Duties of A Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) guides clients in financial matters and assists with job evaluation and organizational reviews. This article provides an overview of several key commitments associated with the CPA role. Certified Public Accountant (CPA):
Note: As of 2024, the CPA exam is divided into four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). You must pass all four sections to obtain licensure.
- Make financial plans while drawing attention to all that is good and bad
- Create monthly and annual review reports
- Make a budget and check details about it
- Suggest ways to save money and reduce costs
- Encourage cases and help with verification
- Suggest a few ways save money on payments while resolving other business-related options
- Perform a review of records to identify trade errors brought on by fraud or additional use
- Go as a financial advisor
Steps to Become A CPA
Requirements To Become Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
There are a few details or requirements that everyone planning to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) must meet. Certified Public Accountant (CPA):
- Be a legal resident of the United States
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide evidence of identity and residency as required by the state board
- Have a four-year degree from an accredited institution (bachelor’s or higher)
- Must pass all four CPA exam sections
- Gain relevant work experience, typically one to two years depending on state requirements
- Meet ethics or professional conduct requirements as defined by the state
- Apply for licensure after meeting education, exam, and experience requirements
Steps To becoming Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
We have compiled a manual step-by-step to help you understand how to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States of America. For additional guidance, see How To Become An Accountant.
Step 1: Education
Candidates for the CPA must be at least 18 years old and have legal authorization to work in the United States. In addition to a high school diploma or GED, many paths require a four-year degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field; some programs can be supplemented with MBA-level study through additional coursework. For detailed guidance, see How To Become An Accountant.
Step 2: Take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination.
The CPA exam is divided into four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). You must pass all four sections to obtain licensure. It is generally recommended to prepare for about six weeks in a focused window. You should not attempt multiple sections in a single test window; after taking one section, you typically have an 18-month window to complete the remaining sections in many jurisdictions.
Step 3:Gather Work Experience And Acquire The License Of Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
After successful completion of the four exam sections and meeting the work experience requirements, aspiring CPAs should join a professional organization or employer to gain practical knowledge. It typically takes about two years of relevant work experience to qualify for licensure, depending on state rules. When you eventually become a CPA, you may be eligible for advanced roles with the credential. For additional pathways, see How To Become An Accountant and From International to USA: How to Ace Your CPA Credential Evaluation. If you’re considering a broader financial career, you might also explore How To Become A Financial Advisor.
How Long Does It Take To Be A Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
In typical paths, earning a CPA credential spans about eight years in total: a four-year bachelor’s degree, some states require additional coursework to meet education requirements, and the time to gain the necessary work experience before licensure. For international or non-traditional paths, see credential evaluation guidance in From International to USA: How to Ace Your CPA Credential Evaluation.
How Much Does A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Usually Earn?
The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was about $79,520 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. California, Texas, and New York typically offer among the highest earnings for CPAs.
Learn more about accounting careers in our guides like How To Become An Accountant.
