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 level or above in college, and can have membership up until a year after graduation. Student members have access to specialized communications, free attendance at our Annual Conference, discounts on CPA Exam review materials, plus scholarship opportunities at Montana universities. You also get free student affiliate membership with the AICPA (national).
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. Starting academic year 2025/2026. More information to come.
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
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 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.
This Accountant Answers Your MOST Asked Questions About Working In Their Field
May 16, 2024
We recently caught up with an accountant who answered some community questions on what it's truly like to work in their field — and let's just say, it's not what you would expect!
5 Ways to Ease Burdens to CPA Licensure
April 10, 2024
While becoming a CPA should require effort, too many barriers to obtaining a CPA license prevents bright, promising talent from making progress in their career. As a leader or member of the CPA profession, you can play a role in helping to alleviate some of the most common barriers to licensure. Here’s how.
Accounting+ 2023 Annual Report
Member Only ContentMarch 19, 2024
In 2023, the second year of Accounting+, the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) continued to spearhead this national campaign and platform, which focuses on raising awareness of an accounting career at the high school and early college levels. MTCPA partners with the CAQ on this effort.
Unveiling the Diverse World of Accounting: More Than Just Taxes
January 09, 2024
When we think of accounting, images of tax forms, calculators, and number crunching often come to mind. However, this perception barely scratches the surface of what accounting truly entails.
Montana High Schools Participate in ‘Accounting Opportunities Experience’ during the month of November
November 16, 2023
The Montana Society of CPAs (MTCPA) is pleased to announce the second year of Accounting Opportunities Experience, a collaboration between state CPA societies and the AICPA to raise awareness of accounting career opportunities among high school students.
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).