4 Tips for Becoming a CPA
Do you have dreams of becoming a Certified Public Accountant? This is an ambitious (but wise) career goal. The earning potential for a CPA is quite high when compared to that of other professions.
No single blog entry or short article could tell you everything you need to know about becoming a CPA. Obviously, your main path to achieving your career goals will involve performing well academically and making connections with those who can help you land a job. However, the following are certain tips worth keeping in mind. They’ll improve your chances of becoming a successful CPA:
Take a CPA Exam Study Course
The CPA exam can be notoriously challenging. That’s not to say it’s impossible to pass it on your first try.
Performing well on the CPA exam requires thorough preparation. Some find it difficult to develop an effective CPA exam study routine because they’re required to learn about numerous topics in great detail. Knowing how to schedule your studying so that you cover every subject as thoroughly as necessary may understandably be something with which you struggle.
That’s why it’s a good idea to take a CPA exam prep course. Strongly consider taking one that’s web-based. Remember, studying for the CPA exam takes a lot of time. You don’t need to waste your valuable time traveling to and from an in-person course when an online course can be just as helpful.
Know the Requirements
Different states have different requirements in regard to the number of postsecondary credits one must have to qualify for certification as a CPA. Find out how many postsecondary credits you would need to become a CPA in your state, and apply to programs that would allow you to fulfill the requirements.
It’s also worth noting that some states have citizenship requirements for CPAs as well. If you think your citizenship status may be an issue, research this topic.
Get to Work
Although many accounting jobs require that candidates be CPAs to apply, that’s not always the case. There are jobs at accounting firms that can prepare you for becoming a CPA without requiring that you be certified to apply for them.
As with any line of work, your chances of being hired by a potential employer will be much greater if you have relevant experience. Thus, before you even take the CPA exam, it’s best to look for internships and jobs that will help you stand out among the crowd when applying to CPA-exclusive positions in the future.
Develop Interpersonal Skills
This is an important point to keep in mind, given the changing nature of what CPAs currently do. Thanks to such innovations as AI, machines have begun taking over many of the administrative tasks that CPAs used to handle themselves.
As a result, it’s becoming increasingly vital for CPAs to focus on developing the interpersonal skills necessary to help them explain essential topics to clients.
Again, there are many smart reasons to pursue a career as a CPA. You’ll have a better chance of realizing your dreams if you keep these tips in mind.