Becoming a CPA

See how Georgia Southwestern's committed faculty members can assist you in meeting your goal to pass the Certified Public Accountant exam. GSW’s BBA in Accounting program meets the educational requirements for the CPA exam. We help prepare graduates for careers in accounting, including offering opportunities to complete internships, participate in summer leadership programs, and network with accounting professionals.

CPAs provide accounting services, tax services, and audit services. Only CPAs can provide audit services for public companies. CPA’s roles are expanding to include greater skill sets and a greater grasp of emerging technologies (NASBA, 2023). CPAs follow a code of ethics and annually complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements to maintain licensure. The Department of Labor reports that the average accountant’s salary in the United States is $72,000. CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs (GLIEM, 2023). Accountants are some of the most sought-after professionals. In 2023, 62% of companies plan to add full-time accounting positions. 

It is an exciting time to pursue a CPA license. In a joint effort between the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Uniform CPA Examination is changing to prepare students for these increasing opportunities.  Starting in January 2024, the CPA model will include CORE + Discipline. The CPA Examination reflects three pillars of the CPA profession: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).