Overview with Resume Samples
Discover Accounting: Includes resources to learn more about accreditation requirements and professional development resources for accountants.
Accounting.com: Designed to be an exploration resource for students interested in a career in accounting.
Check out samples of accounting themed resumes, organized by academic year.
Beta Alpha Psi: Beta Alpha Psi is an international honor organization for accounting, finance, and information systems students.
Salary Progression Study
Professors Plunkett and Soczek led an informal study of accounting salary progression for Big 4 firms. Postings for popular job websites were compiled across select major U.S. cities by staff class so as to demonstrate sample progression of salary by years of experience. The information is conveyed by audit and tax disciplines. As can be seen, compensation escalates fairly rapidly for high performers. Coupled with the continued strong job market for accounting professionals, the enhanced training new professionals garner once joining a firm, and the wide variety of opportunities afforded one after a few years of experience, accounting remains an outstanding initial career choice. Special thanks to Mackenzie Turnbull for her solid work on this project!
Preparing for the CPA
As a future accountant, you have likely heard of the CPA Exam but may not know the steps you should take to become a licensed CPA. Below are some guidelines to help you prepare.
Understand your state’s education requirements.
If you plan to become licensed in Missouri, for example, you need only complete 120 credit hours to take the CPA Exams, but 150 to become fully licensed. This gives you the opportunity to complete the CPA Exams while pursuing your final 30 credit hours (via a graduate program or additional major) simultaneously.
Some states, however, require you to have completed all 150 hours before taking the exams. You can find state-by-state requirements at this website. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for detailed information.
Consider enrolling in a CPA Prep Course.
Becker is a highly rated course with which many students find success, though there are countless resources for mock exams and study materials. If you have received an offer of employment, check with your employer on the CPA support policies – many firms provide study groups, reimbursement for study materials and completed exams, as well as bonuses for completing your CPA within your first year of employment.
Apply to sit for the CPA Exam
You will be asked to submit your transcripts and application fee.
Select the parts of the exam you intend to take.
Pay the required fees for each part to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). After you receive approval, you will be given a “Notice to Schedule,” which is typically time-limited – I.E., your Notice to Schedule expires in 6 months, so you will need to take all the parts of the exam you chose within those 6 months or risk losing the fee you paid. Once approved, you will have 18 months to complete all four parts of the exam.
Schedule your exam at Prometric.com
Be aware of any deadlines placed upon you by either your Notice to Schedule or your employer. Testing slots may fill up quickly.
Repeat until you’ve completed all four parts of the exam.
Congratulations!
Renew your licensure yearly.
Many firms provide ongoing CPE (Continuing Professional Education) to help you renew your CPA license. In Missouri, CPAs are required to complete 40 hours of CPE yearly to stay licensed.