The Next Logical

StepBecome a CPA

Maximize Your Career Potential

Sponsored by the Minority Issues Task Force of the GSCPA

Become A CPA

MAXIMIZE YOUR POTENTIALFOR CAREER SUCCESS.

BECOME A CPA!

The Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) wants you to maximize your potential for success by becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The body of knowledge and level of expertise needed to obtain the CPA designation requires a hard worker that is disciplined and goal-oriented. The CPA certification opens the door for many paths to career success. You can choose to work in the accounting profession in various specialties within the CPA arena such as audit, tax or consulting. You can also use your CPA experience as a launching pad to take you to other career destinations such as a CFO, CEO, FBI agent, professor, attorney or entrepreneur. CPAs can be found in all industries, such as health care, utilities,

manufacturing, financial services and sports.

According to the 2008 edition of Trends in the Supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits Survey recently published by the AICPA, almost all sizes of firms expect hiring numbers to remain steady or increase in the following year, with 67 percent of the largest firms projecting increased hiring. Consider the following statistics:

The ethnicity of new minority hires is as follows: 13 percent Asian, 8 percent African-American, 4 percent Hispanic, 1 percent Native-American and 2 percent others. Except for the Hispanic representation, all of the percentages listed have increased slightly since 2002.

Overall hiring has substantially increased, up 83 percent since the last survey done in 2003-2004 academic year. This increase is due to the growth in the profession and the great demand for CPAs and accounting professionals.

ETHNICITY OF ACCOUNTING EMPLOYEES AT CPA FIRMS:

The Georgia Society of CPAsThe Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA) is the premier professional organization for CPAs in the state of Georgia. With over 11,000 members throughout the state, the purpose of the GSCPA is to promote the study of accountancy and applicable laws, provide continuing professional education, maintain high ethical and work standards and provide information about accounting issues to the membership and the public.

Task Force Mission StatementThe Minority Issues Task Force of the GSCPA exists to encourage and support minority accounting students and recent graduates in their pursuit of a career in the accounting profession with the goal of obtaining CPA certification.

Asian/Pacific Islander 6%

Black/African American 2%

Hispanic/Latino 3%

Other 1%

Unknown 8%

White 80%

Information obtained from 2008 Trends by the AICPA

FINANCIAL RESOURCES & JOb OPPORTUNITIESScholarships: The Educational Foundation of the GSCPA offers several

scholarships to accounting majors.

Some GSCPA chapters offer scholarships to chapter members, including student members.

Most colleges and universities across the nation have scholarships available to minorities only.

Students can find information about scholarships via school counselors and searching online. Many private organizations and companies offer scholarships as well.

Job Opportunities: The accounting profession offers a vast array of employment

opportunities for minorities, especially those that speak a second language. In most of the eastern hemisphere, a high percentage of business professionals speak more than one language.

With the globalization of the business world, many companies are interested in hiring students from diverse backgrounds that can relate easily to other cultures.

bECOME A CPAEducational Requirements for becoming a CPA

Candidates must have at least 150 semester hours or 225 quarter hours of college education including a baccalaureate degree awarded by an accredited college or university.

At least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours obtained must be in accounting subjects beyond the elementary level.

Favorable Changes for Aspiring CPAs

Effective July 1, 2009, Georgia law was changed to allow those with one year of experience in either public practice or private industry to meet the experience requirement.

The exam is now computerized and offered at least five days per

week during the first two months of every quarter. It is available at testing centers in all 50 states, as well as five U.S. territories. Testing is not available in March, June, September and December.

Candidates have the ability to take the exam one part at a time. All four parts are required to be completed and passed within 18 months.

The computerized testing facilities provide a relaxed and

noise-free environment.

The CPA designation is highly respected and carries the same level of respect as a medical or law license. Like doctors and lawyers, CPAs are state board certified professionals that have passed standardized examinations and who must meet ethical and continuing education requirements. However, unlike some other professions, the need for CPAs continues to increase.

bECOME A MEMbERActive participation in the GSCPA provides networking opportunities that often lead to internship and employment.

Student MemberAs a student member of the GSCPA, you gain access to a network of over 11,000 CPAs throughout the state. Members of the Society work in public accounting, government, industry and education. Other benefits of student membership include a discount on Becker Review courses, a discount on Kaplan Schweser online review courses, a subscription to Stepping Stones – a monthly electronic newsletter for student members, scholarship information, access to the annual Guide to Public Accounting Firms, and much more. Student membership is open to all college and university students, including graduate students, who attend an accredited institution.The cost of membership is a one-time fee of $25.

Associate MemberGSCPA membership offers numerous benefits. It is your connection to the professional community, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth and a chance to make a difference. The Society provides the most up-to-date information that affects the profession through quality continuing education, state-wide legislative efforts and outstanding communication vehicles. Members have the opportunity to get involved in the professional and local community, while making important career connections. The cost of an Associate membership is only $95 per year. Eligibility for Associate membership includes, but is not limited to:

Persons who have taken the examination prescribed by the State Board of Accountancy as a prerequisite to becoming a Certified Public Accountant in Georgia and who continue to take the examination at least annually until they have passed all parts of the examination.

Persons (other than Certified Public Accountants) employed on the professional and/or administrative staffs of practicing Certified Public Accountants of Georgia.

For more information on membership or to join, please visit the GSCPA web site www.gscpa.org or contact the Member Services Department at 404-504-2986 or memberservices@gscpa.org.

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