Become a CPA?

[Anonymous]

I am a CPA and make about $400k all in, including bonus and deferred comp, annually.

[Anonymous]

I went back to school to take the required classes and then the CPA when I was 30. I did it while working full time and passed the exam on my first time (back when you took all 4 parts at once over 2 days). It was a grueling year or so to study and prepare for the exam. Recently, My child majored in accounting bs/ms and just took the exam over a 4 month period in 2024 and it seems a little more spaced out now. I definitely would recommend the credential and I have had good opportunities because of my cpa credential.

[Anonymous]

CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.

I’m a CPA and many CPAs I deal with clearly studied to pass the test and don’t actually have the analytical skills and knowledge to do their jobs that well. I am a higher paid CPA. I wouldn’t recommend going into it at 40+. It takes years to develop the job experience and knowledge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CPA joke:

Question: What's the difference between an actuary and a CPA?

Answer: When an actuary talks to you, he looks at his shoes;

When a CPA speaks to you, he looks at your shoes.

Explain this joke to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.

I’m a CPA and many CPAs I deal with clearly studied to pass the test and don’t actually have the analytical skills and knowledge to do their jobs that well. I am a higher paid CPA. I wouldn’t recommend going into it at 40+. It takes years to develop the job experience and knowledge.

So glad you posted this. I am 47 years old with a masters degree in math. I currently work as a data specialist for the MTA in NY. I make less thank 100k in NYC.

I was thinking of changing to anything. I first got excited when someone posted that for $13k you can complete all required courses online in 1 semester and summer. Then your post gave me a reality check. This is one for old folks like us trying to change career.

[Anonymous]

I’d suggest getting a job in Accounting first to see how you like it, and if you feel it’s worth the investment of time, energy and $$ to pursue the CPA designation.

Depending on the role, accounting can tie you to a schedule in terms of month end close and busy seasons, and you’ll have to plan your life/vacations around that. You may be expected to work some late nights and weekends. I worked in accounting for years, and now work in an accounting adjacent role, and I like it so much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do private companies hire CPAs (not accounting firms)? Do they hire a lot? How much do they pay?

Yes of course. I worked for a finance company as an assistant controller. Next step would be controller then CFO. I made $120k in 2008.

[Anonymous]

When you meet a great CPA you are impressed!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you meet a great CPA you are impressed!

And the CPA is impressed by your shoes !

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.

I’m a CPA and many CPAs I deal with clearly studied to pass the test and don’t actually have the analytical skills and knowledge to do their jobs that well. I am a higher paid CPA. I wouldn’t recommend going into it at 40+. It takes years to develop the job experience and knowledge.

So glad you posted this. I am 47 years old with a masters degree in math. I currently work as a data specialist for the MTA in NY. I make less thank 100k in NYC.

I was thinking of changing to anything. I first got excited when someone posted that for $13k you can complete all required courses online in 1 semester and summer. Then your post gave me a reality check. This is one for old folks like us trying to change career.

Yes, I posted that, but your response was inadequate.

Which 2 accounting courses have you taken & did you use any accounting skills since earning your MBA.

CPAs are in demand, but there is a work experience requirement of 1 to 2 years in addition to the education & testing requirements.

For one with an MBA & substantial work experience, I expect a more thorough response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.

This is not a thorough response--in fact, it is misleading due to the inadequate info. presented.

Highly unlikely that one who has earned a CPA is aspiring to maximum earnings of "$120,000 max."

Again, insufficient details = garbage in, garbage out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And pass a pretty tough 4 part exam. Good luck.

To get a CPA, approximately all of these are needed:

- minimum X hours of college accounting
- pass a very tough (and somewhat academic) CPA exam
- work for Y years in a public accounting role
- apply for state license

It is not impossible at your age, but it would be very difficult to do part-time.

Can you take a few years off without working?

Maybe pick something easier for your new certificate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CPAs /accountants are in demand.

For now. But this will be hit by Ai in the next 5-10 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CPA was the pursued degree of the 1980s but no longer the golden ticket to $$. Yes, some senior level CPAs (think comptrollers, CFO, finance directors) can earn good $$ BUT most CPAs today DO NOT earn that much. Other CPA who earn high $$ own their own boutique firms. I know so many who will take a temp job just to get foot into the door and then aspire to earn $120K max. The higher level jobs with corresponding high $$ comp are few and far in between - the exception, not the norm.

I’m a CPA and many CPAs I deal with clearly studied to pass the test and don’t actually have the analytical skills and knowledge to do their jobs that well. I am a higher paid CPA. I wouldn’t recommend going into it at 40+. It takes years to develop the job experience and knowledge.

So glad you posted this. I am 47 years old with a masters degree in math. I currently work as a data specialist for the MTA in NY. I make less thank 100k in NYC.

I was thinking of changing to anything. I first got excited when someone posted that for $13k you can complete all required courses online in 1 semester and summer. Then your post gave me a reality check. This is one for old folks like us trying to change career.

Have you considered earning a master's degree in AI/ML ? High demand & much better pay than you are currently earning.

Your reluctance to answer the basic questions that I have asked is concerning. Are you serious about making a career change ?

How do you survive in NYC on less than $100, 000 per year ? (Assume that you are in a dual income producing relationship.)

A first year accounting graduate (age in early 20s) at a Big 4 accounting firm in NYC should make a base salary of around $100,000.