In Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington. CPAs are accounting, finance, and taxation experts, providing valuable services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
In Washington, CPAs are licensed and regulated by the Washington Board of Accountancy, ensuring that they adhere to strict professional and ethical standards. CPAs in Washington 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
- Washington 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, Washington 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 Washington, 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 Washington CPAs provide their clients with the highest service and expertise.
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How to Become a CPA in Washington
Suppose you’re considering becoming a CPA in Washington. 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 Washington is to complete the necessary education requirements. The Washington 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 Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington-specific ethics courses, so check with the Washington Board of Accountancy for any unique requirements.
Here is the coursework breakdown for becoming a CPA in Washington.
| 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 Washington 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 Washington.
CPA Exam Application Process
To apply for the CPA Exam in Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington must fulfill an experience requirement to become licensed. The Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington Board of Accountancy.
Step 4: Pass The Washington Ethics Exam
Candidates must also pass an ethics exam before becoming a licensed CPA in Washington. The Washington 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 Washington Board of Accountancy. Candidates must apply, pay $200 initial license fee, $200 biennial renewal, and document their education, examination scores, work experience, and ethics exam completion.
After the Washington 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 Washington.
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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 Washington 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 Washington, 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 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 Washington
One of the first steps to saving money while becoming a CPA in Washington is to create a budget. By carefully outlining your expenses and income, you can identify areas where you may be overspending and make necessary adjustments. This will not only help you to allocate funds for education and certification fees but also ensure that you are able to meet your financial obligations without accumulating unnecessary debt.
When it comes to education and training requirements, it is important to explore cost-effective options that will help you achieve your goals without breaking the bank. Consider enrolling in community college courses or pursuing online educational programs that offer flexibility and affordability. Additionally, look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities that can help offset the cost of tuition and other related expenses.
In order to save money on study materials and exam preparation resources, consider purchasing used textbooks, borrowing materials from libraries, or joining study groups with other aspiring CPAs. By leveraging these cost-saving strategies, you can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to pass the CPA exam without incurring unnecessary expenses.
Networking can also play a critical role in saving money while pursuing a career as a CPA in Washington. Building relationships with experienced professionals in the field can provide valuable insights, guidance, and opportunities for mentorship. In addition, networking events and industry conferences can help you stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in the accounting profession, without having to invest in expensive seminars or workshops.
When it comes to job hunting, be strategic in your approach to save money on application fees and related expenses. Research potential employers in advance, tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase your skills and experiences, and utilize online job boards and recruitment websites to find relevant opportunities. By taking a proactive and targeted approach to job searching, you can maximize your chances of securing a position that aligns with your career goals and financial objectives.
In conclusion, saving money while becoming a CPA in Washington requires careful planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making. By prioritizing cost-effective education and training options, leveraging networking opportunities, and adopting a proactive approach to job searching, you can navigate the challenges and expenses associated with entering this rewarding field. By being mindful of your financial resources and diligent in your efforts, you can pave the way for a successful and sustainable career as a certified public accountant.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in Washington 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 Washington and making a significant impact in finance.