As financial regulations grow more complex and businesses continue to expand across borders and industries, organizations of all types are looking for highly skilled Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who can navigate evolving financial environments with confidence. However, despite the growing demand for CPAs, the accounting field is facing a shortage. Fewer students are entering accounting programs, and even fewer are pursuing CPA licensure. Additionally, many current accountants are reaching retirement age. This has created a noticeable gap between the number of open CPA positions and the number of qualified candidates available to fill them.
If you’ve been considering a career in accounting, the timing could not be better. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be around 91,400 job openings for accountants each year until 2033. Becoming a CPA not only opens the door to in-demand roles but also offers strong job security, a wide range of career paths and competitive earning potential.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a CPA does, how to become a CPA, current licensure requirements and how earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting at Tiffin University can help you reach your academic and professional goals.
What Is a CPA?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional who has met the required educational, examination and experience standards. More than just a job title, the CPA designation represents a high level of trust, expertise and ethical responsibility. CPAs are licensed by individual state boards of accountancy, meaning their qualifications are recognized at the state and national levels.
Unlike general accountants, CPAs are authorized to perform a broad range of services. They are the only accountants permitted to sign audited financial statements for publicly traded companies, and they can represent clients before the IRS in matters such as audits, appeals and collections.
The CPA license also serves as a signal to employers and clients that the individual has gone above and beyond standard accounting education and has committed to maintaining their skills through continuing education. In fact, CPAs must complete ongoing professional development to retain their license and stay current with changing laws, standards and technologies.
What Does a CPA Do?
CPAs perform a wide range of financial services across various sectors. Their responsibilities often include:
- Auditing and Assurance Services: Examining financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Tax Preparation and Planning: Preparing tax returns and developing strategies to minimize tax liabilities.
- Financial Consulting: Advising organizations on financial planning, risk management and investment strategies.
- Forensic Accounting: Investigating financial discrepancies and fraud.
- Compliance and Regulatory Reporting: Ensuring that organizations adhere to financial laws and standards.
Requirements to Become a CPA
To become a CPA, candidates must take several steps. While these standards can vary slightly from state to state, this general pathway remains consistent across the country:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
CPA candidates must begin by earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution – typically in accounting, finance or a related field. As part of that degree, students are required to complete a certain number of credit hours in both accounting and business-related courses. Accounting coursework usually includes financial accounting, auditing, taxation and managerial accounting. Business classes often cover topics such as business law, economics, finance and management principles.
Step 2: Pass the CPA Exam
Next, candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, a rigorous test developed and administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam is designed to assess knowledge in key areas of the profession and consists of three four-hour Core sections and one four-hour Discipline section of your choice.
The Core sections include: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Taxation and Regulation (REG). The Discipline sections are Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC) and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). Passing all four sections is a critical milestone on the path to becoming licensed.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience
In addition to passing the CPA exam, candidates must also fulfill work experience requirements. Most states require candidates to gain one to two years of relevant, supervised work experience under the guidance of a licensed CPA. This hands-on training ensures that future CPAs have practical, real-world experience to complement their academic and technical knowledge.
Some states also require passing an ethics exam, which evaluates a candidate’s understanding of the ethical responsibilities and professional conduct expected of CPAs. This step helps reinforce the high ethical standards that define the accounting profession.
Ohio-Specific CPA Requirements
Ohio recently announced a major shift in its CPA licensure requirements. Beginning on January 1, 2026, candidates will no longer be required to complete 150 college credit hours to become licensed. Instead, the state will introduce two updated pathways to licensure:
- The first allows individuals to qualify with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, two years of relevant professional experience and a passing score on the CPA exam.
- The second path requires a master’s degree in accounting, only one year of professional experience and a passing CPA exam score.
This update marks a significant development for the accounting field. Ohio is the first state to eliminate the 150-hour requirement, creating a more flexible and accessible path to CPA licensure.
This change makes it easier for students – especially those graduating from programs like TU’s BBA in Accounting – to begin the CPA process earlier and move more efficiently toward licensure. The combination of flexible education paths and clear professional benchmarks makes Ohio an excellent place to launch a CPA career.
Earn Your BBA in Accounting at Tiffin University
Our Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting gives you the foundation, flexibility and real-world preparation you need to move toward CPA certification and a rewarding career in the field.
With Ohio’s updated licensure requirements, there’s never been a better time to pursue your accounting degree.
Whether you’re planning to sit for the CPA exam right after graduation or gain experience while working toward licensure, our program is built to support your goals every step of the way. Take the next step and explore how our BBA in Accounting can help you reach your academic and professional goals.