Becoming a CPA

Becoming a CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is not easy. In addition to testing that an accountant must undergo in order to become a CPA, you can expect a lot of education and training to get there. The first attribute a CPA needs is a desire to go into accounting. Besides desire you must also have an aptitude for math and numbers, as well as organization. Someone desiring to become a CPA must also possess a good sense of moral values and business ethics.
Once you have decided that you want to pursue an accounting career, you must decide if becoming a CPA is the right type of accountant. To make this decision you need to know what a CPA actually does. Whether employed individually or within a public accounting firm a CPA specializes in tax or audit services. The CPA provides services on a fee basis for the public in general rather than a specific corporation or company Working with a diversity of customers and situations provides a wide variety to your CPA career.

Although starting salary figures may not seem fantastic they are very competitive. A CPA can easily start out making enough money to be considered middle-class income level, which is not a bad place to start in today's society.

Once you have decided that you want to become a CPA, you must attend a college or university to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Requirements set by a Board of Accountancy or similar department or agency will tell you how many credit hours of your education must be in accounting related courses in order to become a CPA.

Once you have completed your degree, the Board of Accountancy will want you to undergo testing to see if you can become a certified CPA. They test your knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, accounting laws, and accounting regulations for your state but may also include ethics examination as well as tax law and principles.

Because CPAs have a lot of opportunity to commit fraud and embezzlement crime, some Boards of Accountancy may require you to provide them with references from people that can attest to your work ethic and moral character. Since these aspects of a CPA are very important, only people who have demonstrated good moral character and a sense of ethics are allowed to receive a CPA license.

After all requirements are met, your state will issue you a license to practice as a CPA. This license allows you to go to any firm and apply for a position or, if you prefer, you could start your own small firm and practice as alone. For more information about becoming a CPA, you should contact your Board of Accountancy or local college or university today.