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
Join MTCPA for free as a college sophomore or above, with membership lasting up to a year post-graduation. Student members enjoy specialized communications, free Annual Conference attendance, CPA Exam review discounts, scholarships at Montana universities, and free AICPA student affiliate membership.
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
The MTCPA Campus Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for Montana college students to promote the accounting profession and MTCPA on their campuses.
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 Board Representative
The MTCPA Student Board Representative serves as the voice of Montana’s accounting students on the Montana Society of CPAs (MTCPA) Board of Directors. This unique leadership opportunity allows one selected student to gain firsthand experience in professional governance, network with CPA leaders, and help shape the future of the accounting profession in Montana.
This position must attend at least one board meeting between June and January, as well as MTCPA's Annual Conference in June (alternating locations; travel & per diem provided)
Current Student Representative
OPEN
Past Student Representatives
Riley Nielsen, Montana State University
Term: 2020/2021
Berenise Esparza, U of M
Term: 2019/2020
Sara Schlepp, Montana State University
Term: 2018/2019
Amy Sexton, MSU-Billings
Term: 2017/2018
Michelle McDowell, Montana State University
Term: 2016/2017
Student News
How to Succeed at Your First Job
January 13, 2025
Let’s dive into each skill/action and how you can use them in your day-to-day job to be able to be successful in your career.
Research Reveals How You Can Secure a Senior Finance Role
November 20, 2024
The report ranks eight key competencies as well as 79 sub-competencies to help guide CPAs in their pursuit for senior corporate finance positions.
Public Accounting Starting Salaries Expected to Rise About 9% in 2025
October 08, 2024
In its latest salary guide, Robert Half provides projected 2025 starting pay for eight positions: four in tax and four in audit.
Young accountants: Choose your own adventure
October 02, 2024
Experts say young accountants should navigate this evolving profession by continually reevaluating their path with an open mind.
CPA vs. Accountant: Answering 5 Questions For Future Accounting Professionals
September 24, 2024
This guide will help you differentiate between a CPA and an accountant, as well as answer pressing questions about how these designations impact an accountant’s career path.
What is a CPA? What does a Certified Public Accountant do?
September 24, 2024
If you’re majoring in accounting or exploring accounting careers, you’ve probably been told that you need to obtain your CPA license. But what is a CPA?
First Glimpse of 2025 Projected Salary Ranges For Public Accounting
September 23, 2024
Staffing firm Atrium recently put out its 2025 Salary Guide, which includes projected pay ranges for seven roles in public accounting.
5 Ways to Ease Burdens to CPA Licensure
September 11, 2024
Ways both firm leaders and non-leaders can help candidates on their CPA licensing journey, and how MTCPA can help.
AICPA and NASBA Seek Input on Proposed Additional Pathway to CPA Licensure
September 11, 2024
In a joint effort to support the next generation of accountants while maintaining accounting’s rigorous public protection mandate, the AICPA and NASBA have proposed an initiative aimed at helping CPA candidates meet initial licensure requirements.
5 Ways a Professional Association Can Boost Your Career
June 03, 2024
The workplace has come a long way. As expectations have shifted — allowing for more flexibility and requiring less formality — you might be wondering if joining a professional organization is still relevant or just part of the old-school workplace culture.