Future CPAs + Students
Your career starts here
Whether you’re already on the path to become a CPA or just exploring your options, this page is for you. Yes, becoming a CPA is challenging, but the rewards are huge. From networking events to scholarships — MTCPA has all the resources you need to get started. And if you can't find what you're looking for, give us a call.
Student Membership
You can join MTCPA for free as a sophomore in college. Student members have access to specialized communications, free attendance at our Annual Conference, discounts on CPA Exam review materials, plus scholarship opportunities at a participating Montana university.
What it takes to be a CPA
Okay, need a little more info on what it exactly takes to be a CPA? Check out details on colleges with accounting programs and earning the CPA designation.
Scholarships
Generously funded through contributions from members and private donors, each year MTCPA awards $1000s in scholarships to accounting majors at Montana universities. But you have to qualify to apply — find out if you do.
Student Resources
MTCPA provides our community of future CPAs with the resources needed to excel and perform at the highest levels.
Campus Ambassador Program
MTCPA is researching a Campus Ambassador Program to support students and promote the profession on Montana college and university campuses. If you are interested sponsoring or helping to design the program content please contact Erinn below.
CPA Evolution
The CPA Evolution initiative aims to transform the CPA licensure model to recognize the rapidly changing skills and competencies the practice of accounting requires today and will require in the future. It is a joint effort of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
Student News
BEC/New Exam Disciplines Application Chart
August 14, 2023
In advance of the updated CPA Exam launching in January 2024, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy has provided the chart below showing the deadlines established by each U.S. jurisdiction for applying to take the current BEC section as well as the first day applications will be accepted for new CPA Exam disciplines (BAR, ISC, TCP).
Attention, Soon-to-be-Accountants: Governments Need You
June 19, 2023
A lack of accountants and auditors has left several municipalities without credit ratings. Here are a few ways to tackle this problem.
Case studies in forensic accounting
June 16, 2023
Forensic accounting is a specialized field that uses accounting, auditing and investigative skills to investigate and examine financial statements and records to uncover irregularities or fraudulent activities and identify and analyze financial data patterns, providing valuable insights to legal professionals.
Accounting looks to recruit neurodiverse talent
June 15, 2023
Accounting and finance departments are hoping to diversify their workforce, especially with the ongoing shortages of young accountants joining the profession, but one segment of the population that's often left out of the discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion is "neurodiverse" or "neurodivergent" people.
There's more to accounting than meets the eye
June 15, 2023
Perhaps it would be helpful for students, families and businesspeople to refresh their understanding of the many unique benefits of accounting education, as well as related professional experience. A career in accounting is not for everybody; however, one should make an informed choice among careers, especially at the key early stage of one's growth after college.
What can you do with a master’s degree in accounting?
April 28, 2023
Accountants speak the language of numbers, they’re especially skilled in evaluating financial statements, and experts in determining how to drive profits for a company. Aside from becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), people who hold a master’s degree in accounting can enter other unique roles, or increase their earnings by going into leadership positions—which can lead to the C-suite roles of chief financial officer (CFO) or even chief executive officer (CEO).
10 Career Paths To Consider
April 25, 2023
If you’re wondering what you can do with an accounting degree, rest assured it’s a valuable asset. In fact, renowned billionaire investor Warren Buffet once called accounting the language of business. An accounting degree prepares you to speak and understand that language, whether you pursue accountancy, auditing, sales management, advising or one of the many other accounting career paths. In this article, we overview what an accounting degree is, various accounting concentration areas available and ten jobs you can get with an accounting degree.
How To Become An Auditor: Everything You Need To Know
April 25, 2023
If you’re a detail-oriented person with a knack for numbers and a strong sense of ethics, you may enjoy a career in auditing. Auditors examine companies’ records, processes and systems to ensure accuracy and compliance, as well as to identify and manage risk. The auditor career path is straightforward, beginning with a bachelor’s degree and progressing through on-the-job training, further education and optional certifications. We’ll explore how to become an auditor in detail below, along with information about this diverse profession and its job outlook.
An Update on the Future of Accounting Education
January 04, 2023
The future of accounting education has been a topic of concern for the profession’s leaders for years in the light of demographic shifts, competition for talent, and declining enrollments. The authors, following up a previous article on the subject, take another look at trends in enrollment, hiring, and sitting for the CPA exam. The authors fear that without major changes—more flexibility in education and licensing, higher salaries, and greater work/life balance—these trends will continue in a negative direction and imperil the future of the profession.
The CPA Examination in Evolution
January 04, 2023
The recent CPA Evolution Project represents the accounting profession’s attempt to transform the CPA licensure model to fit the skills and competencies that new CPAs will require today and in the future. It marks the most significant change to the Uniform CPA Examination in many years. This article describes the changes to the structure and content of the exam, assesses the likely impact of the changes, and discusses how universities will need to adapt their curricula to new exam.