<p>is it necessary to be a cpa after u graduated with a degree in accounting? I know a lot of ppl aspire to be cpas but i have heard that the cpa exam is very difficult. And will u be able to get promoted and earn a decent amount of money if u are only an accountant with no cpa?</p>
<p>There are all kinds of certifications for an accountant... CPA is not the only way to go... you can be a CMA, CFM, CFE, CIA, etc. and yeah, accounting is usually a career that pays well even without a cpa license.</p>
<p>If you plan to stay in public accounting, the Big 4 and most large firms require you to be licensed and certified in order to be promoted to manager (usually after 5 years). It is required by law that anyone who signs off on an audit is licensed and certified.</p>
<p>If you want to work in private, it's not necessary; however, you will have access to better jobs after exiting public accounting with a CPA.</p>