First step to becoming a CPA?

Question

I have "some college" and have worked in payroll-A/P- A/R- and/or a bookkeeping capacity for the past 8 years- I want to get an accounting degree and become a CPA- how do I start? Will my work experience count for anything? Need to be able to continue to work full-time. Please help any suggestions appreciated- especially those in the field.

Answer 1

Will need to get a bachelors degree in either finance or accounting from an accredited university. Then you will need to sit for, and pass the CPA exam. You will also need at least two-years experience in public accounting. This would include financial statement certification/auditing,tax preparation, forensic accounting, etc work with a public accounting firm. Your current experience would most likely not qualify for the experience requirement as payroll/AP/AR/bookkeeping work does not contain the level of decision and analysis required.

If you're interested in public accounting then the CPA is the way to go. If you see your career in the corporate world (preparing and analyzing financial & management reports, budgeting, cost acct, etc.) then you may want to consider the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) designation. Its a certification through the Institute of Management Accountants.

Answer 2

1) Get a bachelor degree (most likely in accounting) that complies with the requirement to become a CPA in your state.
2) Take (and pass) the CPA exam.

Contact the accounting department of the universtity you plan on attending for your missing courses and they should be able to answer any question you may have on the subject.

Answer 3

work exp will not directly count, but it will help in passing.
most state require 150 hour credit, but still some have lower requiremnt & u can seat for exam thru those state.

http://www.cpafaq.com/

http://www.cpamart.com/