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What is a CPA?
A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a designation reservedfor accountants in the US who pass the CPA exam. This designationshows an expertise in the field. To become a CPA in the US, astudent must pass the exam and meet other state requirements suchas gaining a certain amount of work experience or furtherededucation. The CPA licenses accountants to provide their servicesto the general public. The CPA designation is taken very seriously,as its requirements maintain that only the most knowledgeableaccounts can qualify. The designation is usually used behind apersonâs name to signify the level of experience, and is often apunishable offense if it is used without actually passing the examand requirements.
The CPA Exam Requirements
International students who want to become an expert inaccounting and achieve the CPA designation will first need to passthe CPA exam. The exam is certainly not easy and tests many of themost important accounting principles. The exam is called theUniform CPA exam, and the eligibility to actually take the examdepends on the exact state the student plans to test in. There arethree main requirements for taking the CPA Exam. They arecategorized as the 3 Eâs: Exam, Education, and experience. One ofthe main qualifications to sit for the exam is advanced education.Undergraduate degrees carry 120 credit hours. The CPA exam usuallyrequires 150 credit hours. This means students will have to achieve30 hours of graduate level coursework. It most cases, aninternational student will take the 30 extra hours and thencomplete a few extra classes to earn a masterâs degree inaccounting. The exam also tests some of the laws of the stateincluding contract and state laws and often tests the knowledge offederal laws as well. The third requirement to sit for the exam isusually some type of experience in the field of accounting. Whilenot mandatory in all states, some states require that a CPAcandidate have 2 years of work experience in accounting or taxpreparation. Some states only require general experience inaccounting.
Learn What a CPA Does
While the main function is to offer public accounting services,the CPA designation can allow accountants to do many other things.One of the main functions of a CPA is auditing, either for a smallor large business. Auditors go through financial statements andmake sure there are no discrepancies. Many CPAs go on to theexecutive levels for companies, as either CFOs or CEOs. Inaddition, many CPAs work in the tax field working income taxes andfederal and state taxes for small or mid-sized companies. Otherroles of CPAs include financial analysts, financial planners,forensic accountants, Management consulting, estate planning andcorporate finance.
The Many Benefits of Becoming a CPA
Certified public accountants are at the top of their field.Students interested in studying accounting should give seriousconsideration about getting the CPA in the US. In order to grow inan accounting career a CPA designation is almost necessary. Inaddition, CPAs will usually get paid higher. Those with a masterâsdegree and CPA will see their salary go up even higher. Inaddition, being a CPA in the US will open the door for so many morecareer opportunities. Accounting professional are a hot commodity,and those with an advanced degree and CPA designation will be onthe top of the list for most employers. Certified publicaccountants in the US have a lot of responsibility, but being atthe top of your field is a great feeling! International studentsinterested in studying accounting will find that becoming a CPA andgraduating with a degree in accounting will allow them to chasethere dream, whatever it may be, because it is such a versatilecareer and skillset.
What types of skills will I need?
To begin a successful career in accounting, you will need todevelop a wide array of knowledge, skills and competencies, rangingfrom a strong understanding of accounting and business concepts toeffective leadership and communication skills. You will also needto have a broad business perspective, which will enable you to "seethe big picture" of the internal and external factors that impacthow a business operates. Technology will also be a major enablerthroughout your career, so it's critical to stay abreast of andutilize new computer applications and systems as necessary.
Problem-solving, analytical and researchskills - You should be able to analyze, compare andinterpret facts and figures. The ability to identify and solveunstructured problems in an unfamiliar setting and provideinsightful consulting advice is a valued quality. Creative thinkingwill help you face issues on a daily basis and generate innovativesolutions. Also, it is essential to be able to effectively andefficiently research, organize and report on technical and/orindustry specific issues utilizing print, electronic or humansources.
Personal skills -Accounting is a service activity, and you will have to work well inteams as well as in one-on-one situations. Critical to anyorganization's success is the ability to lead, motivate and empowerteams to attain clear, concrete, timely and measurable results.
Strong communication skills including the ability tobe a good listener- You will becalled upon to persuasively present, discuss and defend your viewsboth formally and informally, in writing and verbally. Clients andco-workers will present you with issues and questions you will needto interpret and respond to quickly. The ability to show empathyand sensitivity to their situations will position you in afavorable light and earn their respect and trust.
Understand emergingtechnologies- You need to keepcurrent on emerging technologies like e-commerce, image processingand workflow technology, and understand how these impact businessoperations and the use of information for decision making. Youshould know how to use the Internet, e-mail and discussion boards,as well as be familiar with the latest spreadsheet, database, wordprocessing, accounting, and business and presentation softwarepackages.
Broad BusinessPerspective- You need a keenbusiness sense and an awareness of current events, both locally aswell as globally. As a key business partner to clients and/orcompany management, you add value to the organization by makingappropriate recommendations based on your understanding of companyoperations, policies, practices and competitive factors.
