Accounting services entail a diverse range of services including audits, counseling, and tax preparation. According to the US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), the employment rate for auditors and accountants is expected to grow 4% faster, compared to other occupations, between 2022 and 2032. The growth rate will add almost 126,500 job openings every year during the forecast period. The demand for accountants is directly linked to the changing condition of the economy. A blossoming economy surges the demand for accountants needed to maintain and examine financial documents.

Stay confident, trust in your preparation, and remain determined throughout the exam process. With a well-executed plan, dedication, and perseverance, you will maximize your chances of success. While gaining work experience, consider seeking out opportunities for professional development. Attend accounting seminars, workshops, or conferences to stay updated on industry trends and developments. Engage in continuous learning by reading accounting journals, publications, and online resources.

Why would you not want to get a CPA?

CPA education requirements include a four-year bachelor’s degree and 150 total credits. However, your degree must include a minimum number of credits in accounting and business subjects. With this section concluded, we have provided a comprehensive guide on becoming a CPA without an accounting degree. Remember to customize your approach based on your individual circumstances and consult with your state board of accountancy for specific requirements unique to your jurisdiction. By following these steps and putting in the necessary effort and dedication, you can become a CPA without an accounting degree.

• The path to CPA for non-accounting majors might seem more challenging, but  take stock of your situation and create a plan tailored to your life.
• Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program.
• The easiest way to do it is to enroll in an integrated 5-year professional accounting school or program that leads to a master’s degree in accounting.
• To learn more about how accounting salaries vary by location, see our list of the best U.S. cities for accountants.
• In these cases, you’ll need to find a state board of accountancy that makes allowances for these situations with their CPA experience requirements.

Most four-year degrees will leave you with 120 hours, which is why many students turn to a master’s program to help them reach the 150 mark. If you’re a non-accounting major, this can be an opportunity for you to take accounting classes to boost your credits. She earned a bachelor of science in finance and accounting from New York University. Matos began her career at Ernst & Young, where she audited a diverse set of companies, primarily in consumer products and media and entertainment. She has worked in the private industry as an accountant for law firms and ITOCHU Corporation, an international conglomerate that manages over 20 subsidiaries and affiliates. Matos stays up to date on changes in the accounting industry through educational courses.

For individuals

According to PayScale, financial controllers earned average salaries of $85,740 per year, while CFOs earned $137,290 per year as of October 2021. Those wondering how to become a CPA should understand the path is not easy. Historical pass rates sit around 50% for each of the four sections on the CPA exam.

CPA for Non-Accountants – Work Experience Requirements

However, the IMA and ACCA have a mutual agreement allowing fully qualified ACCA members to qualify for the exam regardless of whether or not they hold a bachelor’s degree. Obviously, the CMA study material will be easier to master for someone with a finance and accounting background, but if you prepare for the exam riding a bicycle or e properly, you too can pass. Two high-level accounting roles include financial controllers and chief financial officers (CFOs). It is a certification in financial management and management accounting. The first part is Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics, and the second is Strategic Financial Management.

Work Experience Requirements

It may require additional time and commitment, but the career opportunities and professional recognition that come with the CPA certification make it all worthwhile. To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you need to fulfill specific education requirements set by your state board of accountancy. These requirements typically involve obtaining a certain level of education in accounting and related subjects. Passing the CPA exam is a significant milestone on the path to becoming a CPA. Most states require candidates to pass all four sections of the exam within a certain timeframe, usually 18 months to two years. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the state in which you plan to be licensed.

Tax Issues in Divorce

You can also gain accounting experience without a degree through internships or entry-level roles. Many accounting firms offer roles for students or those in the early stages of their careers who don’t yet have extensive educational qualifications. If CPA seems like a tall order, various accounting certifications exist that don’t require a degree. Almost all states require at least a bachelor’s degree to start the CPA certification process.

Either way, the benefits of obtaining a CPA certification are numerous and outweigh any roadblocks you might encounter during your CPA journey. For example, most states nowadays are fine with general accounting work from private industries, government, and even academic teaching positions. Therefore, a non-public accounting career plan shouldn’t be an issue when choosing a CPA state board of accountancy.

CPA exam candidates do not need formal work experience to take the test. However, those who pass the test need to acquire experience before qualifying for full licensure. As with other aspects of the licensure process, specific experience requirements vary among states. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) is a valuable resource for accountants planning to pursue licensure. NASBA offers information and links to the 55 jurisdictional accountancy boards that operate in the United States. Consult the board specific to the jurisdiction where you plan to work for details on local licensure requirements.

The CPA Exam is a four-part exam that covers Auditing & Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). The exam takes approximately sixteen hours to complete and you must pass each section of the exam with a score of 75 or higher. You have 18 months to complete the full exam and your time starts as soon as you pass the first exam.