Educational Requirements
The first step in becoming a CPA in Georgia is meeting all of the educational requirements as defined by the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. To sit for the Uniform CPA Exam, candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration, which includes 20 semester hours in accounting subjects above the elementary level. CPA certification can be achieved after candidates have completed a total of 150 semester hours of college education.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia had 30,500 employed accountants in 2011, and the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta metropolitan area had one of the highest employment levels for accountants in the nation. In the same year, Georgia accountants made an average annual salary of $70,840.
CPA Licensing in Georgia
To sit for the CPA exam in Georgia, all first-time candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting, or a substantial equivalent determined by the Board.
- Complete 30 semester hours in accounting subjects above the elementary level.
Georgia candidates seeking CPA licensure must complete the following requirements:
- Complete a total of 150 semester hours of college education.
- Complete one year of public accounting experience under the direct supervision of a CPA, or one year of accounting experience in federal, state, or local government or academia under the supervision of a non-licensed professional.
- Pass the CPA exam.
Continuing Education Requirements
Georgia CPAs who wish to continue practicing public accountancy are required to complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE), of which 16 hours must be in accounting and auditing subjects. The CPE must be completed during the two-year period immediately following each biennial renewal date. For more information on CPE requirements, check out the Georgia Society of CPAs’ website.
Accounting Jobs in Georgia
Thanks to the state’s strong and diverse economy, Georgia accountants will continue to be needed in a wide range of fields. Agriculture, tourism, and government make up the biggest industries in the state. Many well-known corporations, including 15 Fortune 500 companies, have their headquarters in Georgia. Coca Cola, Delta Air Lines, UPS, and SunTrust Banks are just a few of the big Georgia-based companies that employ experienced accountants to perform various duties.