In Illinois, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those interested in finance, accounting, or aspiring Limited Liability Company owners. CPAs are in high demand and enjoy lucrative salaries, job security, and growth opportunities. In Illinois, as in any other state, aspiring CPAs must fulfill certain educational, experience, and examination requirements to become licensed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to Becoming a CPA in Illinois and provide valuable tips and resources to help you succeed.
Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you gain knowledge through thorough research and market study. Before you become a CPA, all the steps in this article must guide you.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is a CPA?
A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a professional accountant who meets the educational, examination, and experience requirements to become licensed in Illinois. CPAs are accounting, finance, and taxation experts, providing valuable services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
In Illinois, CPAs are licensed and regulated by the Illinois Board of Accountancy, ensuring that they adhere to strict professional and ethical standards. CPAs in Illinois offer a range of services, including but not limited to:
- Tax planning and preparation for individuals, LLCs, and corporations
- Financial statement preparation and analysis
- Auditing and assurance services
- Illinois Business Consulting
- Internal control and risk management
- Forensic accounting and fraud investigation
As a CPA, one can work in various sectors, including public accounting firms, Illinois Corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or as a self-employed professional. Regardless of the specific role, a CPA has the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to help clients navigate the complexities of financial management and make informed decisions.
To maintain their CPA license in Illinois, CPAs must also adhere to continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with current accounting standards, tax regulations, and industry best practices. This ensures Illinois CPAs provide their clients with the highest service and expertise.
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How to Become a CPA in Illinois
Suppose you’re considering becoming a CPA in Illinois. In that case, it’s important to understand the steps and requirements involved in obtaining your license and starting your professional journey. This step-by-step guide will walk you through becoming a CPA.
Step 1: Fulfill The Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a CPA in Illinois is to complete the necessary education requirements. The Illinois Board of Accountancy requires CPA candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Additionally, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college education, including specific coursework in accounting and business.
Accounting Coursework
In Illinois, CPA candidates must complete at least 24 semester hours in accounting courses, including:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Accounting Information Systems
- Governmental or Not-For-Profit Accounting
It is important to note that introductory accounting courses may not be counted towards the 24-hour requirement.
Business Coursework
In addition to accounting courses, CPA candidates in Illinois must also complete at least 24 semester hours in business-related courses, such as:
- Business Law
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Statistics
Some states also require specific coursework, such as Illinois-specific ethics courses, so check with the Illinois Board of Accountancy for any unique requirements.
Here is the coursework breakdown for becoming a CPA in Illinois.
| Accounting Coursework | Business Coursework |
| Financial Accounting | Business Law |
| Managerial Accounting | Economics |
| Auditing | Finance |
| Taxation | Management |
| Accounting Information Systems | Marketing |
| Not-For-Profit Accounting | Statistics |
Step 2: Pass The Uniform CPA Examination
After completing the educational requirements, the next step to becoming a CPA in Illinois is to pass the Uniform CPA Examination on the NASBA website.
The CPA Exam is a comprehensive, four-part test designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills in accounting and business. The four sections of the CPA Exam are:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
Each section of the CPA Exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 99, with a passing score of 75 or higher required for each section. The CPA Exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is offered at Prometric testing centers throughout the United States and, more specifically, in Illinois.
CPA Exam Application Process
To apply for the CPA Exam in Illinois, candidates must first create an account with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Once an account is created, candidates can submit their applications and send their official college transcripts to NASBA for evaluation. NASBA will then determine the candidate’s eligibility to sit for the CPA Exam based on their education and will provide an Authorization to Test (ATT) once approved. The required fee for the Illinois CPA exam application costs $879.08 (4 exam sections) + $120 application fee.
CPA Exam Scheduling
Once candidates receive their ATT, they can schedule their CPA Exam sections at a Prometric testing center. The CPA Exam is offered during four testing windows throughout the year:
- January 1 – March 10
- April 1 – June 10
- July 1 – September 10
- October 1 – December 10
It is important to note that candidates must pass all four sections of the CPA Exam within an 18-month window, which begins upon passing the first section. If a candidate does not pass all four sections within this time frame, they will lose credit for the oldest passed section and must retake it.
Step 3: Complete The Experience Requirement
In addition to education and examination requirements, CPA candidates in Illinois must fulfill an experience requirement to become licensed. The Illinois Board of Accountancy requires candidates to complete at least one year (or 2,000 hours) of supervised work experience in accounting, auditing, tax, or management advisory services.
A licensed CPA must supervise the work experience with an active license in Illinois or another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements. It is important to note that the experience requirement must be completed within a timeframe of, at most, 36 months.
It is recommended that CPA candidates keep detailed records of their work experience, including dates, hours, tasks, and supervisor information. This documentation will be required when applying for licensure with the Illinois Board of Accountancy.
Step 4: Pass The Illinois Ethics Exam
Candidates must also pass an ethics exam before becoming a licensed CPA in Illinois. The Illinois Board of Accountancy may require a specific ethics course and exam, or candidates may be required to take the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam. This self-study course and exam cover ethical reasoning, independence, integrity, objectivity, and professional conduct. Candidates must score 90% or higher on the ethics exam to pass.
Step 5: Apply For Licensure
Once all educational, examination, and experience requirements have been met, CPA candidates can apply for licensure with the Illinois Board of Accountancy. Candidates must apply, pay $200 initial license fee, $120 biennial renewal, and document their education, examination scores, work experience, and ethics exam completion.
After the Illinois Board of Accountancy reviews and approves the application, candidates will be issued their CPA license and can begin practicing as a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois.
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How Much Does a CPA Make?
The salary of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can vary greatly depending on factors such as years of experience, industry, company size, and job location. The average salary range for a CPA in Illinois is between $60,000 and $120,000 annually.
Entry-level CPAs with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average salary of around $50,000 to $60,000 per year. As CPAs gain experience, their earning potential typically increases. Those with five to nine years of experience can earn an average salary of $70,000 to $90,000 per year, while CPAs with more than ten years of experience can earn upwards of $100,000 or more annually.
In Illinois, CPAs working in metropolitan areas or specialized industries, such as finance or technology, may command higher salaries than those in smaller cities or industries with lower demand for accounting services.
Additionally, obtaining specialized certifications, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or pursuing advanced degrees can further increase a CPA’s earning potential in accounting and finance.
FAQs
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How to Save Money While Starting a Becoming Cpa in Illinois
One of the first steps aspiring CPAs can take to save money is to carefully consider their education options. While obtaining a degree in accounting is necessary to become a CPA, the costs associated with higher education can be significant. To save money, consider attending a community college for the first two years of your education to complete general education requirements at a lower cost before transferring to a four-year university. Additionally, look for scholarship and grant opportunities to help offset the cost of tuition and other educational expenses.
Another way to save money while pursuing a career as a CPA in Illinois is to minimize living expenses. Consider living with roommates or in a more affordable neighborhood to save on rent and utilities. Cook meals at home instead of dining out, and use public transportation or carpooling to save on transportation costs. By taking steps to reduce living expenses, you can free up more of your budget to put towards studying for the CPA exam or other career-related expenses.
When it comes to preparing for the CPA exam, there are also ways to save money without compromising on quality. Consider purchasing used study materials or borrowing them from a friend or colleague who has already taken the exam. Look for online resources and study groups to supplement your exam preparation without the high cost of traditional review courses. By being resourceful and proactive in your studying approach, you can save money while still effectively preparing for the exam.
In addition to minimizing education and living expenses, aspiring CPAs in Illinois can save money by being strategic about their career advancement. Consider gaining work experience through internships or entry-level positions at accounting firms to build your skills and network without taking on significant debt for graduate school. Look for employers who offer tuition reimbursement or professional development opportunities to further offset the cost of continuing education and certifications.
Finally, it’s important for aspiring CPAs in Illinois to prioritize financial literacy and planning as they embark on their career journey. Create a budget to track your income and expenses, setting aside a portion of your earnings for savings and emergency funds. Take advantage of free financial resources and tools to help you make informed decisions about money management and investment opportunities. By being proactive and intentional about your financial goals, you can set yourself up for long-term success as a CPA in Illinois.
In conclusion, saving money while starting a career as a CPA in Illinois is achievable with careful planning and resourcefulness. By minimizing education and living expenses, taking a strategic approach to career advancement, and prioritizing financial literacy, aspiring CPAs can build a strong financial foundation for their future success.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in Illinois requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards are worthwhile. With a strong foundation in education and experience, as well as successful completion of the CPA Exam and ethics exam, aspiring CPAs can enjoy a fulfilling and lucrative career in accounting and finance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed CPA in Illinois and making a significant impact in finance.