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Accountants

How to become a Chartered Accountant?

By QuickBooks
August 7, 2022

Are you an accountant considering becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)? These financial professionals work in various accounting environments, including government, private companies, and private practice. Some of the services you can offer as a CPA include tax planning, financial document preparation, and business valuations.

Top 3 Reasons to Become a CPA

A CPA designation states that you have more than one technical accounting focus. It also shows you can think beyond the numbers to attain the next level in business and leadership. There are many great reasons to become a CPA, including:

  • Better salary – CPAs command better salaries than regular or unlicensed accountants. You even earn more if you work as an independent CPA because you can charge more for the additional services you offer.
  • Job security – A high-demand profession, CPAs have an advantage over non-CPA financial professionals.
  • Work variety – CPAs can work in almost any industry they want. This gives you considerable flexibility in your career, allowing you to easily switch from one job to another to keep your professional life robust.

How to be a Chartered Accountant 

If you want to know how to be a chartered accountant or how to apply for a chartered accountant role, consider the pathways below:

  • Obtain an undergraduate degree in relevant concentration from any recognized university.
  • Enroll in a graduate programme in accounting or international accounting. 
  • Complete 150 hours of relevant practical work experience. This can be part-time or full-time work. 
  • Pass the four-part CPA exam, which tests your accounting knowledge and competency.

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA)

The AICPA is the most influential body of professional accountants, combining the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is known as the global voice of the accounting and finance profession.


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What If You Don’t Have an Undergraduate Degree?

If you're wondering, “Can you get a CPA without an accounting degree?” you might assume that you'd get the same answer no matter where you intend to work or live.

You do need a degree to work as a CPA in most countries. 


You don’t obtain a CPA position through education alone. Instead, you must pass an exam to gain the official designation with a professional body. This means you might want to research widely and consult with the accounting authority you intend to join before enrolling in a CPA education program. 

As a CPA, you can work part-time or full-time. You can render services for a company or offer services as an independent contractor. Accountancy and business are a great mix in terms of occupation. 

If you take the independent contractor route, you can help automate your personal finances by using QuickBooks Online for Accountants, which allows freelancers, contractors, and sole proprietors to track and manage their businesses on the go. Download the app now to take the first step to your success.


Join our QuickBooks community and get certified in QuickBooks Online and expand your services to reach more potential clients.