How to become a public accountant

Is becoming a public accountant right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do public accountants do?

Still unsure if becoming a public accountant is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a public accountant or another similar career!

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How to become a Public Accountant

Becoming a public accountant involves a combination of education, professional certification, and practical experience. Here is an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma
Complete your high school education or an equivalent qualification. Focus on subjects like mathematics and computer science, as they provide a foundation for understanding the principles of financial accounting. Classes in English and English composition are key to begin building communication skills, which are also important, as public accountants often present findings to non-accountants, including members of the general public and business owners and managers.

Bachelor’s Degree
Most aspiring public accountants earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Coursework typically includes subjects like financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, accounting information systems, business law, and ethics. Courses in finance, economics, statistics, and business communications are also important, as they provide a well-rounded understanding of the business environment in which accounting operates.

Some students may pursue a degree in a related field like finance, business administration, or economics, provided they complete sufficient coursework in accounting to meet certification requirements.

Ensure the college or university you attend is accredited, as graduation from an accredited institution is often a prerequisite for certification.

Internships and Practical Experience
While not always required, internships are highly recommended as they provide practical experience, professional connections, and can make candidates more competitive in the job market. Some accounting programs may include cooperative education or practicum opportunities that allow students to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience at public accounting firms.

Entry-Level Jobs
After graduation, gain work experience in accounting. Many recent graduates start as staff accountants or auditors at public accounting firms.

Professional Certification
Obtain professional certification to enhance your credentials and career prospects. The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), is the most recognized and respected certification for public accountants in the United States.

To qualify for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in most US states, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college education. Since a typical bachelor's degree program includes around 120 credit hours, many aspiring CPAs pursue additional coursework to meet this requirement. In most states, one or two years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA is also a prerequisite to sit for the CPA exam, which is comprised of four parts covering auditing, business concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. Some states require passing an ethics exam as part of the certification process.

Master’s Degree (Optional)
Some students opt for a master's degree in accounting or a related field, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an accounting concentration, to fulfill the 150-hour requirement and enhance their qualifications.

If you’re interested in a specific area of accounting, such as tax, audit, forensic accounting, or financial consulting, advanced education can provide specialized knowledge.

Career Advancement
Over time, you can advance to senior roles, such as senior accountant, manager, or partner in a public accounting firm, or you may choose to start your own practice.

Additional Certifications and Professional Organizations
In addition to the preeminent Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, there are several other certifications that can enhance the public accountant’s credentials and career prospects:

  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – The CMA certification, offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), is valuable for public accountants working in management roles with corporations. The CMA exam covers financial planning, analysis, performance, and control, as well as management decision-making.
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – The CFP certification is offered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, and requires candidates to have at least three years of professional experience and complete a rigorous course of study in financial planning. The certification program covers a wide range of financial planning topics, including investments, taxes, retirement planning, and estate planning.
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – The CIA certification, offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), is beneficial for public accountants involved in internal auditing. The CIA exam covers topics such as internal audit principles, standards, and practices, as well as risk management and control frameworks.
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the CFE certification is useful for public accountants involved in detecting and preventing fraud. Certification candidates must pass the CFE exam, which covers fraud prevention, detection, and investigation techniques.
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – Offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the CISA certification is specialized for IT auditors and focuses on information systems auditing, control, and security. It is valuable for those who work in or with IT departments.
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) – Also offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the CRISC certification is useful for accountants involved in risk management and information systems control. The CRISC exam covers risk identification, assessment, response, and control.

Along with the certifying bodies referenced above, the following organizations also offer resources, access to industry research, and networking and professional development opportunities:

  • National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) – NASBA represents the 55 U.S. state boards of accountancy. It supports the development and implementation of accounting standards and facilitates CPA licensing.
  • American Accounting Association (AAA) – The AAA is dedicated to advancing accounting education and research.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Once certified, public accountants must meet ongoing CPE requirements to maintain their CPA license. This involves taking courses in accounting, auditing, taxation, and ethics, among other topics, to stay current in the field.