Click here for more information on the CPA Exam (SBOA website).
Click here for information about the AICPA's Young CPA tools.
CPA Profession Outlook
What is the current job outlook for CPAs?
1. In an economic downturn people look to accountants to help them navigate financial uncertainty.
2. Demand is growing to fill traditional accounting roles in emerging sectors like government.
3. There are also tremendous opportunities in higher education; the need for professors of accounting is critical.
4. One of the key areas that will continue to trend upward is forensic accounting.
5. Opportunities will continue to emerge in auditing due to increased demand for assurance services because of additional legislation.
Source: AccountingWeb.com 2-24-09; Michael Brown, a CPA and instructor at DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management in Fort Washington, PA.
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Accounting Programs in Washington State:
Where can I find a list of universities and community colleges in Washington that offer accounting programs, either as an academic major or transfer program?
A complete list of schools with accounting majors or transfer programs may be found at https://www.discovercpa.org/discovercpa/career/schools.cfm.
Which school’s accounting program is the best?
The answer to this question depends on your personal situation. You need to assess your needs, wants, and means to determine which school has the best fit for you. Talking with an admissions counselor or financial aid officer at the school(s) that interest you would be a great place to start.
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Beta Alpha Psi
What is Beta Alpha Psi?
Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary organization for accounting and finance students and professionals. The primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business field. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems; providing opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals, and encouraging a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility. For more information check out the Beta Alpha Psi website at: http://www.bap.org.
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Scholarships
The Washington CPA Foundation is pleased to award scholarships annually to deserving accounting majors attending an accredited 4-year university in the state of Washington.
How many scholarships are awarded annually? How much are they worth?
The Washington CPA Foundation awards a various number of scholarships ranging between $3,000-$4,000 each totaling around $40,000 annually.
What are the minimum requirements to qualify for a Washington CPA Foundation scholarship?
Minimum requirements for Washington CPA Foundation scholarships are:
- 3.0 GPA or higher overall and in accounting courses
- On-Campus community involvement
- Off-Campus community involvement
- Probability of earning a CPA license
- Work history
- Professional potential
- At least Junior status; 5th year and graduate students are encouraged to apply for Washington CPA Foundation scholarships
- Two letters of recommendation: One from an accounting professor that has had you in a class and one from a current/former employer. (If you do not have a current/former employer available, please submit a letter from a second accounting professor.)
Where can I find Washington CPA Foundation scholarship applications?
Applications for Washington CPA Scholarships become available on October 1 and can be downloaded from the Scholarship Section after that date through the application deadline. You may also request a hard copy of the scholarship application by sending your e-mail request to accountingcareers@wscpa.org or via regular mail to the following address:
Washington Society of CPAs
Attn: Scholarship Coordinator
902 140th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98005
I am not a resident of Washington, but am an accounting major at an accredited 4-year university in Washington. Would I still qualify for a Washington CPA Foundation scholarship?
Yes, accounting majors that attend school in Washington but reside in another state are eligible to apply for Washington CPA Foundation scholarships, provided that their intention is to eventually take the CPA Exam and plan to practice in Washington. International students are eligible to apply provided they have the same intentions.
What is the application deadline for Washington CPA Foundation scholarships?
Applications for Washington CPA Foundation scholarships are due on February 15, meaning that they must be postmarked by that date. Applications postmarked after the application deadline will not be considered.
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CPA Exam Review Discounts
Does the WSCPA offer discounts on CPA Exam review courses?
Yes. The WSCPA has created a special partnership with various quality CPA Exam review course providers. The discount is only available to WSCPA members. Discounts include the vendors found by clicking here.
Visit the Washington State Board of Accountancy website for information and requirements to taking the CPA exam in Washington.
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Internships, Job Shadows and Career Search Resources
Internships
Does the Washington Society of CPAs have an internship program?
The Washington Society of CPAs does not have an internship program. We try to point students to accounting firms and companies that do have accounting internships available.
How can I find contact information for accounting firms that may have internships available?
You can access our list of contact information for most major accounting firms in Washington at Internship Firm Contacts.
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Job Shadows
How can I participate in an accounting-related Job Shadow?
Contact the WSCPA at Accounting Careers to set up an individual job shadow experience. Larger group job shadow experiences are coordinated through the faculty at area community colleges or universities.
Do all accounting job shadows take place at public accounting firms?
Not necessarily. Some private companies have allowed accounting students to shadow their accounting departments for a day. Contact Accounting Careers for more details.
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Job Search
Does the WSCPA have resources to help me with my job search?
Yes. The WSCPA Career Center has job listings, salary information, and information on recruiting firms and placement agencies. You will also find information on the WSCPA Career Workshops. Attend these meetings and you will learn about current job search techniques, strategies and best practices.
Visit the Career Center.
Does the WSCPA have resources to help me find information on salaries?
Yes. This information is located on the WSCPA Career Center. Visit WSCPA.org Career Center for more information.
Where can I find a list of top firms in the Puget Sound area?
This list is based on the top 25 firms in the Puget Sound area according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. Visit the DiscoverCPA career section for the list of firms.
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WSCPA Membership
What is the WSCPA?
With nearly 10,000 members, the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants is the only organization in the State of Washington dedicated to serving the professional needs of CPAs, educating consumers about CPAs and the services they provide, and encouraging students to study accounting and enter the profession.
What membership categories does the WSCPA offer?
The WSCPA offers several categories of membership including:
- Student - this level of membership is open to any person who is eligible to sit for, or is actively pursuing the CPA license as well as students who are pursuing an accounting or related field degree.
- Exam Passer - this level of membership is open to any person that has passed all four sections of the CPA Exam but does not yet have their CPA license.
- CPA - this level of membership is open to all licensed or certified CPAs no matter where they work.
- Affiliate -this level of membership is open to non-CPAs who work in the public accounting environment, to accounting educators.
What is the timeframe for dues?
Dues are paid annually and are based on the WSCPA fiscal year which is June 1-May 31. Dues renewals are due June 1st.
New student members and exam passers joining in April - December pay $35 to join. Dues paid during these dates
will cover membership through May 31 of the following year. Those joining in January - March pay $18.
Dues paid during these dates will cover membership through May 31 of the same year.
Do I have to be a student to qualify for WSCPA Student Membership?
No. This level of membership is open to those in school pursuing a degree in accounting or a related field, or to those who have finished school and are actively pursuing to sit for the CPA Exam.
How long can I be a student member?
Student membership is renewed on an annual basis. Individuals can remain at the student level for up to three years while actively pursuing to pass the CPA Exam. If you have not successfully passed the CPA exam after three years, the WSCPA can opt to renew your student membership on a case by case basis.
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Networking Opportunities
Does the WSCPA have fun networking opportunities for new professionals?
Yes. The WSCPA has various fun networking events designed especially for young CPAs, bankers and lawyers. To find a list of upcoming events visit the WSCPA Community section for Member Events on WSCPA.org.
What meetings can I attend in an effort to meet and network with other WSCPA members?
The WSCPA offers both chapter and committee meetings. This is a great way to meet other CPAs who share similar interests or who live in your community. You must be a member to be able to participate in these meetings. You can access information on the WSCPA website once you are logged in.
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Service Opportunities:
What kinds of service opportunities are available to WSCPA Student Members?
The WSCPA Financial Literacy Program is a great option for giving back and meeting the needs in your community for financial education. The WSCPA provides materials for you to make presentations to audiences of all ages. A training opportunity is offered for all members to provide tips on making presentations, get a chance to use some of the materials and practice making presentations. To participate in the program, you need to be a WSCPA Member. Volunteering through the Financial Literacy Program meets community service requirements for Beta Alpha Psi. Contact Financial Literacy by e-mail or call
(425) 586-1140 for further details.
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Miscellaneous
How does AICPA membership benefit me if I am already a WSCPA member?
The AICPA is the national association for all CPAs in the United States. As a member of the AICPA, you have access to over 300,000 members nationwide. The AICPA also focuses on the profession from a national level, while the WSCPA focuses on the profession in WA State. The WSCPA and the AICPA work together closely and as a member of both, you have resources of both organizations in your corner.
What is the AICPA?
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the
national professional organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
in the United States.
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