• For Jobseekers
  • For companies

Become a certified public accountant in San Diego

Unlock your potential as a certified public accountant in San Diego! This guide outlines essential steps, including educational pathways, salary expectations, key skills for success, and opportunities for career growth in the thriving finance sector of Southern California. Start your journey towards a rewarding and stable career in accounting today!

To become a certified public accountant (CPA) in San Diego, you must first meet the educational requirements. You must have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with at least 24 semester units in accounting and 24 semester units in business-related courses. You can also meet the educational requirements by completing a master's degree in accounting or business.

After meeting the educational requirements, you must pass the Uniform CPA Exam. The exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation. You must pass all four sections within an 18-month period to become a CPA.

Once you have passed the CPA Exam, you must meet the experience requirements. In California, you must have at least one year of experience in public accounting, government accounting, or industry accounting. The experience must be verified by a licensed CPA.

Finally, you must apply for a CPA license from the California Board of Accountancy. The application process includes submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and paying a fee. Once your application is approved, you will receive your CPA license and can begin practicing as a CPA in San Diego.

In addition to becoming a CPA, you may also want to consider joining a professional organization such as the California Society of CPAs or the American Institute of CPAs. These organizations offer networking opportunities, continuing education courses, and other resources to help you succeed in your career as a CPA in San Diego.

Become a certified public accountant

Get started

How long does it take to become a certified public accountant in San Diego?

Becoming a certified public accountant in San Diego typically takes around 5 to 7 years. This includes completing a bachelor's degree (4 years), obtaining 30 additional semester units of education (often during a master's program), and gaining the required work experience, usually ranging from 1 to 2 years in a relevant accounting role.

San Diego certified public accountant salary

In San Diego, certified public accountants (CPAs) can expect an average salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on their level of experience, specialization, and the size of the firm they work for. Entry-level CPAs may start around $60,000, while those with several years of experience or in managerial roles can earn upwards of $120,000. Additionally, CPAs with niche expertise, such as forensic accounting or tax advisory, may command even higher salaries, reflecting the demand for specialized skills in the region's competitive finance landscape.

What does a certified public accountant do?

A certified public accountant (CPA) performs a variety of essential tasks that contribute to the financial health of individuals and organizations. They handle financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulations and accounting standards, which is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust. CPAs prepare and analyze financial statements, conduct audits to verify accuracy, and provide tax planning and preparation services to optimize clients' tax obligations. They also offer strategic advice on budgeting, forecasting, and financial management, helping businesses make informed decisions. Many CPAs specialize in areas such as forensic accounting, which involves investigating financial discrepancies, or consulting, where they assist with financial strategies and efficiencies. Their expertise not only supports regulatory compliance but also enhances overall financial performance, making them invaluable partners in both personal and corporate finance.

Free Personality tests

All of the following assessment tools explore an individual's personality thoroughly, although the Big5 is the gold standard among personality assessments. And what’s key is that are all available for free here:

Check out our remote job board

Get started