What Does a CPA Do? Career Guide & Salary Data 2025
A CPA, or certified public accountant, is an accounting and finance professional who passed the CPA exam and fulfilled the necessary education and work experience requirements to obtain a CPA license. Unlike many other certifications, there is no nationwide CPA license. It’s a credential an accounting professional can earn to demonstrate expertise in their field. Becoming a CPA requires passing an exam and fulfilling several education and experience requirements.
- This role is especially crucial if you work in manufacturing, supply chain and service sectors.
- Since CPAs understand operations, finance, and ways of improving profitability, they often serve as part of the management team for companies in all industries.
- Candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window to earn their CPA license.
- It is also worth mentioning that some employers will cover or reimburse CPA-related costs, especially larger firms.
- It’s versatility allows accountants to work in many different fields and environments.
The Top 10 Accounting Firms In The US
The biggest MNCS, consulting firms, US-based corporations and global banks recognise CPA as a stamp of excellence and trust. They see you as a strong, competent professional who understands complex financial systems, follows strict ethical standards and complies with international regulations. However, unlike Batman, you get to guard a company’s financial interests by day. The path to becoming a CPA requires careful planning and dedication, but offers substantial career rewards and professional recognition.
You Have to Be Licensed by Your State
You can advance to become a senior auditor, accounting supervisor, or tax manager, according to Zippia 3. A CPA is a natural career progression after you have gained experience as an accountant and have prepared to seek state licensure. One important quality in being a successful CPA is genuinely caring about your clients and their businesses.
Environmental Accounting
Some CPAs choose to earn their master’s degree either independently or as part of a combined program with the bachelor’s, which satisfies the additional 30 credit hours. A qualified CPA typically works in corporate accounting (business/industry), public accounting, what is a cpa what does a certified public accountant do not-for-profit organizations, or education. Certified public accountants have the best career opportunities in their field. Every business or organization needs the knowledge and skills of a CPA. However, an accounting master’s degree can help students meet the CPA education requirement of 150 credits since most bachelor’s programs only require 120 credits.
I worked with many different not-for-profit organizations and found that I have a passion for mission-driven organizations. Forensic accountants usually start as general accountants and move into forensic accounting roles over time. They need strong analytical, investigative, business, and technical accounting skills.
As such, they are held to rigorous standards when providing financial services or advice. If you want to break into global finance, work with top MNCs or even apply to the Big 4 firms, the CPA certification can help you achieve your goals. As a certified public accountant, you have the expertise and knowledge to handle international accounting, US GAAP and complex financial reporting. But once you reach your destination, you will realise that the program is totally worth it.
Myth 4: It’s impossible to pass the CPA while working full-time
You are a shoo-in to work with the Big 4 — Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC. With them, you get to work with the biggest global clients, handle complex projects and gain recognition and respect in the industry. Other companies know you have strong technical skills, ethical standards and deep expertise. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is more than just an accountant; they are trusted financial advisors, auditors, tax specialists, and business consultants.
Her team covers credit scores, credit reports, identity protection and ways to avoid, manage and eliminate debt. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Additionally, most states limit non-CPA ownership of CPA firms to 49 percent; although a few states (New York and Delaware are notable examples) require that CPA firms be 100 percent CPA-owned.
- CPAs also have access to complete information regarding new developments in accounting laws, which allows them to stay ahead of changes in regulations or compliance requirements that keep clients up-to-date.
- When working for a non-profit, CPAs are called on to help the organization practice responsible spending and money management.
- Additionally, companies have begun utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to supplement their audit processes more accurately and efficiently than traditional methods.
- They help these organisations to navigate regulatory risks, conduct internal audits, and ensure ethical governance.
- Candidates are required to complete 150 hours of education and have no fewer than two years of public accounting experience.
Why should I get a CPA license?
You will be able to access better job profiles, higher salaries and even career opportunities abroad. 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, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. An accountant is a financial professional who manages and analyzes financial records, prepares financial statements, handles tax returns, and provides business advice. As a CPA, you have developed advanced accounting abilities that not all accountants can perform.
History of the CPA Designation
We don’t just handle the paperwork we help you understand what’s going on and what to do next. From taxes and bookkeeping to business setups and IRS issues, we guide you every step of the way. With over 23 years of experience and 15,000+ clients served, we know how to make things clear. If you’re applying for a loan, attracting investors, or just want to prove your financials are solid, CPAs can provide auditing services.
This elevated status stems from the comprehensive requirements CPAs must meet and maintain throughout their careers. Large corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations rely on CPAs for auditing services to maintain financial integrity and prevent fraud. Most states require one to two years of relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This ensures that candidates apply their accounting knowledge in real-world scenarios before becoming fully licensed.
Where to find the state’s CPA requirements?
Bookkeepers and CPAs both provide financial expertise to organizations or individuals. However, bookkeepers focus more on administrative tasks like recording data related to payroll and invoices. CPAs may perform some bookkeeping duties but also focus on bigger issues like tax preparation and financial advice. For many years, I worked in public accounting as an auditor and consultant. I really enjoyed working on various types of projects with different clients.