How to become a certified public accountant in New Zealand

To become a certified public accountant (CPA) in New Zealand, you must first complete a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field from a recognized university. After completing your degree, you will need to gain practical experience in accounting by working for a minimum of three years under the supervision of a qualified CPA. During this time, you will need to complete the necessary professional development courses and exams to become a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA).

Once you have completed your practical experience and become a member of the NZICA, you will need to pass the CPA exam. This exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. The exam is divided into four parts, and you must pass all four parts within 18 months to become a certified public accountant.

To prepare for the CPA exam, you can enroll in a CPA review course or study on your own using study materials provided by the NZICA. The exam is computer-based and can be taken at various testing centers throughout New Zealand.

After passing the CPA exam, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing professional development courses and staying up-to-date with changes in accounting regulations and standards. This will ensure that you remain a competent and knowledgeable CPA and can continue to provide high-quality accounting services to your clients.