I try my best to keep up with each state’s requirements in the pages on my site, but these requirements change sporadically and without much warning. As mentioned, the accountancy jurisdictions in the United States set the CPA requirements. Specifically, there are 55 accountancy jurisdictions in the U.S., so theoretically, you have 55 options for the source of your CPA license. Since each state enforces distinct CPA requirements, earning the CPA license from certain states might be easier for you than from others. You are allowed to pursue a CPA license in any state, even if you don’t live there. In addition to the CPA examination, many states require candidates to pass an ethics exam, such as the AICPA Ethics Exam, to ensure their moral suitability for the profession.
- Therefore, you must acquire additional education to meet the CPA education requirement of 150 credit hours.
- They often limit lower-level accounting classes and require more upper-level (junior-level and above, 300+) courses.
- One major reason the CPA certification is so popular is because it significantly improves an accountant’s earning potential.
- You can use this list to learn more about your state’s specific CPA requirements and to see if your state offers any CPA requirement exemptions.
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CPAs often turn into successful entrepreneurs, business analysts, financial professionals, and executive level officers in large companies. There are plenty of job duties in public accounting roles in which you don’t need CPA certification. For example, preparing balance sheets for the potential investors of your corporate clients is a job duty you can fulfill when you’re not a CPA.
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Preparing for the CPA Exam is often likened to running a marathon—an academic marathon. Don’t let your lack of an accounting degree hold you back from a promising career as a management accountant. For more information on how I can help you go from zero accounting background to becoming a Certified Management Accountant, visit CMA Exam Academy. On top of earning credentials like the CMA, you will want to highlight any related skills. 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.
- However, many employers prefer applicants with advanced degrees in business.
- Fresh out of college, you can use your accounting degree to find entry-level work as a junior accountant, auditor, budget analyst or estimator.
- Although, you’ll still have to visit an in-person test site to take the exam.
- A bachelor’s degree usually comprises 120 credits, but you must complete 150 credits of college coursework to become a licensed CPA.
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Jobs in auditing, bookkeeping, or even lower-level corporate accounting positions are often available to those without a CPA license. Senior finance managers are responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a company. They work closely with top executives, unfavorable variance definition analyze financial data, and develop strategies to minimize risks and increase profits. Senior finance managers also develop policies, supervise analysts, and prepare reports. If you are interested in this role, consider applying for a finance job at a large company.
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While a traditional accounting degree is the most common pathway, alternative paths are often available for individuals without an accounting background. These alternative paths may require additional coursework in accounting or related subjects to ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skills for the CPA profession. CPA candidates must achieve at least 150 credit hours throughout their academic career.
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The CPA Exam is difficult for any number of reasons, not the least of which is the breadth of tested material. Whether due to professional specialization and/or the length of time away from college, non-traditional candidates are likely to have pronounced strengths and weaknesses. When exploring how to become a CPA without a degree in accounting, know that you will need to adjust your study strategy to your situation. Those with a CPA are more highly qualified than those without, and are typically paid more than their non-CPA counterparts.
Many states require candidates to have more upper-level accounting and business courses than a typical bachelor’s degree involves. Others maintain that an accounting degree covers the coursework they’d like to see in a CPA candidate. Almost all states require at least a bachelor’s degree to start the CPA certification process.
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Intuit will supply everything you need to prepare you for your assessment. After you complete the program, you’ll receive a distinctive credential that you can place on your resume, CV and LinkedIn. If you’re worried about onboarding clients, Intuit’s AI-powered client management portal can help. It will reach out to customers on your behalf to complete documents, reducing the amount of data entry on your end. You’ll also have access to many tax experts to help you with any questions.
Can I Become a CPA with an Economics or Finance Degree?
Campman advises accountants who have delayed or paused their CPA education to research the field. Talk to hiring managers about what software and ERP systems are in demand. Use a contract position where you work under a CPA to test the professional and personal fit. With contracts ranging from two weeks for month-end work to contract-to-hire positions, accountants can gain experience faster than CPAs who prefer more permanent placements. For accountants who prefer the non-CPA path, contract work is a way to gain experience across a range of roles and sectors. Some require you to be at least 21 years old, while others allow you to be as young as 18 and take the exam.
Salary and Career Paths
I read that Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, and Alaska do not require an accounting degree to obtain a CPA (however they have other, more stringent requirements). The average salary of a Senior Finance Manager is $118,193, with the middle 57% earning between $91,196 and $297,779 a year. The salary of a senior finance manager may vary depending on their education and experience, and location. But regardless of their experience, salary is higher than $104,000 for an entry-level finance manager.
You can also begin the CMA certification process before you complete a degree or even if you have a degree in a different field, by passing the exams and gaining the required work experience. The CMA education requirements allow candidates with any 3 or 4-year bachelor’s degree, but the degree can be completed any time within 7 years of passing the qualifying CMA exam. Whether you studied business, psychology, or anything else, as long as you graduated from an accredited institution, you are eligible. Yes, you should get a CPA even if you don’t want to become an accountant.
You can use this list to learn more about your state’s specific CPA requirements and to see if your state offers any CPA requirement exemptions. Each state board of accountancy also defines the CPA Exam eligibility requirements that candidates must meet in order to sit for the exam. Each section consists of multiple choice questions and task-based simulations that assess your technical competence in accounting and related fields.
