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Careers in Accounting
Learn to become a certified public accountant (CPA)
Demanding CPA roles may mean higher-than-average salaries and potential for career growth.
A certified public accountant (CPA) is a financial professional who manages tasks such as financial analysis, risk management and tax preparation. CPAs have earned a certification that verifies their education and skills in the accounting profession. Individual states oversee CPA regulations, but the requirements are similar nationwide. You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree, gain one to two years of experience and then pass a series of exams before you can apply for CPA licensure.
In this article
Should I become a certified public accountant?
Accounting offers multiple advantages. Many professionals in this industry report career satisfaction and growth opportunities. In 2024, U.S. News ranked business jobs using factors such as salary, employment opportunities, growth potential and work-life balance. Accounting roles came in at number 11 on the publication’s list.
Nationwide, there are expected to be over 90,000 accounting roles added through 2034 said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The profession is expected to see a faster-than-average growth of 4.6% over the next decade.
“Accounting is an incredibly dynamic career,” Hector Castaneda, CPA, and Principal at Castaneda CPA & Associates, PS explained. “It’s not unusual for an accounting role to range from clerical data entry to traveling to a seminar on a remote island to learn how nano chips are sourced into inventory. The possibilities are boundless, and so are the surprises.”
Although full of opportunities and excitement, accounting roles do have drawbacks. They can be demanding and competitive. It’s not uncommon for CPAs to report long hours and high stress levels.
However, your work environment can make a big difference in stress and work-life balance. Demanding roles can mean higher-than-average salaries and the potential for substantial career growth. For instance, CPAs who work for large financial management firms typically see both longer hours and higher paychecks than CPAs employed by nonprofit organizations.
How do I become a CPA?
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) need a formal education and a license from their state of residence. The educational requirements include a bachelor’s degree with accounting-specific credits. To earn a license, you’ll need work experience and to take and pass an exam.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree.
In most states, CPAs aren’t required to pursue a specific major. This means you can become a CPA without a bachelor’s degree in accounting. However, all states require completion of undergraduate accounting coursework. Sometimes, a degree in a related field, such as economics or business, can satisfy this requirement, but earning an accounting degree can be a more direct path.
- Gain relevant experience.
You’ll need one to two years of accounting experience before you can sit for the CPA exams. The exact requirements depend on your state.
- Take and pass the CPA Exams.
There are typically four exams that make up the CPA exams. In some states, you’ll also need to take an ethics exam.
- Apply for licensure.
You can apply for state licensure once you take and pass your exams.
- Complete continuing education requirements.
CPAs are required to earn continuing educating credits to maintain their certification. Exact requirements vary by state.
The credits you’ll need to become a CPA
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum required to sit for a CPA exam. However, you might need to take classes beyond what’s required for your bachelor’s degree. It’s always important to check the specifics of your program because a bachelor’s degree in accounting that is aimed at preparing students to earn a CPA might require 150 credits. A bachelor’s in a related area, such as economics for example, might only require 120 credits.
How much does a certified public accountant earn?
The BLS reports that accountants earned a median annual wage of $81,680 in 2024. The highest-earning accountants made a median salary of over $141,420. Earning a CPA doesn’t guarantee an annual salary that hits the top of the range, but it may increase your earning potential. Accountants who’ve earned a CPA may have opportunities to apply for higher-paying roles and might be in line for promotions with significant salary increases.
“In this career, the rewards can be lucrative,” Castaneda said.
Factors beyond CPA status, such as location, years of experience and specific employer, can also make a big difference in your paycheck. For instance, the BLS tracks salary data for accounting professionals employed in various industries. According to their data, accountants employed in management, scientific and technical consulting services earned higher than average wages. Conversely, accountants working in local government settings earned slightly less than average.
How does a CPA salary compare to similar occupations?
CPAs earn similar salaries to other financial professionals. They typically earn more than financial professionals in roles such as tax examiners, but less than financial professionals in roles such as financial managers.
Earning a CPA may help an accounting professional move into some of these higher earning finance roles. For instance, many professionals working as personal financial advisors or financial analysts are CPAs.
Highest-paying cities/metro areas for certified public accountants
Location can play a large role in salary. For instance, the BLS reports that accountants in cities such as San Jose, New York and San Francisco, earn wages well above the national median.
The top-paying cities for CPAs, according to the BLS, include:
It’s important to factor the cost of living in a city against any average salary number, however. For instance, accountants in San Jose earned the most, but in 2024, Forbes reported that the city, which is the hub of Silicon Valley, had living costs of 74% above the national average.
What being a CPA is all about
CPAs are financial professionals who have skills in accounting and business. They take on tasks such as budget analysis and management, keeping and handling financial records and tax preparation and audition.
What’s the day-to-day like?
The exact tasks a CPA handles daily can depend on their specific title and specific employer. Typical daily tasks can include:
- Creating plans to help clients reach financial or budget goals
- Reconciling financial accounts
- Analysing financial data
- Reviewing financial statements
- Performing tax audits
- Preparing tax returns
- Meeting with clients
The skills (and competencies) you’ll need
To succeed, CPAs need skills in areas such as time management and organization. It’s also a great role for analytical thinkers who are comfortable with data and numbers.
“Success in accounting is no longer about just crunching numbers,” Castaneda said. “Attention to detail, analytical thinking and time management are crucial prerequisites to success.”
Castaneda explained that communication is also key. “Developing strong communication skills is perhaps the most important quality in an accountant. More often than not, accountants are translating complex financial concepts for clients or stakeholders who may not have the same expertise.”
The tools and technology you’ll likely use
A CPA role requires computer skills. CPAs often use accounting programs and other software. This can include programs you might already be familiar with from personal use, such as Microsoft Excel or QuickBooks. It also includes more specialised programs for tasks such as:
- Tax management and planning
- Compliance management
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Audit management
- Risk assessment
- Data visualization
- Predictive analyst
- Electronic document management
“Technology has transformed the accounting field,” Castaneda said. “Whether it’s automated bookkeeping, payroll management or fraud detection, technology is reshaping how much accountants focus on the debits and credits and more on communicating the insights of the summarized information.”
Where you’ll work
CPAs aren’t confined to roles in financial institutions. They can find roles in a variety of industries and with a range of employers. Factors such as years of experience, specific educational background and location can all affect the roles available to CPAs.
Job titles
There are specialties within the accounting field, and CPAs can transfer their skills into these specialties, working under such job as:
- Forensic accounting: Forensic accountants investigate corporate fraud and other financial crimes. They might work with lawyers or law enforcement and often provide expert testimony in court cases.
- International accounting: International accountants work with businesses or individuals with a financial interest in multiple countries. They ensure that all international banking, taxation and other regulations are met.
- Corporate accounting: Corporate accountants work for large businesses. They make sure companies hit their financial and budget goals using tools, such as data analysis, risk assessment and financial planning.
- Tax accounting: Tax accountants prepare taxes and guide clients through taxation regulations and processes.
- Data analyst accounting: Data analyst accountants use data to track a company’s financial progress, identify risks and set goals. They can help companies manage their budgets and make financial decisions.
- Professor of accounting: Accounting professors teach accounting courses at colleges and universities. Accounting professors employed by universities might also conduct industry research and publish their findings.
Castaneda highlighted three specialties that have been seeing growth and change in recent years.
“Specialties like data analytics, forensic accounting and tax advisory are booming,” Castaneda said. “Data analytics allows accountants to uncover insights and streamline processes using tools like SQL and Power BI. Forensic accounting is growing as organizations face increasing threats and reliance on fraud, technology and cyber security. Tax advisory seems to become more complex by the day, especially when it’s disrupted by untried technologies, changing regulations and ever-evolving tax laws.”
Work environments
Some CPAs aim to work in large professional service firms. These financial firms represent Fortune 500 companies and may offer higher salaries and fast-growing careers. However, many CPAs find roles outside of financial service firms playing key roles across businesses, non-profits and governmental facilities. Some common environments include:
How to make yourself stand out as a candidate
CPAs need to stay on top of new trends and developments in the accounting and financial world. When technology, regulations and the economy experience change, CPAs need to be prepared to handle those changes.
“Accountants are increasingly adapting to new technologies, laws and global shifts,” Castaneda said. “It’s no longer enough to earn a degree or certification and call it a day. The industry demands lifelong learning, adaptability and often long hours.”
“…The industry demands lifelong learning, adaptability and often long hours.”
Professional organizations to join along the way
Joining a professional organization can be a great way to grow in your CPA career. Professional organizations offer opportunities for continuing education and networking and can be a great source of industry news. CPAs can consider joining:
- American Accounting Association (AAA):
AAA is a national organization that offers research opportunities, a job board, networking events and more to CPAs. - American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): Now over 100 years old, the global AICPA provides a wealth of resources for CPAs including career guides, educational courses, webinars, certification preparation, best practice guides for firms and more.
- The American Association of Finance & Accounting (AAFA): AAFA can match CPAs with top opportunities around the nation, making it an important resource for professionals looking for career growth.
- Young CPA Network: The Young CPA Network is for CPAs 40 years of age and younger, and can help with networking and career building.
- National Society of Black CPAs (NSBCPA): The NSBCPA is dedicated to encouraging a growth in the number of Black CPAs and to increasing cultural competency, inclusion and diversity within the accounting field.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
No. Earning a CPA credential is optional. However, CPAs may have more opportunities in their careers and some employers may only hire accountants who’ve earned CPA status.
A CPA is a certification earned by accountants who’ve passed exams and met educational and experience requirements. An MBA is a Master of Bušiness Administration degree. Some CPAs choose to pursue this graduate level degree later in their careers.
The Big 4 refers to the firms Deloitte, PwC, KPMG and EY. These financial firms manage accounts for the largest and most financially successful businesses in the United States. Working at one of the Big 4 is a goal for many CPAs.
No. A CFA is a Certified Financial Analyst. As the name suggests, CFAs typically focus on analysis. This can include wealth management and risk analysis. CPAs can also take on these tasks, but CPA certification focuses on tasks such as budgeting, accounting and taxation.
Written and reported by:
Stephanie Srakocic
Contributing Writer
With professional insights from:
Hector Castaneda, CPA
Principal at Castaneda CPA & Associates, PS