Search for Schools and/or
 

Become A Certified Public Accountant

Learn about how to become a public accountant.

 Find Accounting Schools

 

What Do Certified Public Accountants Do?

public accounting

A public accountant is essentially a general accountant who either works for an accounting firm or has his or her own private practice. Though public accountants do traditionally work in an office setting, because they often work with several clients at one time, they encounter a wide variety of types of work and people, keeping the job engaging and interesting.

Public accountants, who often become certified public accountants, perform a number of accounting services for their varied clients, either individuals or corporations:

  • Public accountants' daily tasks range widely, from auditing, tax and financial planning to consulting and providing advice about compensation and benefits.
     
  • Public accountants meet with clients, work with larger teams of accountants and eventually train other junior accountants.

Many public accountants end up rising to a high-level position within a firm or moving to a private corporation to become a controller or CFO. An accounting degree, however, is crucial to entering and succeeding in public accounting. To begin your journey on the road to becoming a public accountant, find accounting bachelors, MBA or MAcc degree programs.

 
become a certified public accountant

Accounting Home

Accounting Degrees

Accounting Careers

Learn More About Accounting Careers

View a side-by-side comparison of accounting careers to find out which one is right for you.

Find Accounting Schools

 

Public Accountant Career Path

  Entry Level Mid Level Senior Level
Types of Roles Staff accountant, junior auditor, tax personnel at an accounting firm Senior associate/accountant or manager for audit or tax in an accounting firm Partner/senior partner or director of a firm, CPA in private practice, corporate accounting executive, or CFO of a private company
Getting There
  • Bachelor degree in accounting or finance
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • All entry-level requirements
  • CPA certification
  • An advanced degree like an MBA with a focus in accounting or MAcc is helpful
  • All mid-level requirements
  • An MBA or MAcc is recommended
Description
  • Work on specific tasks for a variety of clients
  • Help prepare audit papers
  • Execute audits
  • Work on tax returns
  • Review and test data
  • Help senior accounting staff
  • Supervise project teams and accounting staff
  • Review and prepare audits and tax returns
  • Work with clients
  • Conduct research
  • Help with firm strategy and planning
 Executive in accounting firm:
  • Oversee audits, tax and consulting
  • Drive strategy and business development
  • Manage client relationships
CPA in private practice:
  • Work with client base on anything from tax issues to audits to budget analysis
CFO of a private company:
  • Senior-level management accountant responsibilities

* Depends on company size, specific job, and location
Sources: Robert Half International

Fact and Fiction

Public Accountant in Real Life: Mary Ann M., Staff Accountant, Audit Department

Degree: MBA - Finance and Accounting Concentration, 2002

Years in Field: Over six years

Why did you choose a career in accounting? While I was getting my BA, I took an accounting class and loved it. I interviewed a few CPAs and learned that a career in accounting would allow me to take time during the off-peak season to travel and do the activities I enjoy away from work.

What does a staff accountant do? In my accounting administration's audit department, I audit financial statements and employee benefit plans. In addition to auditing, I do tax returns for corporations, partnerships and individuals, and I compile financial statements.

Read more about the life a public accountant

 
become a certified public accountant