A CPA license is not strictly required to start a career in the Big 4 (Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG), but it is essential for long-term progression to manager or higher levels in audit and core tax. While you can join as a staff member without one, passing the exam is highly encouraged, often incentivized with bonuses, and required for promotion beyond senior roles.
The single most important certification needed for a Big 4 career is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Becoming a CPA shows that you have the skills and knowledge to offer top services, plus the authorization to perform any needed task for the firm.
While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and CPA licensure data, only about 50% of accountants in the United States are actively licensed CPAs.
Financial backing and other incentives. Deloitte recognizes that the key to success goes beyond learning and coaching support. As they work to achieve their professional designation, our students receive ample study time (through both paid and unpaid days) and financial support for annual fees and CPA tuition.
In 2023, 42% of new CFOs at FTSE 100 companies didn't have an accounting qualification. In the US, CPA-certified CFOs dropped from 55% in 2012 to 43% in 2022. The trend is clear: Perfect credentials are overrated. Take Eric Kutcher, CFO of McKinsey & Company.
A CFO does not need to have a CPA, CFA, or MBA designation. But of the three, having a CPA designation does help dramatically . I've passed the CPA, and I can say that it is the most important designation to have if you're considering being a startup CFO.
At PwC, we are commited to supporting the professional devoplment of our people. We offer significant incentives to those who obtain their CPA and other primary credentials early, as well as reimbursement and educational programs to help you achieve this goal.
If you pass the CPA exam before your start date or within your first year of exam eligibility, but not to exceed three years from date of hire as an Associate, you will receive a $5,000 CPA incentive award.
No, an accounting degree is not useless without a CPA; it opens many doors in corporate, government, and non-profit sectors (like financial analysis, management accounting, and internal audit), but a CPA is often essential for public accounting (especially auditing), high-level management roles (like CFO/Controller), and roles requiring public attestations, with the CPA providing a significant career boost, higher earning potential, and faster advancement, according to Bellevue University, Franklin University, Post University, and SuperfastCPA.
2024 CPA Exam Pass Rates
The pass rates for AUD and FAR were around 46% and 41%, respectively. The discipline sections also yielded surprising results, with BAR at 41%, ISC at 56%, and TCP achieving an impressive 78% pass rate.
KPMG also reimburses qualifying CPA examination fees or IQEX exam fees to eligible experienced new hires.
Not all accountants are CPAs (certified public accountants), but all CPAs are in the accounting profession. Typically, an accountant has achieved a bachelor's degree in accounting. A certified public accountant earns this designation after completing specific educational and work requirements and passing a CPA exam.
Our next bold move: CPA bonus policy doubles
Starting with our June 1, 2026 joiners, we're doubling the CPA bonus to $10,000 for early career hires who pass all four parts of the exam within their first year of employment.
How much does an Entry Level Staff Accountant make at PwC in the United States? The estimated average pay for Entry Level Staff Accountant at this company in the United States is $62,058 per year, which is 19% above the national average.
To be in the top 1% of US earners, you generally need an income well over $700,000 nationally, with figures around $794,000 cited for recent years, but this varies significantly by state, requiring over $1 million in places like Connecticut and Massachusetts, while being around $400,000-$450,000 in lower-cost states like West Virginia and Mississippi.
Over a quarter of FTSE 100 business chiefs are qualified chartered accountants. A background in finance is one of the main determining factors in reaching chief executive level, according to a new study.
While both credentials offer specialized expertise, the best fit for a CFO position typically depends on your company's needs: a CPA brings a strong foundation in accounting and compliance, while a CFA delivers deep insights about investment management and financial strategy.
The CPA certification is a highly recognized professional credential that tells accounting firms you have gone one step further to become an expert in the field.