If you’re looking for a challenging, prosperous and successful career in accounting, it’s well worth considering the benefits of becoming a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). This role incorporates finance, accounting and business expertise and requires a specific qualification.

Before we take a look at some of the benefits enjoyed by CPAs, let’s talk about the process involved in becoming a CPA. Basically, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Complete a degree-level qualification or postgraduate award recognised by CPA Australia.
2. Complete the CPA program, which includes three years of professional experience in a relevant field.
3. Complete a Public Practice Program and obtain a Public Practice Certificate if you wish to offer public accounting services.
4. Undertake continuing professional development after your qualification.

This might sound like a long process and a lot of work, but believe us – it is all worth it for the benefits you’ll experience as a qualified CPA. Here are just a few of those benefits.

1. You’ll stand out from the crowd in your job search

The accounting, finance and business industries can be really competitive. With more and more people choosing to pursue accounting qualifications, it can sometimes be tough to get a foot in the door. But one way to stand out from the crowd is with a CPA qualification. Many employers tend to prefer candidates who are CPA-qualified. Being able to say you’re a CPA can automatically give you a competitive edge over the majority of other candidates. Your qualification not only demonstrates the extent of your knowledge and skills – it also shows that you’re dedicated to your profession, and passionate enough about the industry to have undertaken some serious training

2. You’ll have wider employment opportunities

There’s no doubt about it: you’ll have more doors open to you as a CPA than you would without this additional qualification. The process of becoming a CPA involves extensive study and experience in a broad range of areas, opening up options in many different industries and business areas.

Rather than specialising in one area, such as auditing, a CPA qualification helps to diversify your skills and ways of thinking, which in turn diversifies your job prospects. You might find yourself in roles with the opportunity to contribute to business strategy, management or innovation, rather than being confined to a more ‘traditional’ accounting role.

3. You’ll have a better chance at increasing your salary

Generally, accounting professionals with a higher-level qualification such as CPAs have better opportunities to increase their salaries.

If you’re ready to take your career and your earnings to the next level, it might be time to put in the hard yards and gain that CPA qualification. The extra cash in your pocket after all your hard work will be just one of many benefits!

4. You’ll have an increased level of respect and trust from employers and clients

A quick note: we are definitely not suggesting that other accounting professionals aren’t respected or trusted. However, some employers and clients can be wary when it comes to hiring in this area, needing that little bit of extra reassurance that a potential candidate is right for them.

With a CPA qualification under your belt, you can demonstrate not only that you really know your stuff, but that you’re a truly dedicated accounting professional and that you comply with the strict code of conduct set by CPA Australia.

5. You’ll be internationally recognised

As a qualified CPA in Australia, you’ll also have an internationally recognised qualification that can help open doors to jobs all over the world.

CPAs are sought-after both here and overseas, so you’ll have a wider range of options when it comes to deciding where, and for whom, you’d like to work.

6. You’ll be better equipped to take on any finance or business challenges

While an alternative qualification such as a Chartered Accountant (CA) is geared towards the technical functions of accounting relating to auditing, tax etc., a CPA qualification is much broader. It focuses on a varied range of accounting skills and offers the opportunity to become involved in the more strategic aspects of a business. With the knowledge and skills you’ll gain in CPA training, you’ll be equipped to meet a wide range of financial and business challenges head-on.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a CPA, or discussing how we can help you find your next role in the accounting industry, give me a call on 0249 050 130 or email me at [email protected].