Curious about whether a CPA license can boost your career? The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credential stands as one of the most trusted and marketable certifications in accounting. Furthermore, CPAs enjoy strong job security, faster salary growth than their non-certified peers and broad career options across various industries.
Employers prioritize CPA hires. The reason is simple: CPAs bring proven expertise. They must meet rigorous education and exam requirements, and they're licensed to sign off on audits and file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Whether you're a student mapping your future, an early-career professional aiming higher or someone considering a career change into accounting, here’s what you need to know about the CPA career progression.
How to become a CPA? Key Facts & Steps
A closer look at the CPA job outlook
The CPA job outlook isn’t just strong—it’s strategic. With a projected 6% growth in accountant and auditor roles through 2033, CPAs are positioned for long-term stability and advancement. Companies in finance, healthcare, tech and beyond are competing for credentialed professionals, yet the talent pipeline for these roles is shrinking, as many experienced accountants have left the workforce and fewer students are pursuing accounting degrees. This gap creates a rare advantage for those who act now: Earning your CPA license can put you in demand for high-impact roles and faster salary progression. In short, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll stand out.
What CPAs do: More than number crunching
CPAs are strategic financial experts at the heart of business decision-making. Their training in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), auditing and tax makes them key advisors on complex financial questions. They handle:
Financial reporting and analysis—preparing financial statements and analyzing results to inform strategy. They present findings to management to guide critical decisions.
Auditing and compliance—examining financial records, conducting audits to identify risks and recommending improvements. CPAs play a vital role in compliance with regulations like Sarbanes-Oxley.
Tax planning and preparation—managing tax strategy, preparing returns and advising on tax implications. They help minimize tax liabilities while keeping companies compliant.
Strategic advising—using data analytics and AI tools to uncover insights. CPAs consult on investments, evaluate mergers and contribute to risk management.
Two common CPA career paths: Public accounting vs. corporate accounting
Your CPA career path can unfold in two main directions: public accounting (working at a CPA firm with external clients) or corporate accounting (working in-house for a company's finance department). Many professionals experience both over their careers.
In public accounting, you typically start as a staff accountant or auditor, advance to senior accountant, then move to a manager position after 5-7 years. The CPA license is vital—managerial positions almost always require it since you need it to sign audit reports.
In corporate accounting, you often start as a staff accountant or financial analyst, then progress to senior accountant, and eventually become an accounting manager. With a CPA license, you can reach controller positions. Many CPAs in industry aim for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role, where the CPA is a preferred credential.
These paths aren't mutually exclusive. Many start in public accounting for broad client experience, then jump to a corporate role. Public accounting can mean longer hours during the busy season, but it offers valuable experience working with diverse clients. Corporate accounting tends to have more regular hours and deeper involvement with one business. The CPA designation accelerates your progression in either direction.
How to become a CPA
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant involves meeting requirements in “the three E’s”: education, exam and experience.
Education: Most states require 150 semester hours—typically 30 hours beyond a bachelor's degree. Many aspiring CPAs complete a master's in accounting or taxation.
Exam: The Uniform CPA Examination is a rigorous four-part test covering auditing, business concepts, financial accounting and tax/business law.
Experience: Most states require 1-2 years of relevant work supervised by an active CPA. Most fulfill this by working in public accounting after graduation.
Timeline: The process generally takes 5–6 years. For example: four years for an undergraduate degree, one year for a master’s, and 6–12 months for exam preparation (often overlapping with work). Career changers may need additional coursework before sitting for the exam but can often complete requirements in 1–2 years while working.
Emerging Alternatives: In response to talent shortages and rising barriers to entry, several states are introducing alternative CPA licensure pathways that emphasize professional experience over additional coursework. These changes aim to reduce obstacles, attract more candidates, and strengthen the talent pipeline. Industry reports, including those from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), highlight this trend as retirements accelerate and fewer new candidates enter the profession—deepening the talent gap.
CPA salaries and career opportunities
One exciting aspect of a CPA-boosted career is strong earning potential. Salary figures rise quickly as you gain experience. Below are some key roles where the CPA qualification is either essential or gives you an edge.
Staff accountant
Staff accountants handle day-to-day accounting tasks like journal entries, account reconciliations and the month-end close. It’s usually the first step for new graduates in both public firms and corporate departments.
Typical responsibilities:
Process accounts payable and receivable transactions
Reconcile general ledger accounts monthly
Assist with financial statement preparation and audit support
National midpoint salary: $73,750
See Staff Accountant Salaries and Similar Jobs
Senior accountant
A senior accountant is an experienced professional who prepares full financial statements, manages complex reconciliations and often supervises junior staff. A CPA certification helps you reach this level faster.
Typical responsibilities:
Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements
Analyze variances and provide financial insights to management
Train and mentor staff accountants on accounting procedures
National midpoint salary: $94,750
See Senior Accountant Salaries and Similar Jobs
Accounting manager
Accounting managers oversee the accounting team and day-to-day finance operations. They ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance. Many employers prefer or require a CPA license.
Typical responsibilities:
Supervise accounting staff and coordinate department workflows
Oversee month-end and year-end close processes
Review financial statements for accuracy and implement internal controls
National midpoint salary: $113,000
See Accounting Manager Salaries and Similar Jobs
Corporate controller
The controller is the top accounting officer in a company, responsible for all accounting operations and financial reporting. A CPA license and significant experience are usually required.
Typical responsibilities:
Direct all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable and payroll
Oversee financial reporting, audits and regulatory compliance
Advise executive leadership on financial planning, budgeting and risk management
National midpoint salary: $185,000
See Corporate Controller Salaries and Similar Jobs
CPAs tend to move into higher-paying roles early in their careers. A staff accountant can often step up to a senior role within a few years, with a noticeable jump in salary. From there, many progress to manager or director positions, where six-figure earnings are common. At every stage, holding a CPA credential is closely linked to better pay.
Frequently asked questions about CPA careers
Is becoming a CPA a good career choice for an accountant?
Absolutely. While a CPA certification doesn’t constitute a career in itself, gaining the credential offers stability, growth and strong rewards as you progress in the accounting field. Becoming a CPA opens doors to diverse roles, and the work can be both challenging and fulfilling. If you have a head for numbers and an interest in business, becoming a CPA provides both job security and advancement potential.
How long does it take to become a CPA?
Typically, it takes 5-6 years from starting college to full licensure. Many achieve the CPA around age 23-25. Career changers can typically complete the requirements in 1-2 years while working, although the timeframe may be longer depending on individual commitments.
What jobs can I get with a CPA license?
A CPA license opens doors to a wide range of opportunities—not just in accounting. Many professionals start in public auditing or as staff accountants within corporations. From there, CPAs often advance to roles such as senior accountant, audit manager, or tax manager.
At higher levels, CPAs frequently hold leadership positions like controller, director of finance, or chief financial officer (CFO). Beyond traditional accounting, the analytical, regulatory, and strategic skills gained through CPA training are highly valued in consulting, risk management, compliance, and executive leadership roles. These competencies also translate well into careers in operations, corporate strategy, and even entrepreneurship, where financial expertise is critical for decision-making and growth.
Is there a demand for CPAs in 2026?
Very much so. Demand for CPAs is high and expected to remain strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates faster-than-average growth for accountants. Emerging areas like data analytics and sustainability reporting are expanding the accountant's role. In 2026, companies across sectors will continue competing for qualified CPAs.
