How to Get Ahead Without Becoming a CPA

Updated on November 10, 2025

The road to becoming a certified public accountant isn’t an easy one.

It requires time, money — more than $1,000 on average, depending on your state — and commitment. With four separate test sections, each with pass rates around 50%, chances are you’ll need to take some of the exams more than once.

The good news is that demand for accountants who aren’t CPAs is strong. If current economic conditions have put your CPA plans on hold, or if you’re not yet sure that the CPA path is right for you, you’ve got short- and long-term options.

The Job Outlook for Non-CPA Accountants

The demand for accountants without a CPA can be stronger than for those with the certification. Few clients look only for candidates with a CPA, regardless of their industry.

The healthcare, consumer products and financial services industries are the top market drivers.

Roles that don’t require the CPA include:

• Staff accountant
• Accounts payable (AP) specialist
• Accounts receivable (AR) specialist
• Senior accountant

Learn more about the different career paths non-CPA accountants can take.

Why Experience Matters for Non-CPA Accounting Jobs

For hiring managers, there’s a balance between experience and education. It’s possible to move into an accounts payable/accounts receivable specialist role without a degree. At the staff accountant or senior accountant level, however, degrees do become more important.

Where you want to work can also influence the requirements you’ll need. If your goal is to be a staff or senior accountant with a large corporation and you don’t have a CPA, hiring managers will focus on your education and previous experience. For those more advanced roles, a degree in accounting or finance is often preferred.

But a proven track record can outweigh even the CPA credential. A senior accountant without a CPA who has a decade or more of experience may be able to move into accounting manager- and controller-level roles. Read our guide on how to position your experience to speak directly to hiring managers.

Get Ahead with CPA Alternatives for Your Accounting Career

For accountants who prefer the non-CPA path, contract work is a way to gain experience across a range of roles and sectors.

One major advantage of contract work is opportunity. Contractors can get experience across industries and in different-sized companies. Some industries such as healthcare or energy require specific software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) knowledge, but general accounting skills are transferable across most industries.

With contracts ranging from two weeks for month-end work to contract-to-hire positions, accountants can gain experience faster than CPAs who prefer more permanent placements. Opportunities extend to all career levels.

Do Your Homework

Accountants who have delayed or paused their CPA education should research the field. Talk to hiring managers about what software and ERP systems are in demand. Use a contract position where you work under a CPA to test the professional and personal fit. If you ultimately decide that a CPA is right for you, look for companies willing to invest in your long-term professional development. Some employers will assist you in paying for your CPA credentials. This research can give you a better idea of what type of accounting position, and what type of company, is right for you.

Visit our job board and start exploring open accounting roles.

*The original version of this article was published on May 20, 2020