification requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, completion of specific credit hours, and passing the CPA exam. It is essential to check the specific requirements for each certification, as they can vary. Even though your degree does not have to be in accounting, there are specific coursework requirements you must meet. Most states require around 24 semester hours in accounting subjects; these include subjects such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting.

Certified Public Accountant Career and Salary Profile

Preparing for the CPA Exam may not be quick or easy, but with the help of Becker, you’ll have the tools, resources and support you need to pass. If you go in with a well-thought out study plan which includes realistic expectations, you will start yourself off with a plan that maximizes your opportunities for success. But if you were asked to run a maratho today, running one ten years ago will be of limited benefit. You’ll likely remember some of your best practices to cope with the rigors of the undertaking, but you can’t just pick up where you left off. The same is true for the path to becoming a CPA for non-accounting majors and the academic marathon required to effectively prepare for the CPA Exam. More than one person has compared preparing for the CPA Exam to running a marathon.

• The next crucial step is to prepare for and successfully pass the CPA exam, which we’ll explore in the next section.
• Not all states require that CPA candidates have a degree in accounting in order to take the CPA exam and become licensed.
• It’s an important designation because it allows you to perform many legal tasks like auditing and taxation representation.
• With this section concluded, we have provided a comprehensive guide on becoming a CPA without an accounting degree.
• If you currently lack the necessary work experience, you may need to seek out internships or entry-level roles in accounting or finance departments to fulfill this requirement.
• Networking helps non-degree professionals find entry level positions, freelancing opportunities and CPA’s willing to mentor.
• Accounting jobs require hands on experience with financial transactions, reconciliations and financial reports.

When seeking relevant work experience, consider internships or entry-level positions in accounting firms or finance departments. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the accounting profession, including financial statement analysis, tax preparation, internal controls, and auditing procedures. Look for companies that provide exposure to different industries and clients to broaden your experience and understanding of diverse accounting practices. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the work experience criteria specified by your state board. Each state has different requirements, what is a cash discount but most commonly, candidates are expected to have a certain number of years of experience working in positions that require accounting knowledge and skills. This typically involves working in roles such as accounting, auditing, taxation, financial analysis, or other related fields.