Online or offline, the process of getting your accounting degree not only equips you with the necessary skills in everything from taxation to auditing, but it also helps build a foundation for life. Accounting degrees like the University of Miami UOnline's masters in professional accounting are well known for their stability and versatility — where there's business, there are accountants.
But graduation is just the beginning for accounting professionals. It takes a combination of your own drive and school support to pursue professional certifications after your degree is in hand.
Making the Grade
Graduation isn't the only finish line you have to prepare to cross as a future accountant. Preparing for the national CPA (certified public accountant) exam is an immense undertaking that reaps immeasurable professional benefits and a significant commitment of time.
The exam is comprised of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). With cumulative passing rates ranging from 44.87 to 55.40 percent in 2016 currently, proper preparation is crucial to success. Prospective students will also be subject to a new, even more, challenging version of the exam, which will debut in April 2017 (the first major update since 2011).
While it will remain a four-part exam — newly licensed CPAs will also be tested in advanced cogitative skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical ability. Each state has different prerequisites for taking the exam, so be sure to check your eligibility first.
Students can take advantage of test-focused seminars, peer study groups, and even scholarships from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in addition to independent study time. Consider a CPA review course a necessity rather than an option, and choose one that caters to your learning style and study habits. Online courses work well for self-driven folks, whereas live reviews are great for those who prefer structure and visual learning.
Write your own exam schedule based on practice tests, allotting yourself enough time for each test. Most review courses focus on the multiple-choice format to the exam but don't limit yourself. Give simulation questions plenty of floor space in your independent study time.
Life on the Road
Your CPA certification gives you an immense boost in marketability and viability for industry-leading finance jobs. Now it's time for the legwork. Register with a temporary staffing agency early on. These companies commonly provide a wealth of accounting work, especially during tax prep season. They can give you a taste of various job positions and sometimes lead to full-time work.
Networking with alumni, combing over online job openings, and specialized financial recruiters can also help you land a full-time gig everywhere from the government sector to startups and corporations. Joining a professional accounting organization often gives you access to live networking events packed with potential employers.
The post-CPA period is just the beginning of your life as an accountant. After you've tackled that giant, it's time to conquer the kingdom. Your chances are better than ever in a job market of about 1,332,700 positions in 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — especially with equal doses of personal drive and a willing support network.
Your University, Your Support Network
It doesn't hurt to get by with a little help from your friends, no matter how strong your skillset is. Reaching out to UM's pool of more than 180,000 plus alumni who live in over 154 countries across the globe can be exactly what you need after passing your CPA exam, whether you want to land a position or just learn more about one.
References
University of Miami: UOnline: Master's in Professional AccountingThe Constant Analyst: Why You Should Get an Accounting Degree
University of Miami: Toppel Career Center: About Us
American Institute of CPAs: The Uniform CPA Examination
Accountemps: Top Reasons College Students Should Take the CPA Exam
Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants
UWorld Roger CPA Review: 10 Little Known Facts About Passing the CPA Exam
Accountemps: How to Find the Best Accounting Jobs
United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountants and Auditors
American Institute of CPAs: Uniform CPA Examination Passing Rates 2016
