Accountants ensure that firms run efficiently and profitably by planning, implementing and overseeing financial policies and procedures. Certified public accountants (CPAs) hold additional credentials attesting to their elevated level of expertise and education. Becoming a certified public accountant can begin with enrolling in the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Job Outlook for Certified Public Accountants
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts faster than average employment growth for accountants and auditors between 2023 and 2033. Globalization; economic growth; financial regulations; and the complexity of taxes, international controls and rapidly changing accounting technologies will contribute to the demand for highly skilled accountants.
Those with the CPA credential will likely have the best job prospects. Advancing their education to the MBA level can also help improve an accountant’s job prospects while preparing them to earn their CPA.
CPA Job Description
A typical certified public accountant job description includes numerous CPA duties and tasks. Certified public accountants perform a wide range of accounting, auditing and tax activities. These skilled professionals ensure private businesses, organizations, public firms and government agencies comply with federal and state law by properly reporting revenue and paying taxes. One of the many important CPA duties is to analyze a company’s structure and activities and advise management on the tax ramifications of business decisions.
CPA work also includes acting as a consultant in areas such as compensation, employee benefits, data processing systems and asset protection. CPAs frequently participate in strategic planning, budget development, fraud prevention, contract negotiation and disputes, and tax preparation and filing.
Preparing financial statements and reports, analyzing ledgers, overseeing accounts payable and receivable, and forecasting revenue and expenses are additional CPA duties. The CPA job description outlines how professionals must monitor a business’s financial activities, identify and investigate variances, manage risk and resolve issues.
CPA duties will also vary depending on whether a professional works independently or for private employers, government agencies or public accounting firms. In a management role, CPA work may include supervising staff as well as participating in processes surrounding hiring, training and mentoring.
In most cases, CPAs work 40 hours per week. However, during tax reporting and filing deadlines, longer hours may be necessary. Depending on the employer, the CPA job description and according responsibilities may include travel to meet with clients, collaborate with colleagues, attend conferences and perform other CPA duties.
Potential Salary for Certified Public Accountants
BLS reports that the median annual salary for accountants and auditors in 2023 was $79,880. The highest 10% of earners made more than $137,280 annually. The data shows that the top salaries generally go to those with certifications like the CPA credential, solid experience and the advanced education that businesses need to remain competitive in a changing global business environment.
For instance, compared to public accounting salaries for those without the CPA designation, certified public accountants often make significantly higher salaries. For instance, Indeed reports the average salary for a CPA in the U.S. to be $92,952 per year, as of January 2025. ZipRecruiter data for the same time period shows that senior-level CPA’s make an average of $105,943 annually, with the top 10% earning roughly $168,500.
Education and Training Requirements
Most certified public accountant positions require at least a bachelor’s degree along with the CPA designation, which requires additional accounting-specific education and experience. Many employers show preference to candidates with an MBA in accounting. Plus, in addition to the CPA credential, a specialized MBA can bolster public accounting salaries.
Financial professionals and accountants who wish to advance into a CPA position can qualify to take the recently revised CPA exam and expand their career prospects by enrolling in an MBA program with a concentration in accounting. Coursework typically includes managerial economics, financial management, organizational behavior and international accounting and reporting.
This type of advanced education prepares professionals to pursue unique careers in areas like risk management and technical accounting. Employers can be confident that professionals with an MBA in accounting are able to:
- Develop sound solutions to real-world accounting problems
- Create financial reporting and budgeting models for a variety of businesses, including nonprofit and for-profit firms
- Apply current managerial accounting practices to financial issues
- Utilize modern accounting and analytics technologies to optimize processes and derive strategic insight for decision-support
- Lead financial and accounting initiatives for maximum growth and profitability
- Leverage advanced knowledge and skills to succeed as a certified public accountant
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Certified Public Accountant Career?
Becoming a CPA takes strong financial skills as well as communication, analytical, problem-solving and leadership abilities. Modern CPA work also requires substantial skill with current accounting technologies.
Those who enjoy working with numbers and analyzing financial data could succeed as a certified public accountant. Enrolling in an MBA program with a concentration in accounting can help professionals qualify to take the CPA exam, as well as launch this rewarding, stable and respected career.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Accounting program.
