How to become a CPA (certified practising accountant)
Use key accounting principles to assist with day-to-day business management, from product costing and production to marketing and business planning.
Begin your CPA career
- Study a CPA-recognised degree. Don’t want to go back to uni? Study and pass CPA Australia’s foundation exams instead.
- Apply to become a member of CPA Australia.
- Complete the CPA program and gain three years of professional experience in business, finance or accounting under the guidance of a qualified mentor.
- Maintain your CPA Australia membership by participating in continuing professional development each year.
- Comply with the strict code of conduct mandated by CPA Australia.
Discover accounting courses online
Undergraduate SWI-BAF-DEG
Postgraduate GRF-MPA-GCE
Postgraduate ECU-MPA-MAS
Discover online accounting subjects
Postgraduate UNE-AFM406
Related degrees
Undergraduate USA-ACCT3015
Undergraduate GRF-AFE114
Related degrees
Undergraduate LTU-ACC2CAD
What does a CPA do?
A CPA is responsible for general financial analysis across a range of central business functions including marketing, business planning, product costing and production. They’re often regarded as trusted specialists, thanks to their open-minded problem solving skills and comfort with tricky numbers.
Duties and tasks
- Advise on budgets and other financial activities
- Assist with external company audits
- Audit individual accounts on a random basis or according to a schedule
- Balance financial records and check for discrepancies
- Check for major financial issues
- Consult with executives and CEOs to establish budgets
- Ensure projects adhere to a budget
- Manage accountants and other financial professionals
- Publish audited financial statements
Industry bodies
CPA Australia
CPA Australia is an internationally regarded accounting body with over 168,000 members from over 100 countries specialising in finance, accounting and business management.
CPA jobs
Qualified CPA professionals can hold and thrive in most accounting roles, specialising in the finance and taxation sector in particular. Specific positions include:
- Auditor
- Bookkeeper
- Chief finance officer
- Financial investment adviser manager
- Financial investigator
- Finance manager
- Forensic accountant
- International accounting specialist
- Risk analyst
- Strategic procurement manager
- Stockbroker
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Getting a CPA without an accounting degree
Can you become a CPA without earning an accounting degree first? Yes! We’ll step you through the specifics so you can get started tomorrow.
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Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.