The CPA course is extensive and covers accounting topics and other topics like law, analytics, taxation, auditing, evaluation, regulatory frameworks and procedures, ethics, planning and management of finances. The CPA course makes one an expert in accountancy and opens a wide range of opportunities.
A CPA is better qualified than an accountant to perform some accounting duties, and recognized by the government as someone who is credible and an expert in the field. Individuals who have received a CPA designation are trained in generally accepted accounting principles and best practices (including online tools).
What is a CPA Course?
In the United States, CPA or the Certified Public Accountant is the highest designation in accounting and finance that one can achieve, and it also promises global recognition for all the right reasons.
Eligibility for the CPA Exam
The American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants, or AICPA, conducts the CPA exam. But as mentioned, the CPA license is considered the highest professional degree in accounting or finance in the United States. This fact changes the eligibility for Indian students to pursue the CPA exam because a bachelor’s degree in India is equivalent to 90 credits while that of the US is equivalent to 120 credits which is the required number of credits for appearing in the CPA exam. Thus, an Indian student needs to bridge the gap between the number of credits required to appear for the CPA exam. Each state board has different qualification requirements that an aspirant needs to meet in order to compete for the CPA exam in the US.
Not sure how you can qualify for the CPA examination? Here are some insights that will help you understand what you exactly need.
* If you are appearing for the CPA exam, you must have already completed 120 credits. However, you will need 150 credit hours to become certified and get your full US CPA license which leaves a 30 credit gap that you need to fill. You have the option of getting two bachelor’s degrees or one bachelor’s degree and one master’s degree to fill the gap. If you already have a graduation degree and don’t feel the need to pursue another one, you can join as a non-degree pursuing student at a community college or university and get the 30 credits done.
* If you are a Chartered Accountant, you can get some credits from the state boards to appear for the CPA exam.
* You can also appear for the CPA exam if you are an international CPA candidate from India and a first division graduate in any three-year commerce degree from NAAC-A-rated universities.
* Another crucial requirement for international students is hands-on experience in accounting or finance.
CPA Job Responsibilities
A certified public accountant helps organizations, companies, and individuals arrange their taxes and financial statements. Their task is to supervise firm personnel and ensure that they follow proper accounting procedures and respond to financial reporting queries.
CPAs are responsible for:
* Analyzing financial data, producing tax forms, and supervising audits
* Organizing and updating accounting records (both digital and physical)
* Creating and analyzing transaction reports
* Conducting rigorous audits regularly to check the correctness of financial documentation, expenditures, and