Every state includes a passing score on the CPA exam among its CPA certification requirements. This rigorous standardized exam, developed and administered by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, occurs in four sections. You are encouraged to renew your license using your DBPR Online Services Account. Florida Licensed CPAs may be eligible to place their license on a retired status.
- Private accounting involves performing accounting, financial reporting, and internal analysis functions within a single organization, without serving outside clients.
- Glassdoor estimates that the average annual salary for a CPA in the US is $135,531 2.
- It’s been really interesting to see accounting from another perspective as part of an internal accounting team.
- Consequently, public accounting firms may be organized around a number of sub-specialties, each of which is staffed with employees whose training and experience are highly focused.
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Tax manager
You may find that for some accounting positions, employers require or prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Other examples of goals include managing an accounting team, working for a large accounting firm, or starting your own business as a CPA. Becoming a CPA is a lengthy process, but this path can increase your earning potential and job prospects. One important quality in being a successful CPA is genuinely caring about your clients and their businesses. I love working with not-for-profit clients for that very reason — I feel like I’m really contributing to their mission by helping them have good financial information on which to make smart business decisions. I received my bachelor of business administration in accounting at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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The result is that most smaller public accounting firms find it uneconomical to engage in audits of publicly held companies. Explore four roles in public accounting, based on information from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Indeed, and Glassdoor, as of November 2025. For each role, we’ve included the US total median salary (including additional compensation such as bonuses), typical responsibilities, required skills and qualifications, and top companies hiring. Whether you’re just beginning your accounting education or considering a career transition, public accounting provides a solid foundation for long-term career success.
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Any one who wishes to engage in public practice of accountancy shall apply to the President of the Institute to be so licensed. Applicante must be members of the Institute or in the process of applying to be a CPA. Public accountants are the guardians of financial transparency, ensuring that businesses and individuals meet their financial obligations while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. As a CPA, it’s very rewarding to be able to make a direct and positive impact on a business client, especially with a not-for-profit that makes a real difference in our community.
ACCOUNTING & CONSULTING CAREERS
- Sign up to receive important news and announcements from the AICPA Exams Team all about the CPA Exam and licensure process.
- Public accountants work for accounting firms serving multiple external clients, while private accountants work exclusively for one organization.
- CPAs who specialize in forensic accounting can sometimes move up into management accounting.
- Delinquent status licenses will revert to Null & Void after two years unless the license is reactivated or placed on Inactive status.
I am an extrovert, which many people contribution margin don’t think of as a typical characteristic of an accountant, but I find it helpful in establishing a bond with my clients. I have been lucky to have a lot of long-standing, wonderful client relationships. As a CPA, I find it can, at times, be challenging to manage various competing projects and deadlines. Also, especially during the unusual COVID-19 times, it was challenging to find the optimal balance between personal and professional priorities. A CPA is a very valuable credential, and I wanted to position myself well in the marketplace for various jobs.
Public accounting careers
You will need to complete a minimum number of documented CPE hours each renewal period to maintain your license eligibility. However, as NASBA notes, state-level rules are complex and subject to change. Always check the current standards that apply in the jurisdiction where you plan to practice. Continuing professional education (CPE) components form the backbone of the renewal process — most states require CPAs to keep their skills sharp and current through ongoing training. Some states have seen a push to reduce the educational requirements from 150 credits to the 120 credits covered what is public accounting in most standard bachelor’s degree programs. In January 2025, these efforts were first codified into law in Ohio when state officials abolished the firm 150-credit requirement.
Most public accounting positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration with an accounting concentration. However, CPA licensure mandates 150 semester hours of education, exceeding the typical 120-hour bachelor’s degree requirement. The public accounting profession offers numerous specialization opportunities, allowing professionals to develop expertise in specific industries or service areas.
How to become a CPA
In our recent survey, recruiters told us that resume search is the top tool they use to find the best candidates. Post your resume today to ensure recruiters and hiring managers can easily find you. Reflect on the kind of company you want to work for and the role you want to fill that best aligns with your accounting interests. Discover average CPA salaries and which states and industries offer the best employment growth prospects. Potential work environments include nonprofit groups, companies, and government agencies. To receive a CPA license, applicants must pass the CPA exam administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
Everything You Need to Know About the CPA Exam
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Connect with us to see how ADP can help you free up your time and enhance your service offerings. Easily map your clients’ general ledger and import pay data directly into your https://jyotishguruparvinnji.com/2021/10/15/hall-accounting-company-business-and-individual-3/ favorite accounting software – all from your Accountant Connect dashboard. We preserve the integrity of the accounting profession.We promote the competence and the capacities of own members. IPA publishes quarterly IPA Insights on the accounting profession and the annual IPA Practice Management Report, along with in-depth reports focused on Information Technology, Human Resources and Firm Administration. Just as a law license defines a lawyer, the CPA license tells the public that an accountant has mastered the critical elements of the profession.
