How to Become a CPA in Chicago

When a business has complex financial situations, it needs to consult an expert. A CPA in Chicago can assist with everything from tax filings to audit preparation and even provide guidance in business planning and budgeting. They are trained to evaluate and manage financial data, which is essential for businesses that want to make informed decisions.

In addition to education and experience, the Illinois state board of accountancy requires candidates for licensure to pass the Uniform CPA Examination. This four-part exam covers the following topics: auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. The exam is developed by the AICPA, and administered by NASBA. The exam is held at Prometric testing centers.

To qualify for the exam, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or a related field and have at least 30 semester hours of college coursework with significant managerial accounting, financial accounting, and taxation courses. You can also use college-level, for-credit coursework from a foreign university or CLEP and AP courses to meet academic requirements. However, the Illinois state board will not grant credit for CPA review courses.

The first step in becoming a CPA in Chicago is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Then, you must pass the four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination and complete one year of qualifying full-time work as a certified public accountant (CPA). The CPA exams are developed by the AICPA and are administered by NASBA. You can also qualify for the exam by transferring your score from another jurisdiction, but only if you passed all four parts of the exam and met the Illinois work experience requirement.

Once you pass all four sections of the exam, you can apply for a CPA license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. You will need to submit a completed application and a $120 licensing fee. After the state board reviews your application, you will receive a letter with your certification number and instructions for obtaining your license.

Whether you need help with your business’s finances or are preparing for an IRS audit, a CPA can help. Find a CPA in your area by searching our free directory. You can search by location, services offered, industries served, and languages spoken. We also list firm credentials and client reviews to help you choose the right CPA for your needs. You can also filter by practice areas, education, and industry experience to narrow your options even further. Start your search today. Then, when it comes time to renew your license, be sure you’ve completed 120 hours of continuing professional education. This includes four hours of ethics and sexual harassment prevention training. To learn more about this requirement, visit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.