CPA 101

When considering a career, it’s important to consider your personal work values—what is most important to you in a job, and most suitable for your individual personality and interests.

Take advantage of these CPA 101 resources to explore a little further into the world of accounting.

If your first reaction to becoming a CPA was, “I’m not a math person,” don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions. Sure, basic math skills are important, but being a CPA is really more about the ability to think differently. And if you think all CPAs do are taxes and audits, think again!

Today’s CPAs are CFOs (chief financial officers), managing partners, presidents and more. They work with professional athletes, track down criminals, finance the movies you watch and make sure organizations of every kind stay in business each and every day. In short, CPAs run the business world. Having a CPA designation opens doors to influential jobs that put you in control of your career and your life.

To begin a successful career in accounting, you will need to develop a wide array of knowledge, skills and competencies ranging from a strong understanding of accounting and business concepts to effective leadership and communication skills. You will also need to have a broad business perspective, which will enable you to "see the big picture" of the internal and external factors that impact how a business operates.

So, here are the tools you need to get started with your future today:

• Is this career right for you?
• What is a CPA?
• What skills do I need?
• CPA FAQs: What you need to know
• Position descriptions: Which career path is right for you?
• Skills & competencies needed to be a CPA
• CPA designation can be ticket to adventurous career

View more information about getting started in the CPA profession and the CPA exam on the Student home page.