Do I need to be a CPA to have an accounting practice?

Question

I live in Delaware.
I have an MBA and am curently getting BS in accounting. I'm thinking of taking a CPA exam - I have required education credits, but don't have enough work experience to get certified even if I pass it.
Do I need a CPA to have my own accounting firm?

Answer 1

You are legally required to have a CPA to open your own accounting firm in your state. The firm will be required to obtain a license from the State Board of Accountancy, and they will require that at least one individual of the firm to be a CPA and licensed to practice public accounting in the state. The only exception would be if you only conducted bookkeeping, tax or other activities that do not attest to or certify financial results. As most business are looking for, or require that their books be certified by a CPA, a non-licensed firm may not generate much business.

Answer 2

Legally, no. Anyone can be an accountant. What you have to ask yourself is...are people going to let you be their accountant without passing the CPA? If you think they will...or if you know people that will...then you're good to go!