Do You Need to Be a CPA to Be an Accountant?

If you're thinking about a career in accounting, there's a good chance you’ve come across the term CPA—Certified Public Accountant. And if you've started poking around at job postings, college programs, or professional goals, you might be wondering: Do I need to be a CPA to be an accountant?

The short answer? No, you don’t! While becoming a CPA is one path in the accounting world, it’s not the only one. In fact, many rewarding accounting careers don’t require CPA licensure at all.

So, if you’re interested in accounting but aren’t sure if you want—or need—to pursue CPA certification, let’s break down what it means to be an accountant, what CPAs do, and what career opportunities exist for those with an accounting degree but without CPA licensure.

Accountant vs. CPA: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into career paths, let’s clarify the distinction between an accountant and a CPA.

• Accountant: An accountant is anyone who records, organizes, and analyzes financial transactions. With an accounting degree, you can work in bookkeeping, financial analysis, tax preparation, auditing, and other financial roles.

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): A CPA is an accountant who has met specific state licensing requirements, passed the CPA exam, and is authorized to perform certain tasks—like filing audited financial statements with the SEC or representing clients before the IRS.

While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. And that’s okay! You can still build a strong career in accounting without pursuing CPA licensure.

Do You Need a CPA License to Have a Successful Accounting Career?

Absolutely not. Many accounting roles don’t require CPA certification. In fact, our Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting are designed as non-licensure programs. That means they provide the essential accounting knowledge and skills needed for a variety of accounting careers.

So, what can you do with an accounting degree if you’re not a CPA? A lot.

It seemed to me that if I had accounting skills, I could always have a good job. I have never regretted my choice. I have worked in a variety of interesting accounting positions: internal auditor for Los Angeles County, external auditor for two different CPA firms, controller for a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, business and personal income tax preparer in a local Omaha CPA firm, and finally teaching in the accounting department at Bellevue University. Students who are analytical, tenacious and enjoy a good challenge generally do well in accounting.

– Heidi Deden, Associate Professor and Program Director for accounting

High-Demand Accounting Careers That Don’t Require a CPA

1. Corporate Accountant

Companies of all sizes need accountants to manage their financial records, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with tax laws. Corporate accountants work in industries ranging from healthcare to tech, helping businesses make smart financial decisions.

Common job titles:

• Staff Accountant
• Financial Accountant
• Accounting Analyst

2. Management Accountant

Want to help companies plan for the future? Management accountants focus on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning. They work closely with leadership teams to provide data-driven insights.

Common job titles:

• Cost Accountant
• Budget Analyst
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP\&A) Specialist

3. Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers are responsible for recording daily financial transactions, processing payroll, and maintaining financial records for businesses and organizations. It’s a great entry-level role that can lead to higher-level accounting positions over time.

4. Tax Preparer

Even if you’re not a CPA, you can still work in tax preparation. Many professionals assist individuals and businesses with filing taxes and ensuring compliance with tax laws. Some tax preparers pursue an Enrolled Agent (EA) designation, which allows them to represent clients before the IRS without being a CPA.

5. Internal Auditor

Companies and government agencies hire internal auditors to review financial records, identify risks, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. While CPAs often work in auditing, it’s not a requirement for many internal auditing positions.

Common job titles:

• Compliance Auditor
• Risk Analyst
• Financial Auditor

6. Payroll Specialists

Payroll specialists manage payroll processes for businesses, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. They handle tax deductions, benefits administration, and ensure compliance with labor laws.

Common job titles:

• Payroll Coordinator
• Payroll Manager
• Payroll Administrator

Why Choose a Non-Licensure Accounting Degree?

If you’re not set on becoming a CPA, a non-licensure accounting degree—like the Bachelor of Science in Accounting—can be a great choice. Here’s why:

• Flexibility: Without the extra coursework required for CPA licensure, you can complete your degree faster and start working sooner.

• Diverse Career Paths: Many well-paying accounting jobs don’t require CPA certification. A non-licensure degree keeps your options open.

• Cost-Effective: CPA exam prep and licensure can be expensive. If you don’t need it for your career goals, you can save time and money.

• Work-Life Balance: Some accounting careers (especially in corporate settings) offer more predictable work hours compared to CPA roles in public accounting, which can involve long hours and busy seasons.

Can You Become a CPA Later?

Yes. If you decide later in your career that you want to pursue CPA licensure, you can always take additional coursework and meet the experience requirements at that time. But if you’re eager to start your accounting career now, a non-licensure accounting degree provides a strong foundation without the extra steps.

Why Choose Bellevue University for Your Accounting Degree?

If you're ready to dive into a fulfilling career in accounting, Bellevue University offers both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting, ensuring that no matter where you are in your career, there’s a path for you to grow and succeed. Our programs are designed to equip you with the practical, real-world skills needed to excel in today’s evolving accounting landscape, with an emphasis on technology and data analytics to keep you ahead of industry trends.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Accounting can start taking graduate accounting courses in their senior year that will give them a jumpstart on the Master of Science in Accounting degree.

– Cynthia Nye, Associate Professor at Bellevue University

Here’s what you can expect from Bellevue University’s accounting programs:

• Flexible Online and On-Campus Options: Study on your schedule, whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments.

• Career-Focused Curriculum: Learn practical skills that employers value, from financial reporting to business analysis, while gaining expertise in modern accounting technologies.

• Experienced Faculty: Learn from professors with real-world accounting experience, not just theoretical knowledge.

• Support Every Step of the Way: From enrollment to graduation, Bellevue University is committed to your success.

If you’re ready to start an exciting and rewarding career in accounting, Bellevue University can help you get there.

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