What does a Certified Public Accountant actually do? CPAs are accounting professionals who work across public and private financial roles like individual and corporate tax preparers, financial accountants, payroll specialists, auditors, financial advisers, chief financial officers, managerial accountants, cost accountants, and educators.
The CPA designation is a significant achievement for financial professionals. It requires meeting rigorous education, experience, and continuing professional education requirements. And, although these requirements for obtaining licensure as becoming a CPA are challenging, the education and designation are widely regarded as a prestigious and rewarding career.
Read our complete guide below to learn about various CPA jobs, paths you can take with the designation, and how to become a CPA.
Key points
- CPAs can work in many roles across industries, giving them broad experience and strong job prospects.
- Typical CPA responsibilities include auditing financial statements, preparing tax documents, offering tax advice, managing budgets, analyzing financial data, and ensuring compliance with general accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- Becoming a CPA requires 150 credit hours of education, passing the four-part CPA exam, meeting state-specific experience requirements, and completing ongoing education.
- Getting your CPA license is just the beginning. Career growth comes from staying sharp with your technical and people skills.
- CPA job searches go further when you know what you’re after and take time to learn about the companies and their hiring process.
CPA job description
CPAs are responsible for helping businesses and individuals assess their finances and improve overall financial health at the same time ensuring compliance with government tax regulations. They work closely with clients to review financial statements, prepare tax documents, and perform audits to ensure compliance. Here are some of the potential job duties contained in a typical job description for a CPA working in public accounting:
- Balance double-entry accounting financial records and statements
- Audit the books for a business and provide assistance for external audits
- Identify potential risks to the financial health of a business
- Keep track of compliance with project budgets
- Attest (compile, review or audit) and publish financial statements
- Work with management to determine department and project budgets
- Oversee entry-level accountants and other finance personnel
- Make management advisory suggestions based on financial analyses
- Prepare individual and business (sole proprietor, partnership, corporate, non-profit, trust, gift/estate) tax returns
How to become a CPA
To become a CPA, you will need to meet certain education and training requirements. First, you must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 150 credits of coursework. It’s recommended you have a degree in accounting or business, but this isn’t required. However, some states will require you to take a certain number of accounting-related credits regardless of your major.
After completing the education requirements, you must pass the CPA exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of three Core sections and one Discipline section:
Core sections
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Taxation and Regulation (REG)
Discipline sections (must pass one of your choosing)
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
You must get an overall score of at least 75 out of 99 to pass an exam section.
Each state will have varying requirements after you pass the exam, but many require at least one or even two years of experience working as an accountant to earn your CPA certification. Some states may also require professional experience in specific types of accounting work. Once you have your CPA certification, you may need to renew it every one, two, or three years, depending on your state. Renewal generally requires completing a set number of continuing professional education (CPE) hours through approved courses.
CPA career paths
So, what jobs can you get with a CPA? Once you earn your CPA license, you have more than one road to choose from. Some CPAs stick with traditional tracks like public accounting, while others find their niche with corporations, government agencies, or nonprofits. You can also chart your own course through self-employment or explore emerging fields outside classic accounting roles.
Public accounting
Public accounting for a national or regional firm is a common starting point for CPAs. It provides attractive compensation along with training and direct experience with a variety of clients, from small businesses to large corporations, along with first-hand experience with different organizational structures and how they manage their finances. You also have the flexibility to specialize in one or several services within audit, tax, advisory or compliance.
Many CPAs in public accounting work for accounting or consulting firms, from local boutiques to the “Big Four” firms—Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)—which are responsible for auditing about 80% of America’s public companies.
Public accounting offers broad experience and rapid skill growth. You gain exposure to multiple industries, sharpen technical expertise, and build a professional network that can fast-track your career. The typical public accounting career follows a hierarchy from entry-level to leadership which requires varying degrees of managerial responsibilities. A small percentage of employees reach the level of partner/shareholder, but the experience gained working for larger firms can create broad ranging opportunities working for local or regional firms or even provide the skills for taking on the challenge of self-employment.
Private accounting and corporate roles
Private accounting, sometimes called corporate accounting, puts you inside one organization rather than serving multiple clients. You focus on managing that company’s finances, which means becoming deeply familiar with its financial goals and challenges.
Typical roles include controller, financial analyst, and internal auditor.
- Controllers oversee monthly sales, ensure payroll runs smoothly, and prepare reports for leadership.
- Financial analysts track sales data to forecast revenue or help evaluate whether launching a new product is financially viable.
- Internal auditors review internal processes, such as checking that expense reports comply with company policy or identifying ways to reduce waste in a manufacturing plant.
- Tax Accountants are employed as in-house experts to manage all aspects of the company’s tax position, working internally to ensure compliance, minimize tax liability, and provide tax-related strategic advice to management.
These jobs exist in nearly every industry, from tech and retail to health care and government. Many CPAs shift to private roles after years of public accounting experience.
Freelance or self-employment
Freelance CPA jobs are a type of self-employment, so you can work with as many or as few clients as you like in whatever capacity you prefer. And freelancers can often take on just about any role they want in the accounting world.
Freelancers have the privilege of being their own bosses. You’re in charge of setting your own schedule and rates, and you choose whom to work with. You also get to scale your career at a pace that works for you.
This is significantly different from an in-house employee, who works specific hours, often in the office, for a wage that the company dictates.
You have many options to start your own business using your CPA license. You could start your own tax preparation business, bookkeeping business, or financial adviser business.
Starting out requires a few formal steps. You may need to register your business with your state and possibly apply for an employee identification number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You’ll need a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) if you plan to file tax returns, and an electronic filing identification number (EFIN) if you plan to e-file returns. From there, you can determine your ideal menu of services and rates. The ongoing work of running your own business typically consists of fulfilling financial services and marketing yourself to continuously reach new clients and expand your business.
Nontraditional paths
Not every CPA follows the standard audit-or-tax route. Many branch into fields where their accounting expertise is a competitive edge.
Some move into financial technology (fintech), helping develop software that automates accounting processes or create tools for small-business owners. For example, a CPA might join a startup designing AI-powered tax prep features or work on compliance frameworks for a mobile banking app.
Others go into education, teaching accounting or developing training programs for corporate finance teams. There’s also room for entrepreneurship—launching a niche advisory firm, building a financial education brand, or starting a consulting business that specializes in a particular industry.
These paths can offer unique problem-solving opportunities. They’re ideal for CPAs who want to apply their skills beyond traditional accounting and open doors to roles that didn’t exist a decade ago.
Tips for success in CPA jobs
The important thing to remember is that landing your CPA job is just the beginning. Building a successful career takes focus and ongoing development. Here are a few tips to help build a long-lasting career:
- Keep learning. The rules of accounting and tax don’t stand still. Stay ahead with continuing education and explore credentials that match your interests, whether that’s forensic work, international tax, or data analytics.
- Leverage technology. Mastering the right tools, like accounting platforms and cloud systems, can make you more efficient and valuable to employers.
- Build your network. Join professional organizations, attend industry events, and connect with peers online. A strong network can lead to job opportunities and mentoring relationships.
- Develop soft skills. Clear communication and strong organization can carry as much weight as technical knowledge when moving up.
- Seek varied experience. Taking on different projects or clients early in your career can help you discover your strengths and identify areas for growth.
Tips to improve your CPA job search
A smart job search based around these tips can help you land the right CPA role faster and with more confidence:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter. Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight the experience and credentials that matter most for each role.
- Use multiple job search channels. Browse job boards, company career pages, and professional association listings. And don’t overlook the power of referrals from your network.
- Showcase your specialties. If you have expertise in a niche area, like nonprofit accounting or data analytics, make sure it comes through clearly in your application materials and interviews.
- Research potential employers. Learn about an employer’s industry and culture so you can connect your skills to their needs. Your interview is just as much a chance for you to get to know them as it is for them to get to know you.
- Practice interview skills. Be ready to discuss your technical abilities, share examples of past work, and explain how you solve problems for clients or employers.
Take the next step in your CPA career
A CPA job can provide rewarding work across industries and the potential to shape your career on your terms. Your skills can create value in nearly any setting, from public accounting and private industry to nontraditional roles.
Wherever you are in your career, investing in your skills, building your network, and staying adaptable can help you reach the next level.
If you’re ready to put your expertise to work, explore current CPA and accounting opportunities at Intuit. Remote tax expert roles and virtual bookkeeping positions come with flexible schedules, industry-leading tools, and a community of peers to support you. Apply now to join the Intuit team and put your skills to work helping millions of people power their prosperity.
FAQs about tax preparation
How do CPA jobs in the private vs. public sector differ?
Public-sector CPAs (think government agencies) focus on accountability, compliance, and stewarding taxpayer resources. By contrast, CPAs in public accounting firms serve multiple clients across industries, which means varied projects and frequent deadlines. Private-sector CPAs work within a single company, focusing on its internal financial management, reporting, and strategy. This offers stable, predictable hours and the chance to specialize in one industry.
Is specialization required for career growth as a CPA?
Specialization isn’t mandatory, but it can boost your career prospects. Many CPAs focus on areas like forensic accounting or international tax to stand out in the job market. Specialized expertise can create opportunities for career advancement or recognition as the go-to person in a given field.
What career paths are available beyond traditional accounting roles for CPAs?
CPAs can branch into nontraditional roles in many areas, including education or consulting. For example, you could teach finance courses or launch your own advisory firm. These paths allow you to apply your skills creatively and shape your own career direction.