CPA Accounting Certificate

Top Benefits of a CPA Accounting Certificate for Your Career Growth

What is a CPA and How Do I Become One?

Definition of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A certified public accountant (CPA) is an accounting professional who has met certain education, exam, and experience requirements for licensure by a state board of accountancy. Certified public accountants adhere to professional standards and resources provided by authoritative organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). CPAs are highly sought after by businesses and nonprofit organizations because they have extensive training in tax law, auditing procedures, management practices, and other important aspects of business financial operations.

To become a CPA, you’ll need to pass an exam that demonstrates you have mastered the technical skills necessary to provide services for financial accounting, financial reporting, auditing, attestation, regulations, business environments, and business concepts.

Benefits of becoming a CPA

CPA certification is the most well-recognized professional accountancy qualification. The prestige and respect associated with being a CPA can offer you various exciting career opportunities. Obtaining a CPA certification can significantly enhance one's accounting career, leading to better career prospects and higher earning potential. Earn more money: On average, CPAs earn more than non-CPAs with similar education and experience. Increased job opportunities: Becoming a CPA can allow you to pursue many different career paths within the accounting field.

cpa accounting certificate

Benefits of CPA Certification

CPA Exam Preparation

The path to becoming a CPA starts with earning a degree, which includes completing specific accounting courses required for certification and to sit for the CPA exam.

You’ll then pass the CPA exam to get licensed in your state.

You’ll also need to complete continuing education to remain licensed.

cpa accounting certificate

CPA Exam Preparation

Career Opportunities and Salary Outlook

Specializations and Occupations

Specializations are also an option for CPAs. With the right experience and training, you can specialize in areas such as business valuation, consulting services, corporate taxation, and more. Managerial accounting is another vital specialization that equips CPAs with essential skills for business analysis and decision-making. Around 70 percent of CPAs work in private companies, with CPAs serving in many different types and sizes of firms.

CPA Career Opportunities

Salary and Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for accountants and auditors to grow by 7 percent from 2020 to 2030. Many states require CPA candidates to have a bachelor's degree, which can also fulfill the prerequisite for additional educational hours needed for licensure. According to Glassdoor, the average annual income (base salary plus additional commissions and benefits) per year for CPAs based on years of experience is as follows:

Job Prospects and Growth

  • The diverse business and technical skills you gain as a CPA open the door to various career options.

  • Accounting and auditing skills are needed in nearly every industry.

  • Demand for these positions is forecasted to increase.

Skills and Knowledge Gained with a CPA Certificate

Financial Accounting Fundamentals

  • Technical skills: As a CPA, you gain valuable accounting skills that enhance your employability and competitiveness in the financial sector. You need extensive technical knowledge to perform the job duties effectively.

  • Organizational skills: You need good organizational skills to prepare accurate reports, organize documents, and keep track of deadlines.

  • Critical thinking: As a CPA, you’ll have to be able to see the big picture and think critically.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

  • Financial Reporting & Financial Statement Analysis.

  • Financial analysis is a critical component of CPA career paths, particularly in roles such as business and industry accountants.

  • Learn financial accounting essentials to create and analyze an organization’s financial statements.

  • Preparing financial statements, financial statement analysis, and fundamental accounting principles.

Business and Industry Knowledge

  • Business and industry knowledge: As a CPA, you’ll have the opportunity to work with individuals and businesses in various industries, advising on financial and tax-related matters.

  • You may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as forensic services, taxes, or working within an industry like health care.

Skills Gained with CPA Certification

Program Overview and Curriculum

Online CPA Accounting Certificate Program

The Online CPA Accounting Certificate program is part of a range of certificate programs that qualify students for federal student aid. These online educational offerings are designed for post-baccalaureate students who need to complete the accounting course requirements for the Illinois CPA Exam.

The program consists of a maximum of 12 units (equivalent to 30 semester hours).

Courses and Curriculum

All of the following courses are required: ACCOUNT 201, ACCOUNT 202, ACCOUNT 210, and ACCOUNT 308. The program includes courses that cover the accounting cycle, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of essential accounting principles. Prior to the 2021-2022 academic year, the SPS accounting curriculum included ACCOUNT 390 Topics: Research & Communication and ACCOUNT 390 Topics: International Accounting.

Program Format and Schedule

  • The program offers online synchronous learning, which combines the convenience of online learning with the immediacy of real-time interaction.

  • Students will meet with their instructor and classmates at scheduled times over Zoom.

Admission and Registration

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must have an undergraduate degree.

  • To apply: complete an online application.

Registration Information

  • All students register using our online student registration and records systems.

  • Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found at the Registration Information page.

Application Process

  • Applying to SNHU is fast and free.

  • No application fee, test scores, or college essay are required.

cpa accounting certificate

CPA Certification Pathway

Career Advancement and Professional Development

Continuing Education and Professional Development

  • As a CPA, you will be required to complete continuing professional education (CPE), generally every two years.

  • The two main categories of CPE are programs and self-study.

Staying Up-to-Date with Industry Developments

  • Staying up-to-date with industry developments and advancements in accounting and finance.

  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities.

CPA vs. Accountant

Key Differences and Similarities

All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. A CPA is a financial professional licensed by a state board to provide accounting services to the public. Tax preparation is one of the core tasks that CPAs are trained to perform, distinguishing them from regular accountants. An accountant is an individual who professionally practices accounting.

How to Become a CPA

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The education requirements to become a CPA vary by state. Understanding generally accepted accounting principles is crucial as they serve as foundational elements in the accounting curriculum, focusing on asset valuation, income measurement, and the presentation of financial statements in business organizations.

Most accounting majors can satisfy most of the educational requirements, although states require 150 semester hours of college credit before you’re eligible to take the exam.

Pass the CPA Exam

  • Each state sets its specific requirements for your eligibility to take the Uniform CPA Exam.

  • Many states require you to hold a bachelor’s degree, and most require or will require 150 hours of post-high school education.

Gain Experience and Get Licensure

  • The required years of experience you need to take the CPA Exam vary from state to state, but most call for at least two years working in public accounting.

  • CPAs are licensed by their state boards of accountancy.

Transfer Credit and Prior Learning

Transfer Credit for the CPA Accounting Certificate Program

  • Students in the CPA Accounting Certificate program may transfer up to three comparable credit courses that have been completed at other schools prior to admission to SPS.

Prior Learning Assessment

  • Prior learning assessment and transfer credit opportunities.

Program Advantages and Benefits

SCPS’ Program Offers Advantages

  • New and returning students in certificate or degree programs in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are eligible to apply for the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program.

Industry Recognition and Accreditation

  • Industry recognition and accreditation of the program.

Faculty and Expertise

Meet the Faculty

  • Meet the faculty and instructors of the program.

Industry Expertise and Experience

  • Industry expertise and experience of the faculty and instructors.

Networking and Career Opportunities

Connect with Employers

  • As part of the program, students will hear presentations by representatives from local public accounting firms, companies, and government agencies.

Networking Opportunities and Events

  • Networking opportunities and events for students and alumni.

Prepare for Your Master’s Degree

Preparing for Your Master’s Degree

  • Completing the certificate program provides the accounting prerequisites to apply to the Master of Professional Accounting or Master of Science in Taxation programs offered by the UW Foster School of Business.

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