CPA’s in Texas: Top Requirements, Firms, and Opportunities

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant in Texas

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) Requirements

To become a CPA in Texas, you must meet education, exam, and experience requirements set forth by the TSBPA, including fulfilling work experience requirements supervised by a licensed CPA.

The process typically takes several years, but offers a potentially rewarding career path in the finance and accounting industry.

Texas offers many opportunities for CPAs, with a robust economy, growing industries, and high demand for accounting and financial services. Additionally, the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy has expanded its scholarship program to include all Texas accounting students who have completed 15 semester hours of upper-level accounting coursework.

Texas CPA Exam Requirements

  • The Uniform CPA Examination is a crucial step to acquiring a CPA license in Texas.

  • The exam assesses the knowledge and skills of those seeking to become CPAs.

  • Passing the exam is often a requirement for licensure.

  • The education requirements to take the Uniform CPA Examination include a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and 150 hours in accounting and business courses.

Preparing for the CPA Exam

Tips and Resources for Success

Candidates must also pass the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) ethics exam and be of good moral character, as determined by the TSBPA.

Obtaining a master’s degree or a graduate certificate in accounting can provide additional benefits, such as career advancement and professional development. Consulting services can also help candidates prepare for the CPA exam by offering tailored guidance and support.

Texas requires a certain number of graduate hours to qualify for the Uniform CPA Exam.

What to Expect on Exam Day

  • The exam is computer-based and consists of four sections; you can take it separately or simultaneously.

  • You have 18 months from the date you pass the first section of the Uniform CPA Exam to pass all four sections as well as the ethics exam.

Maintaining Your CPA License in Texas

Retaining Licensure

In Texas, a CPA license often expires on Oct. 31 of odd-numbered years.

The renewal cycle is biennial, and licensees get the renewal deadline by mail nearly 90 days in advance. Verifying work experience with a licensed CPA is crucial for maintaining licensure.

Continuing professional education (CPE) is mandatory for CPAs in Texas, with a minimum of 80 hours of CPE necessary every two-year renewal cycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failure to complete CPE hours or renew licenses on time can result in penalties or even license revocation.

  • CPAs must also adhere to ethics requirements and maintain good moral character to retain licensure.

Top Accounting Firms in Texas

Rankings and Reviews

  • Featured companies may or may not be based in Texas, but they are recommended agencies that can cater to your requirements based on verified ratings and reviews.

  • The list includes accounting firms that provide services such as data entry, market research, and data processing.

Opportunities and Career Paths

The firms are ranked based on their expertise, experience, and customer reviews.

The list is updated regularly to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Top accounting firms in Texas offer opportunities for CPAs to advance their careers and provide accounting services to clients. These firms also provide career opportunities for tax professionals, specializing in tax consulting services, tax resolution, planning, and strategy.

Texas CPA Career Resources

Texas Association of CPAs

The Texas Association of CPAs provides resources and support for CPAs in Texas, including industry events and conferences. They also offer a wide range of consulting services across various industries, including financial, business, and technology consulting.

The association offers guidance on Texas CPA requirements, ethics requirements, and maintaining licensure.

Industry Events and Conferences

  • The TSBPA launched an Applicant Reassessment Program (ARP) to assist individuals who lost CPA Exam credits due to an extreme hardship occurrence.

  • The AICPA provides a resource on mitigating risks for CPA firms delivering CTA compliance/BOI reporting services.

Conclusion

  • Becoming a CPA in Texas requires meeting education, exam, and experience requirements set forth by the TSBPA.

  • Maintaining licensure requires completing CPE hours, adhering to ethics requirements, and retaining good moral character.

  • Top accounting firms in Texas offer opportunities for CPAs to advance their careers and provide accounting services to clients.