logo
logo
Sign in

Should You Hire a Certified Public Accountant?

avatar
Kevin Matthews
Should You Hire a Certified Public Accountant?

There are many benefits to hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), including calculating future investment gains and saving you 30 hours a month. Typically, CPAs charge $30 per hour. Using their expertise, you can save an estimated $900 each month. Ultimately, it's up to you to determine whether the cost of hiring a Certified Public Accountants in Tysons outweighs the benefits. Consider the following:


Cost of Becoming a CPA


The cost of becoming a Certified Public Accountant varies. A four-year public college degree costs approximately $20000, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can cost twice that. For this reason, the most cost-effective way to become a CPA is to skip the MBA and just become certified. The cost of the CPA exam is about $1300 to $3000. There are several ways to cut costs, including taking a review course. Self-study courses can cost around $100-$300. Some universities offer a discount for these courses.



Prerequisites


The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) lists four prerequisites for becoming a certified public accountant. First, graduates of accounting programs are expected to have some background in the primary functions of their chosen arena. Public accountants, for example, must know the needs of their targeted clientele. In contrast, corporate auditors, who work for other companies, must know the business practices of their employer. Some positions also require additional education beyond a bachelor's degree, such as specialized certifications.


Exam Structure


The Exam structure for Certified Public Accountants consists of five sections, each containing four to eight multiple-choice questions. This test structure is designed to measure accounting knowledge and skills. The BEC section contains three written communication tasks that must be completed professionally. The exam does not allow candidates to use notes. The exam also contains simulations that measure analysis, judgment, and communication. Taking the exam in sequence will maximize your chances of a positive result.


Skills Required


As a professional in the accounting field, you should have extensive knowledge of financial statements, including ledgers and trial balances. A team of CPA Services in Tysons should also have strong technical skills in specific areas of accounting, such as standard reconciliation. Developing your understanding of GAAP and SEC reporting is another key skill. Many prominent accounting firms offer specialized training in different areas of competency. Finally, you should have excellent communication skills and an interest in understanding others.


Career Opportunities


A career as a certified public accountant (CPA) has many benefits. It is a valuable credential, but it also opens many career options. The CPA designation also showcases confidence in prospective employers. In addition to accounting, CPAs can perform auditing services and special taxation, giving them greater earning potential. As such, CPAs are in high demand. However, the CPA salary can be high, but many other career paths are available for CPAs.


Final Words


When looking for a Certified Public Accountants Tysons, there are several factors to keep in mind. First, look for someone with experience in your industry. The best accountants also have experience working with online companies, so if you run an online business, you should look for one with experience working with online companies. Ask other small business owners for recommendations, and try to contact the American Institute of CPAs. Finally, make sure the accountant you choose is licensed and registered in your state.


If you are looking to save time, hire a part-time CPA. They'll be able to evaluate the proper spending for your business, keep track of payroll, and file company taxes. You can also hire a freelance accountant to do a few tasks for you while you're in between hiring a full-time CPA. A freelance accountant will typically charge a lower rate than a salaried employee, so consider this if you need an accountant for your small business.

collect
0
avatar
Kevin Matthews
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more