Certified public accountants (CPAs) serve their clients by helping them manage their finances and taxes. CPAs must have a solid understanding of accounting principles, be detail-oriented, and understand business practices. They also must have excellent communication skills as they are the ones communicating audit findings to company management and also to shareholders. CPA is a licensed certification that demonstrates proficiency in accounting and auditing standards, which helps establish trust between clients and the accountant. In this article, experienced certified public accountant, James Liggett CPA, explains how you can become a CPA if you are thinking about making this your career.
What do you need to become a CPA?
According to James Liggett CPA, the first step to becoming a CPA is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. You can also get licensed as a CPA with a degree in economics, finance, or a related field, but it’s less common. Other essential requirements to become a CPA include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma, and earning a certain number of credits in an accredited post-secondary accounting program. You’ll also be required to complete at least 150 hours of relevant experience. You’ll be able to get a job in public accounting, such as auditing or consulting, tax preparation or investment banking. Finally, you’ll need to pass the CPA exam, a challenging test that is offered twice a year. You’ll have to pay a fee to sit for the exam, which varies by state.
Professional certification
The CPA exam also opens up the option to earn professional certification as a Certified Public Accountant. CPAs are regulated by the state in which they work, and each state has its own certification requirements. The most common credential is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Most states require CPAs to have a degree in accounting or finance and pass a rigorous exam. Some states also require candidates to have a certain number of hours of experience before they can sit for the exam. Earning a CPA designation can open doors for you in the job market and improve your salary, as employers will see the value of your certification.
James Liggett CPA is a licensed Certified Public Accountant to practice in the state of New York.
Skills you'll need
Becoming a CPA requires a high level of skill in various areas. James Liggett CPA indicates that you’ll need excellent analytical skills, as you’ll be able to see trends and numbers in the data you collect. You’ll need to be detail oriented, as you’ll be using a lot of data and be responsible for reporting it accurately. You’ll need strong communication skills, as you’ll be communicating with clients and other stakeholders at the companies you audit. You’ll need to be a great team player, as you’ll be working with other accountants on a team. You’ll also need to be able to work under pressure, as most companies will have their audit completed within a short time frame.
Networking
Since you’ll be working mostly alone, networking is also an important skill as a CPA. Join a professional organization, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and attend conferences to meet new people who can help you network. This will help you find out about job opportunities before they are advertised, as many employers rely on networking to find good candidates. You’ll also be able to find mentors who can help you succeed in this career. James Liggett CPA suggests finding out if your company offers a tuition reimbursement program so that you can earn your degree while still earning a salary. You can also look into getting a student loan to pay for your degree, but make sure you have a plan for repaying the loan after you graduate. You’ll also want to consider the costs of getting your degree, such as the cost of tuition, the cost of books, and the cost of living, as this can quickly add up.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to pursue a career as a CPA. This career is challenging, but rewarding in many ways. Becoming a CPA is challenging and takes perseverance, but it is also rewarding. It can be especially rewarding when you know that you have helped people manage their finances and taxes in a responsible way.
More information about James Liggett CPA you can find on his profile on LinkTree.
