CPAs: They’re more than taxes!

CPAs are widely respected professionals who are regarded as experts in finance and accounting. Here are just a few reasons why:

They’re educated.

Becoming a CPA requires a college degree and, currently, 30 hours of graduate-level education.

Exciting news: The path to CPA licensure is shifting in Indiana and many other states to include additional paths that allow you to get licensed with a bachelor’s degree plus two years of work experience. Learn more here.

CPAs are also required to take ongoing education hours once they have the license. These hours, known as Continuing Professional Education (CPE), include accounting and auditing, technology, updates on tax policies, and even professional development topics like leadership, management and communication.

They’re trustworthy.

In addition to ongoing education, CPAs are required to follow ethical standards. They’re known for being trustworthy advisors who are guided by a moral compass, and their state-mandated licensing requirements set them apart from a regular accountant. This additional level of regulation can offer peace of mind to those they work with that they are dedicated to serving the public interest.

They have a wide skill set.

Yes, CPAs tend to specialize in particular areas like tax or audit, but their skills can translate into many financial and accounting areas. They can advise on business valuation, help track and stop fraud, and guide non-profit organizations to be fiscally responsible. Most of all, they’re problem solvers who can help organizations analyze and make sense of complex data.

Why Be a CPA?

Adding those three letters after your name takes work, but the payoff can launch your career to new heights.

Demand

CPAs are in high demand for their elite skills. It’s estimated that 75% of accounting professionals are on track to retire within the next ten years and future accountants like you are needed to fill their spots.

Whether you want to work at a CPA firm, become a financial analyst at a big company, work for a non-profit organization or even a government agency like the FBI–there’s a job for you.

Salary

The license paired with the growing demand translates into a higher salary–especially over the course of your career. Yes, you can get a good paying job in accounting or finance without a license, but CPAs make an average of 10%-15% more than unlicensed accountants. They also have more opportunities to grow, while accountants tend to reach a pay ceiling in their careers.

Stability

Worried about recessions? The CPA profession is known to be especially resilient, with many going as far as to label it “recession-proof.”

In short: The world needs CPAs to operate.

As regulators, they’re helping to maintain a strong and ethical business environment. As analysts and advisors, they’re providing companies with much-needed insights that help them grow, thrive and solve problems. And, of course, people will always need someone to help them do their taxes!

Impact

CPAs are service professionals and difference makers. From helping a family save on their taxes to finding ways a business can cut costs and save jobs, their impact is significant. You’ll be seen as a leader in your community thanks to your strong character, ethical mindset and judgment. CPAs are also considered role models who exemplify business best practices.

Freedom

Your options as a CPA are diverse, meaning doors are open for you!

Want to be a digital nomad? Run your own firm or land a remote-first position.

Dream of working in the city in a high-rise office with a view? The partner track for a large firm is waiting for you.

Passionate about working for a cause? Become the CFO of a non-profit organization, or share your skills as a board member outside of your day job.

If you can dream it, there’s a way to connect it to your life as a CPA.