In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee. CPAs are accounting, finance, and taxation experts, providing valuable services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
In Tennessee, CPAs are licensed and regulated by the Tennessee Board of Accountancy, ensuring that they adhere to strict professional and ethical standards. CPAs in Tennessee 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
- Tennessee 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, Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee CPAs provide their clients with the highest service and expertise.
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How to Become a CPA in Tennessee
Suppose you’re considering becoming a CPA in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee is to complete the necessary education requirements. The Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee-specific ethics courses, so check with the Tennessee Board of Accountancy for any unique requirements.
Here is the coursework breakdown for becoming a CPA in Tennessee.
| 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee.
CPA Exam Application Process
To apply for the CPA Exam in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee CPA exam application costs $774 (4 exam sections) + $100 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 Tennessee must fulfill an experience requirement to become licensed. The Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee Board of Accountancy.
Step 4: Pass The Tennessee Ethics Exam
Candidates must also pass an ethics exam before becoming a licensed CPA in Tennessee. The Tennessee 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 Tennessee Board of Accountancy. Candidates must apply, pay $200 initial license fee, $60 annual renewal, and document their education, examination scores, work experience, and ethics exam completion.
After the Tennessee 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 Tennessee.
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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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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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- Become a CPA in Tennessee
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- 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 Tennessee
One of the first steps in saving money as you work towards becoming a CPA in Tennessee is to carefully research and compare your options for education and training. While some universities and colleges offer comprehensive CPA prep programs that include everything you need to succeed, there are also alternative options available that can be more cost-effective. Online courses, self-study programs, and community college courses can all be excellent, more affordable alternatives to traditional university programs.
Additionally, it’s important to take advantage of any scholarships, grants, or financial aid opportunities that may be available to help offset the costs of your education. Many organizations and institutions offer financial assistance to students pursuing careers in accounting, so be sure to do your research and apply for as many opportunities as possible.
When it comes to study materials and exam preparation, it can be tempting to purchase the latest and most comprehensive resources on the market. While these tools can be beneficial, they often come with a hefty price tag. Instead, consider purchasing used study guides, borrowing materials from the library, or utilizing free online resources to help you prepare for the CPA exam without breaking the bank.
Another way to save money while becoming a CPA in Tennessee is to carefully manage your expenses and budget effectively. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses, such as dining out or shopping for non-essentials, can help you save money that can be put towards your education and career goals. Creating a detailed budget and sticking to it can also help you track your spending and identify areas where you can cut costs.
Networking can also be a valuable tool for saving money as you pursue your CPA certification. Joining professional organizations, attending networking events, and connecting with other accountants in your area can provide valuable resources and opportunities for mentorship and support. By building relationships within the accounting community, you may uncover unique opportunities for discounted or free study materials, exam prep resources, or even job opportunities that can help you save money in the long run.
In conclusion, while becoming a CPA in Tennessee can be a costly endeavor, there are several ways aspiring accountants can save money and minimize expenses along the way. By researching cost-effective education and training options, applying for financial aid, utilizing affordable study materials, managing expenses wisely, and networking within the accounting community, you can pursue your career goals without breaking the bank. With careful planning and strategic decision-making, aspiring CPAs can achieve their goals while staying financially savvy.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in Tennessee 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 Tennessee and making a significant impact in finance.