A certified public accountant is a qualified individual who has successfully cleared the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. The candidate is placed in public service or may also be working for associations or corporations. The candidate may work in a variety of departments involving finance like planning, analysis or accounting. The accountants may also be involved in attestation services.
How to Become a Certified Public Accountant:
The aspirant needs to hold a bachelor or a master degree in accounting. The education of the accountant needs to involve a minimum of 24 units of subjects related to accounts. The major criterion that differentiates an accountant from a certified public accountant is passing the exam for Uniform certified public accountant. The individual also needs to have a supervised accounting experience for 2 years. The supervising CPA needs to have an active license.
Certified Public Accountant Career Courses, Training, Programs:
The accountant needs to have academics that have accounting as a major. The certifications related to accounting and a course in ethics and analytical skills is also helpful in the certified public accountant career. The accountant also needs to be trained on the auditing process. The individual also needs to have good knowledge about the state and federal laws.
Certified Public Accountant Career Schools/Colleges, Education:
The accountants also need to undertake continued professional education for renewal of license. The ethics course is also required during the CPE. The candidate needs to be well versed with the state laws that he/she may wish to practice in.
Top 5 Colleges/Universities:
University of Chicago
University of Texas
University of Pennsylvania
University of Illinois
Stanford University
Certified Public Accountant Job Opportunities, Salaries/Pay:
The accountants are employed in public service or in corporate firms and other organizations. The average salary of junior level accountants is $55,364 and the average salary of senior accountants averages around $84,090. The individuals have a niche with preparation of income tax.