So You Want to Be a... Certified Public Accountant
Jobs in Accounting and the Certified Public Accountant Designation
If you are interested in an accounting career, almost any type of accounting job will require you to hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
What Kind of Accounting Jobs Are Out There for Certified Public Accountants?
Certified Public Accountants are employed in every sector of the economy, from business to government to education, because every organization that involves money on some level requires accounting. While not every organization has an in-house accounting staff, they still require accounting services, and Certified Public Accountants are always part of providing those services.
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Specific accounting career paths can range from management accounting, in which Certified Public Accountants play a role both in analyzing financial records and in strategic decision making within an organization, to government auditing, in which Certified Public Accountants monitor and evaluate the financial workings of government organizations, from cities and counties to federal agencies. Because there is such a variety of accounting jobs, as a Certified Public Accountant you can find the niche that suits you.
What Kind of Training Do Certified Public Accountants Need?
State Boards of Accountancy grant Certified Public Accountant licenses, and requirements vary somewhat from state to state. In almost every state a bachelor's degree is required. Your degree doesn't have to be in accounting, but a degree in accounting or a related field that involves significant analytical training can be helpful in getting you through the certification exams. All states require a rigorous two-day, four-part examination. Courses to help you prepare for the Certified Public Accountant exam are widely available and can be an important part of starting you on your way to an accounting career.
