Do You Need a CPA to Be an Accountant? Everything You Should Know

If you’re considering a career in accounting, you may be wondering: Do you need a CPA to be an accountant? The short answer is no—but having a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license can significantly expand your career options, salary potential, and credibility.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between a CPA and a general accountant, clarify when you need certification, and explore how both roles fit into the world of finance and business.

What Is an Accountant?

An accountant is a professional who manages and analyzes financial data for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Typical tasks include:

Bookkeeping and ledger management
Financial reporting
Budget planning and forecasting
Preparing tax documents
Managing payroll
Assisting with audits

Accountants can work with or without CPA certification, depending on the nature of the job and state regulations.

What Is a CPA?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an accountant who has passed the Uniform CPA Exam and met additional education, experience, and licensing requirements in their state.

CPAs are licensed and regulated by state boards of accountancy and are held to higher standards of professionalism, ethics, and continuing education.

Do You Need a CPA to Be an Accountant?

No, you do not need a CPA license to work as an accountant. However, there are differences in:

Area	Accountant (Non-CPA)	CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
License Required?	No	Yes
Audit/Attestation Work	Cannot perform independently	Authorized to conduct audits
Tax Representation	Limited authority	Can represent clients before the IRS
Job Opportunities	Broad, but may be limited	Wider range, especially in public firms
Salaries	Moderate	Higher average salary and growth

So, while you can become an accountant without being a CPA, certain high-level responsibilities and roles are reserved for CPAs only.

What Jobs Can You Get Without a CPA?

Here are common roles available to non-CPA accountants:

Staff Accountant
Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist
Bookkeeper
Payroll Coordinator
Financial Analyst
Cost Accountant
Tax Preparer (non-representative)
Budget Analyst

You can work in private companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and even public accounting firms (in support roles).

Education Requirements for Accountants

To become an accountant, most employers expect at least:

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Some roles accept an Associate degree or relevant certifications (e.g., QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel)

To pursue the CPA, most states require:

150 credit hours (typically a Bachelor’s + additional coursework)
Passing scores on the 4-part CPA Exam
1–2 years of supervised accounting experience

When Do You Need a CPA License?

You need to be a CPA if you want to:

Sign audit or attestation reports
File reports with the SEC (public companies)
Own or operate a public accounting firm
Represent clients before the IRS
Work in high-level tax planning or assurance roles

In contrast, if you’re working in internal accounting, corporate finance, or small business bookkeeping, you can succeed without a CPA license.

CPA vs Non-CPA Salary: Is It Worth It?

On average, CPAs earn 10%–20% more than their non-certified peers. According to the AICPA:

CPA Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000+
Non-CPA Accountant Salary: $50,000–$80,000

Additional CPA benefits:

More leadership roles
Greater job stability
Access to Big Four accounting firms
Increased credibility and client trust

Career Growth Without a CPA

You can still grow a successful accounting career without a CPA by:

Gaining experience and moving into senior roles
Earning certifications like:

CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)

EA (Enrolled Agent)

Specializing in areas like payroll, forensics, or cost accounting

Non-CPA accountants can become controllers, financial analysts, or CFOs, especially in small to mid-sized businesses.

CPA Alternatives for Specialization

Certification	Focus Area	Who It’s For
CMA	Management accounting, analysis	Corporate accountants and analysts
EA	Tax representation with the IRS	Tax professionals and preparers
CIA	Internal audit and compliance	Auditors in private or government roles
QuickBooks	Bookkeeping and software usage	Small business-focused accountants

How to Decide If You Need a CPA

Ask yourself:

Do you want to run your own accounting firm?
Will you be performing audits or attestations?
Are you aiming for a role in public accounting?
Do you plan to specialize in tax planning or IRS representation?

If yes, pursuing the CPA is the right path. If not, a successful career as a non-certified accountant is still absolutely achievable.

Conclusion

So, do you need a CPA to be an accountant? The answer is no—but earning your CPA can boost your career, open more doors, and increase your earning potential.

Whether you’re starting your journey or already working in the field, there are many ways to thrive in accounting with or without the CPA license. Choose the path that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and long-term vision.

FAQs

1. Can I work as an accountant without passing the CPA exam?

Yes. You can work in many accounting roles without a CPA, including staff accounting, payroll, bookkeeping, and tax prep (non-representative).

2. What jobs require a CPA?

Jobs in public accounting, auditing, attestation, and certain tax representation roles require a CPA license.

3. Is CPA required to file taxes for others?

No. Non-CPA accountants can file taxes. However, only CPAs and Enrolled Agents (EAs) can represent clients before the IRS in disputes.

4. Does a CPA make more money than a non-CPA?

Generally, yes. CPAs earn 10%–20% more on average due to their credentials and broader job responsibilities.

5. What’s the fastest path to become an accountant without a CPA?

Earn a Bachelor’s in Accounting and start working in entry-level positions such as staff accountant or bookkeeper. Consider additional certifications like QuickBooks, CMA, or EA for career growth.

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