Build the Foundation for a Successful CPA Career
Getting Started on the Journey
When you pursue a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you will never stay up at night worrying about:
- Landing a solid job in the field (especially right out of school)
- Garnering respect and credibility as a trusted business advisor
- Earning a competitive salary
- Becoming an influencer within your organization and community
- Traveling to new and exciting places
According to College Factual®, accounting comes in as the #8 most popular major in the country. Choosing your major shouldn’t be a popularity contest, but understanding the positive reputation of accounting degree among all the other possibilities shows the considerable amount of opportunity and demand in the field.
Accountant vs. CPA: What is the difference?
A CPA is not the same as an accountant. An accountant is typically a professional who has earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a professional license earned after completing education requirements, gaining experience in the field, and passing an exam. CPAs have continuous requirements for advanced education and ethics, and therefore, they are more likely to possess the latest knowledge of accounting and are, thus, highly respected specialists in the field.
While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. With the designation, you are increasingly sought after for promotions, open positions, and guidance to further the vitality of individuals and/or organizations.
Earning your CPA gets you noticed for a promotion, enhanced professional credibility, increased job security, rapid career advancement – and a better salary. CPAs are not “just” tax preparers and auditors. Today’s CPA has evolved to become a client’s trusted advisor. With a broad range of skills, they are driven to support their clients above and beyond the tax return. On average, CPAs make 15% more than accounting graduates, and the certification is the gold standard among accounting professionals and is highly desired by employers. Technology has made it easier to perform all the traditional accounting functions and enabled all sorts of new, exciting, and valuable service offerings. While an accountant might be able to service someone’s basic needs, the government recognizes a CPA as a credible expert in accounting and a better-qualified professional than an accountant to perform accounting duties.
Just as you would expect your doctor to be up to speed on the latest medical information, you can rest assured that as a CPA, you are armed with the information you need to thrive.
OK, so how do I become a CPA?