Competences of Becoming an Accountant Essay Example

that CPAs, also known as certified public accountants, serve as financial advisors to aid individuals, businesses, and organizations in achieving their financial goals (AICPA, 2013, para. 1). It is essential to acknowledge that while all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants possess the CPA designation.

The requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) vary by state, but typically involve education, exams, and experience. To be eligible for the CPA exam, I must complete 150 semester hours. The CPA exam, also known as the Uniform CPA exam, is a computerized test that consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). In addition to passing the exam, it is necessary to have 1-2 years of experience at an accounting firm in order to obtain my CPA certification. Once I pass the exam, I will need to await my congratulatory letter.

Upon receiving my letter, I will complete the necessary steps to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This entails signing a code of ethics, paying the required fees, and obtaining my CPA license. As a CPA, I have the freedom to work from different places such as home, accounting firms, or government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Government Accountability Office (GAO). CPAs can earn an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on their level of proficiency.

As you gain more experience, your earning potential also increases. Besides pursuing a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification, there are other accounting fields worth exploring. While not all of these fields require a CPA license,

they do require passing a certification exam. Some certifications that individuals with an Accounting degree can pursue include Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Auditor (CMA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

No matter the certification or field, the necessary qualities and skills remain consistent. Accountants, for example, must possess analytical skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) states that these professionals should be capable of identifying problems in paperwork and suggesting solutions. Analytical skills are employed by public accountants to reduce tax liability and by internal auditors to uncover fraudulent fund usage.

Effective communication skills are essential for accountants as they need to attentively listen to clients, managers, and others. They should also be able to discuss their work outcomes through both oral discussions and written reports.

Accountants must have a focus on detail and proficiency in mathematics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), "Accountants and auditors must pay attention to detail when compiling and examining documentation and be able to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures, although complex math skills are not necessary" (para. 14). Furthermore, organizational skills are essential for all accountants and auditors. These skills are particularly important as accountants and auditors frequently handle diverse financial documents for multiple clients.

" (BLS, 2012, para. 14). In conclusion, accounting majors have an interest in business mathematics and the significance of accounting systems in contemporary businesses or government agencies." ("Accounting Major," n. d. , para.

2). There are various areas of accounting that I can choose to pursue. However, I am uncertain about which specialized field I want to enter. Nevertheless, obtaining my CPA license and working in public accounting are my definite goals. Public

accountants are employed by public accounting firms that provide auditing, tax, consulting, and accounting services to other businesses, organizations, or individuals. "What Does a Public Accountant Do," n.

According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), there are more than 46,000 public accounting firms in the United States as reported in 2013. These firms vary in size, ranging from small local practices to large international CPA firms (d., para. 1; AICPA, 2013, para. 1).

In order to work at these firms, accountants need a fundamental knowledge of the accounting system, its laws, and the operations of business organizations.