In South Carolina, 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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina. CPAs are accounting, finance, and taxation experts, providing valuable services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
In South Carolina, CPAs are licensed and regulated by the South Carolina Board of Accountancy, ensuring that they adhere to strict professional and ethical standards. CPAs in South Carolina 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
- South Carolina 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, South Carolina 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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina CPAs provide their clients with the highest service and expertise.
To start an accounting firm, you must start an LLC in South Carolina. We reviewed some of the Best LLC Services for you to check out. This includes the top features and affordable prices.
LLC Service | Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 Recommendation  | $0 + State fee |
| |
 | $299 + State fee |
|
Becoming a CPA in South Carolina is not just about crunching numbers; it’s about providing valuable financial guidance to varied businesses. It’s about how to start an LLC and drive it towards success in this competitive landscape.
– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM
How to Become a CPA in South Carolina
Suppose you’re considering becoming a CPA in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina is to complete the necessary education requirements. The South Carolina 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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina-specific ethics courses, so check with the South Carolina Board of Accountancy for any unique requirements.
Here is the coursework breakdown for becoming a CPA in South Carolina.
| 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
CPA Exam Application Process
To apply for the CPA Exam in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina CPA exam application costs $774 (4 exam sections) + $150 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 South Carolina must fulfill an experience requirement to become licensed. The South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina Board of Accountancy.
Step 4: Pass The South Carolina Ethics Exam
Candidates must also pass an ethics exam before becoming a licensed CPA in South Carolina. The South Carolina 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 South Carolina Board of Accountancy. Candidates must apply, pay $200 initial license fee, $100 annual renewal, and document their education, examination scores, work experience, and ethics exam completion.
After the South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
Recommended: Begin your journey to become a CPA with the first bold step by using Legalzoom’s LLC formation services. When you start an LLC with Legalzoom, you’re not just making a business transaction, you’re carving out a future in the accounting and business industry. Even making your own accounting firm, it is best to hire an LLC services. That’s why we recommend –
– LegalZoom – ($0 + State Filling Fees)
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina, 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
Also Read
- Become a CPA in Alabama
- Become a CPA in Alaska
- Become a CPA in Arizona
- Become a CPA in Arkansas
- Become a CPA in California
- Become a CPA in Colorado
- Become a CPA in Connecticut
- Become a CPA in DC
- Become a CPA in Delaware
- Become a CPA in Florida
- Become a CPA in Georgia
- Become a CPA in Hawaii
- Become a CPA in Idaho
- Become a CPA in Illinois
- Become a CPA in Indiana
- Become a CPA in Iowa
- Become a CPA in Kansas
- Become a CPA in Kentucky
- Become a CPA in Louisiana
- Become a CPA in Maine
- Become a CPA in Maryland
- Become a CPA in Massachusetts
- Become a CPA in Michigan
- Become a CPA in Minnesota
- Become a CPA in Mississippi
- Become a CPA in Missouri
- Become a CPA in Montana
- Become a CPA in Nebraska
- Become a CPA in Nevada
- Become a CPA in New Hampshire
- Become a CPA in New Jersey
- Become a CPA in New Mexico
- Become a CPA in New York
- Become a CPA in North Carolina
- Become a CPA in North Dakota
- Become a CPA in Ohio
- Become a CPA in Oklahoma
- Become a CPA in Oregon
- Become a CPA in Pennsylvania
- Become a CPA in Rhode Island
- Become a CPA in South Carolina
- Become a CPA in South Dakota
- Become a CPA in Tennessee
- Become a CPA in Texas
- Become a CPA in Utah
- Become a CPA in Vermont
- Become a CPA in Virginia
- Become a CPA in Washington
- Become a CPA in West Virginia
- Become a CPA in Wisconsin
- Become a CPA in Wyoming
How to Save Money While Starting a Becoming Cpa in South Carolina
One of the first steps to saving money while becoming a CPA in South Carolina is to plan ahead and budget accordingly. Understanding the costs associated with exam fees, study materials, and licensure requirements can help you set financial goals and avoid any unexpected expenses. By creating a detailed budget and sticking to it, you can ensure that you are not overspending on unnecessary items and are putting money aside for your CPA journey.
Another way to save money while becoming a CPA in South Carolina is to take advantage of resources that are available to you for free or at a low cost. There are many online study materials, practice exams, and study groups that can help you prepare for the CPA exam without having to spend a fortune on expensive review courses. Additionally, reaching out to local CPA firms and accountants for advice and mentorship can be a valuable resource that can help you save money in the long run.
When it comes to studying for the CPA exam, it is important to be disciplined and dedicated in your study routine. Creating a study schedule and sticking to it can help you avoid procrastination and ensure that you are adequately prepared for the exam. By prioritizing your study time and setting aside distractions, you can make the most of your study materials and avoid having to re-take the exam multiple times, which can be costly.
Networking and building relationships with other CPAs and accounting professionals can also help you save money while becoming a CPA in South Carolina. By attending networking events, conferences, and seminars, you can connect with others in the industry who may have valuable advice or resources to share. Building a network of contacts can also help you with job placement and advancement opportunities, ultimately saving you money by opening up new career paths and potential salary increases.
In conclusion, becoming a CPA in South Carolina does not have to break the bank. By planning ahead, budgeting, taking advantage of free resources, staying disciplined in your studies, and networking with others in the industry, you can save money while pursuing your career goals. With determination and smart financial choices, you can achieve your dream of becoming a CPA without draining your bank account.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in South Carolina 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 South Carolina and making a significant impact in finance.