Do you live in the Miami metro area and want to become a CPA? Florida National University is here to help. Our Hialeah campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Completion of the degree program and one year of work experience under a licensed CPA is all you need to sit for the Uniform CPA exam in Florida. But first let’s look into what a CPA is then we will follow the steps to becoming a CPA in Hialeah.
What is a CPA?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is a license that authorizes the holder to practice as a CPA in a specific jurisdiction. Requiring CPAs to get a license helps to protect the public interest because only those that have passed the exam and attended the educational requirements can identify themselves as a CPA.
How Do I Become a CPA in Hialeah, FL?
Getting a CPA in Hialeah mandates that candidates meet certain education and experience requirements. In order to sit for the CPA Exam in Florida, you must complete 120 semester credit hours. This Business Degree program in Accounting must include three or four semesters of financial accounting and three or four quarter hours of taxation, and coverage of auditing and cost accounting, according to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Here are the steps necessary to become a CPA in Hialeah, Florida.
Step #1: Attend a University that offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting
The first step in the process of becoming a CPA is to complete the required education. This includes 120 semester credit hours in a Bachelor program such as Florida National University’s  Accounting degree that covers the topics required by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
What Do I Learn During a Bachelor of Science Degree
During the Accounting Bachelor of Science Degree at Florida National University, you will take classes in basic economics, principles of accounting, managerial accounting, business law, income tax accounting, government and institutional accounting, auditing, corporate finance, accounting information systems and strategic management. You will also have the ability to take electives in entrepreneurial, international, and business management subjects. This degree program will prepare you for the Uniform CPA Exam. However, additional requirements are needed to be eligible to sit for the exam. Step #2 must be completed to get experience in accounting working for a licensed CPA.
Step #2: Get Experience in an Accounting Position in Hialeah.
Accounting experience must be gained through employment in public practice, government, industry, or academia after completing the educational requirements. A licensed CPA must verify this work experience to qualify to sit for the CPA exam.
Where Can I Find a Job Working for a Licensed CPA?
If you need to satisfy your work requirements to sit for the Uniform CPA, you can contact many organizations, in public, private, and governmental sectors. The government offices in Hialeah are always looking for accountants. You can look into job search websites like Google, ZipRecruiter and Indeed. These are great ways to find the most up-to-date jobs in the Hialeah area.
You can also network with fellow classmates and instructors to find an accounting position. Make sure to register with LinkedIn and create a network of individuals that can help you climb the ladder throughout your career.
The good news is that almost every business needs an accountant, you just need to make sure you are working under a licensed CPA to be eligible to sit for the Uniform CPA exam.
Step #3 – Take the CPA Exam
According to the NASBA Candidate Bulletin, the examination process involves a series of steps.
- Apply to take the examination.
- Complete payment of examination fees.
- Review the tutorial and sample tests.
- Receive your notice to schedule.
- Schedule your examination.
- Take your examination.
- Receive your score reports.
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).is one of the organizations that proctors the Uniform CPA exam. All first-time applicants must submit an application directly to the Florida Board. The other organizations that proctor the CPA exam include The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Prometric.
AICPA – the AICPA is the largest national, professional organization for CPAs. They provide members with resources, information, and leadership.
NASBA – is made up of 55 US Boards of Accountancy. The NASBA is a central clearinghouse that all jurisdictions submit information on eligible candidates for employer request.
Prometric – the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services.
What is on the CPA Exam?
The AICPA offers a blueprint to help study for the Uniform CPA exam. To get a CPA license, you must pass three Core exam sections and one Discipline exam section of your choice. The Core exams assess the knowledge that all newly licensed CPAs need in their role to protect the public interest. The CPA exam sections include:
- Core Section #1: Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Core Section #2: Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Core Section #3: Taxation and Regulation (REG)
- Discipline Section #4: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Discipline Section #5: Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
- Discipline Section #6: Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to become a CPA in Hialeah? Let Florida National University get you started with the educational requirements you must complete to be eligible to take the Uniform CPA exam. We also offer career services to place you with a licensed CPA and satisfy the work experience requirements to take the Uniform CPA exam. Once you have both the educational and work experience requirements complete, you are ready to take the Uniform CPA exam.
Want to Learn More?
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting provides Florida National University students with a solid academic foundation for entry into professional careers in accounting-related areas of business and government. The accounting program also prepares students to pursue advanced education in accounting and accounting related fields. Students are cautioned that the bachelor’s in accounting degree alone will not satisfy the eligibility requirements to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accounting Exam or to practice as a CPA in the State of Florida.
If you are interested in becoming a CPA, let Florida National University answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our Accounting degree program.
