Earning a CPA License in Virginia is a pivotal step toward a rewarding accounting career in a state with a thriving economy and high demand for financial expertise. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in Virginia are sought after in cities like Richmond, McLean, and Northern Virginia’s Washington, D.C. metro area, across industries such as finance, technology, and government. This article explores the career paths, salary expectations, and steps to obtain your CPA License in Virginia, optimized for those aiming to excel in the accounting profession.

Why Pursue a CPA License in Virginia?

Virginia’s economy, with a 2024 GDP of approximately $650 billion, ranks among the top for business growth, driven by industries like professional services, manufacturing, and healthcare. A CPA License in Virginia enhances professional credibility, unlocks senior-level roles, and boosts earning potential by 10-15% compared to non-certified accountants. With over 47,500 accountants and auditors employed and a projected 7% job growth through 2028, creating approximately 4,700 annual openings, Virginia offers a robust job market for CPAs, fueled by a national CPA shortage due to retirements.

Career Opportunities for CPAs in Virginia

A CPA License in Virginia opens doors to diverse career paths across multiple sectors. Here are some key opportunities:

1. Public Accounting

CPAs in public accounting firms provide auditing, tax preparation, and consulting services. Virginia hosts Big Four firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) in Northern Virginia and Richmond, alongside regional firms, serving clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies like Capital One and General Dynamics.

2. Corporate Accounting

CPAs work in-house for Virginia-based corporations, such as Northrop Grumman or Genworth Financial, managing financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. These roles are prevalent in industries like finance, technology, and defense.

3. Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants investigate financial discrepancies and fraud, often collaborating with law firms or government agencies. In Virginia, these professionals earn midpoint salaries around $105,800, with top earners reaching $166,462.

4. Government and Nonprofit Roles

CPAs in Virginia’s government sector, such as the Department of Taxation in Richmond, or nonprofit organizations manage public funds and ensure compliance, offering stability and mission-driven work.

5. Financial Advisory and Consulting

With a CPA License in Virginia, you can specialize in tax planning, risk management, or business consulting, roles in high demand in Northern Virginia’s corporate hub, where senior managers in audit and assurance earn up to $240,062.

6. Academia

CPA-licensed educators are sought after at universities like Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia due to faculty retirements and growing student interest in accounting.

Salary Expectations for CPAs in Virginia

A CPA License in Virginia significantly boosts earning potential. The average CPA salary in Virginia is approximately $80,000–$95,000 annually, with top earners in metro areas like Northern Virginia exceeding $150,000. Here’s a breakdown by role and experience:

  • Entry-Level CPAs: Starting salaries range from $60,000 to $75,000, with Big Four firms offering higher pay due to complex client portfolios.
  • Mid-Level CPAs (3-5 Years): CPAs with a few years of experience earn between $75,000 and $100,000, particularly in auditing or tax roles.
  • Senior-Level CPAs: Senior accountants or controllers with 6+ years of experience earn $100,000 to $140,000, with financial controllers commanding higher salaries.
  • Executive Roles: Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), often CPAs, earn median salaries of $226,262 in Northern Virginia, with top earners exceeding $571,838 before bonuses.

Salaries are higher in metropolitan areas like McLean, Arlington, and Alexandria, where demand and cost of living are greater. Specializations like forensic accounting or information systems yield additional premiums.

Requirements for a CPA License in Virginia

To earn a CPA License in Virginia, candidates must meet the requirements set by the Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA). Starting January 1, 2026, Virginia offers three flexible licensure pathways to address the CPA shortage:

  • Education:
    • Pathway 1: Master’s degree with 24 semester hours in accounting (covering financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and managerial/cost accounting) and 24 hours in business courses, plus one year of experience.
    • Pathway 2: Bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours, including 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business (no more than six in upper-level accounting), plus one year of experience.
    • Pathway 3: Bachelor’s degree with 120 semester hours, including 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business, plus two years of experience.
    • To sit for the CPA Exam, candidates need 120 semester hours from an accredited institution, including the required accounting and business courses.
  • CPA Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Regulation, and one Discipline Exam: BAR, ISC, or TCP) with a minimum score of 75 within 30 months. Exam fees total $1,170.56 ($120 application, $262.64 per section).
  • Work Experience: Complete one year (2,080 hours) of full-time accounting experience under a licensed CPA in public accounting, industry, government, or academia, or two years with a bachelor’s degree under Pathway 3. Self-employment does not qualify.
  • Ethics Exam: Complete the one-time AICPA Professional Ethics Course (eight hours) with a score of 90% or higher.
  • Additional Requirements: Submit official transcripts, an Experience Verification Form, and a U.S. Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number. No residency or citizenship is required. Foreign-educated candidates need credentials evaluated by a VBOA-approved service.

Maintaining Your CPA License in Virginia

To maintain a CPA License in Virginia, CPAs must renew annually by June 30 for a $60 fee ($85 by check) and complete 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) over a rolling three-year period, including 20 hours annually and two hours in a VBOA-approved ethics course. CPAs issuing reports must complete eight hours of accounting and auditing CPE annually. Initial licensees need 40 hours in the first year post-exam.

Why Now Is the Time to Earn Your CPA License in Virginia

Virginia’s accounting job market is projected to grow by 7% through 2028, with 4,700 annual openings due to retirements and economic expansion. The new licensure pathways, effective January 1, 2026, make the CPA License in Virginia more accessible by allowing candidates with a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience to qualify, reducing the 150-hour requirement. Advancements in technology, such as data analytics and AI, are increasing demand for CPAs with specialized skills, particularly in Northern Virginia’s tech corridor.

How to Get Started

  • Verify Eligibility: Create a VBOA online account and submit an exam application ($120 fee) with transcripts to confirm eligibility.
  • Prepare for the CPA Exam: Use review courses from providers like Becker, UWorld, or SuperfastCPA to prepare for the four-part exam.
  • Gain Experience: Secure a qualifying position under a licensed CPA to meet the experience requirement.
  • Complete the Ethics Course: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Course and submit the certificate to the VBOA.
  • Apply for Licensure: Submit an initial license application ($75 fee) with all required documentation to the VBOA.

For detailed guidance, visit www.boa.virginia.gov or contact the VBOA at (804) 367-8505.

Conclusion

A CPA License in Virginia is a gateway to diverse, high-paying career opportunities in a state with a strong economic outlook. With competitive salaries, a growing job market, and new, flexible licensure pathways effective in 2026, now is the ideal time to pursue your CPA license. Start your journey today to unlock the full potential of a CPA License in Virginia and build a rewarding career in accounting!