The compression of the CPA pipeline is an issue of state and national concern. SCACPA and societies in other jurisdictions and national organizations are continuously exploring avenues to relieve the compression and enhance the profession’s attractiveness to would-be CPA candidates and students.
To secure tomorrow, we must plan today. Futureproofing our profession means ensuring we remain relevant in an ever-shifting financial landscape. Further, in a world where change is the only constant, flexibility isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity.
So, how do we ensure a steadfast future and continued relevance for the CPA profession? Threats we must consider include opportunity and tuition costs, starting salaries, branding and reputation, population decline, and more.
Dynamic adaptation is key to ensuring the profession’s sustainability and growth. CPAs are guardians of the public interest, entrusted to uphold integrity and trust. So, we as a profession must tackle these challenges head-on.
SCACPA fosters relationships with colleges, universities, and firms to encourage and support students and CPA candidates along the licensure path. These support mechanisms include networking opportunities, scholarships, student debt relief, and CPA Exam Bonuses.
SCACPA’s advocacy and growth efforts sow the seeds for future success. Many thanks to our volunteers and elected officials who understand the importance of the profession’s relevance and growth. In May, 20205, SCACPA championed and passed a bill to enhance workforce development, strengthen public protection, and modernize the profession. Read more about that effort here.
To become a licensed CPA, there are three foundational pillars, commonly referred to as the “Three E’s:” Exam, Education, Experience.
Candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination. Candidates must also pass a professional ethics exam.
Education & Experience: 3 Paths to Success
To earn your CPA license in South Carolina, candidates must complete an Education and an Experience requirement. Flexibility in the law allows three potential paths to success:
- Bachelor’s Degree + 2 years of experience
- Bachelor’s Degree + additional education totaling 150 hours + 1 year of experience
- Master’s Degree + 1 year of experience
Though the CPA license is a state-based licensure, many CPAs enjoy the privilege of cross-jurisdictional practice. In other words, CPAs can serve clients in other states without having to apply for multiple licenses.
In South Carolina, an out-of-state CPA serving clients in South Carolina may practice through mobility privileges. This means out-of-state CPAs can serve South Carolina under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Board of Accountancy with no fees, no registration, and no escape.
CPA Pipeline Initiatives
Student Sponsorship
The Student Sponsorship Program connects experienced CPAs with aspiring accounting leaders. By sponsoring a student for just $50, members have the chance to guide and inspire the bright minds entering the profession (and subsidizing the student’s dues)
Why Sponsor a Student?
- Showcase the CPA Career: Help students see the real-world impact of a CPA career.
- Invest in the Profession: Your support helps shape the next generation of CPAs.
- Build Personal Connections: SCACPA matches you with a student to offer direct guidance and support.
Scholarships
SCACPA values the growth and success of the CPA profession by supporting and nurturing the talents of the next generation of CPAs. SCACPA’s impactful scholarship program supports talented candidates venturing down the CPA career path.
The SCACPA Educational Fund awards dozens of scholarships annually, with amounts ranging from $500 to $2,500. These scholarships are a testament to our commitment to providing meaningful financial support to students pursuing careers in accounting.
The scholarship program is dedicated to students attending colleges or universities in South Carolina. By investing in local talent, we contribute to the development of a strong and thriving accounting community.
Visit the Educational FundStudent Debt Relief
Embarking on a career in the CPA profession is a significant milestone. SCACPA understands the financial challenges that can accompany this journey. The SCACPA Educational Fund’s Student Loan Debt Relief Program provided meaningful support to graduating CPAs burdened by student loan debt.
Explore the Debt Relief ProgramCPA Exam Bonus
Achieving success in the CPA Exam is a significant accomplishment. The journey involves extensive study hours, sleepless nights, and numerous cups of coffee, culminating in a moment of immense relief when a new CPA eagerly checks the final passing grade.
This milestone is deserving of celebration.
In light of this, the SCACPA Educational Fund offers an opportunity for firms and companies to acknowledge those who have conquered the CPA Exam. The SCACPA Educational Fund grants bonuses to its members who have successfully navigated the challenges of the CPA Exam and earned the CPA license.
Nominate a CPA for the Exam BonusCPA Mock Exam
SCACPA provides the chance to assess your preparedness for the CPA Exam, helping you pinpoint essential focus areas for success.
Embark on a distinctive experience that offers you a glimpse into the CPA Exam sections by engaging with questions directly sourced from the official CPA Exam Blueprints. By participating in this opportunity, you’ll not only gain valuable insights but also receive a personalized ReadySCORE™, providing an accurate estimate of your potential exam score.
Register for the CPA Mock ExamWinthrop Dual Enrollment
The Dual Enrollment Accounting program by SCACPA, in collaboration with Winthrop University, provides high school students in Lancaster County School District with an opportunity to explore the field of accounting while earning college credits. These credits fulfill the requirements for introductory accounting courses at most colleges and universities in South Carolina and the United States. This initiative is designed to establish a sustainable talent pipeline in the accounting profession, giving students a head start on their professional journeys.
Beyond being an educational pathway, the dual enrollment program aims to illuminate students about the diverse possibilities within the accounting profession at an early stage. In doing so, it not only supports their academic development but also instills a sense of purpose and direction in their career choices.
Interested in Getting Involved?
Contact membership@sc.cpa to learn more about volunteering and speaking opportunities!