Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Johnny Peter
Are you aspiring to become a qualified, certified public accountant? If yes, then you must get prepared to dive into the world of financial planning, tax laws, and so much more. You will be developing an advanced skill level in finance and business accounting so that you can select from a good range of career opportunities, including working for one of the biggest accounting firms and running your own business.
As a CPA, you can also aspire to hold an executive position at a corporation, such as a big company’s executive financial officer.
Here is what your journey will look like:
Why Do Businesses Hire CPAs – An Overview
Essentially, CPAs have an in-depth understanding of tax regulations, business finance, and other aspects that make them a valuable asset to all corporations and institutions. With that said, as a CPA, your key tasks will include the following aspects:
- Prepare tax returns
- Ensure your client complies with tax laws
- Create financial plans to reach goals
- Perform audits
- Investigate tax fraud
Let us explore the potential steps that can help you become a CPA.
What Are the Mandatory Steps to Become a CPA
To become a CPA, you will have to develop in-depth knowledge related to business and finance so that you can ace your certifications and degrees. Here are the steps that will help you attain your career goals:
Get Your Bachelor’s Degree
The first thing you must do is to get your bachelor’s degree in accounting so that you can develop a sound knowledge foundation for your finance and business skills. The bachelor’s degree will provide you with the much-needed skills to ace your cpa exam and learn the mandatory applicable skills, including the following:
- Good business communication
- Strategic financial analysis
- Basic and advanced computer skills
The core classes that you will take in your accounting bachelor’s degree include macroeconomics, microeconomics, marketing principles, business, and managerial accounting.
Get First-Hand Job Experience
The next step that you must take is to acquire first-hand job experience so that you can work your way up from a junior-level position. Nonetheless, you should know that it will be difficult to become a CPA if you don’t pass the exam and earn your CPA. This is also where the importance of acquiring real-world accounting experience comes in, all the way from the entry-level to the mid-level jobs, while simultaneously pursuing your degree and preparing for your CPA exams.
Pass the CPA Exam with Intuit
Of course, you will need proof that showcases your competency and skills, which is why you must prepare for the CPA exam and also pass your exam. With that said, you might want to enroll in the right institute or join the right platform, such as Intuit, to prepare for your exam and acquire your license. Make sure to learn from the best and access the right materials and resources so that you can pass the national exam with distinction.
Typically, you will need to complete one hundred and fifty semester hours, which is more than your average bachelor’s degree. Make sure to continue your education after attaining the CPA license and keep renewing it as per the requirements of your state.
