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What To Do Now? CPA Career Training

by Karen Jo Shapiro
Online Education Columnist

Are you good with numbers and enjoy detail-oriented work? If you like tasks related to financial matters, you could improve your skills through retraining to become an accountant. Certified public accountants (CPAs) work with people and businesses to help them prepare financial statements and make decisions on tax and business matters. Online CPA training courses can provide you with the background necessary to enter this field.

Career Skills for CPAs

The field of accounting can be a good match for someone who likes task-focused roles, enjoys using numbers, and is careful with detail. The abilities to be accurate, follow directions, and communicate information clearly are key career skills for this profession. Personal integrity and honesty are also important. Currently, the best opportunities become available to accountants who are versatile and knowledgeable about computers and the latest software programs.

CPAs are accountants who have earned a bachelor's degree or better, gained the required accounting experience, and passed a rigorous exam. Continuing education is required to keep a CPA designation. Public accountants may audit the books of public corporations, verify that state agencies are following their states' rules, or work for small businesses and individuals as tax preparers or planners. The need for this occupation is expected to rise as the economy changes and financial laws become increasingly complex in the future.

Career Advice: CPAs

Typically, it's expected that to get a job in this field one must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely-related field. A master's or MBA is also appreciated by potential employers. Different states require different training in order to become certified as a public account. You must pass a CPA exam and gain specific supervised work experience. If you think this occupation might be a good match for you, consider retraining for it either through traditionally based campus classes or online CPA training courses. As long as businesses and individuals need to navigate complex tax codes and financial regulations, there will be a need for accountants.

More about CPA Career Training & CPA Schools Online


University of Phoenix

  • A.A. in Accounting
  • M.S. in Accountancy
  • More Information
  • DeVry University

  • Master's-Accounting and Financial Management
  • Graduate Certificate-Accounting
  • More Information
  • Everest University Online

  • Accounting (Bachelor)
  • Accounting (Associate's)
  • More Information
  • View all online CPA schools >>
    Karen Jo Shapiro is a psychologist who specializes in leadership and career development in addition to personal coaching. She is the owner of Your Next Steps Coaching and is on adjunct faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC. She leads workshops for women on achieving their dreams through action planning, and also on powerful connections through networking. Karen Jo has undergraduate degrees in English and Spanish from Colby College and a Psy.D. from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. She has published two books of humorous poetry for children.