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

And the CPA is impressed by your shoes !

When you meet a great CPA you are impressed!

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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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

I'm a corporate controller and make about $260K. Have both a CPA and MBA. Competition for high level finance jobs is always fierce and a numbers game. Retiring soon but will do interim and fractional work to keep busy. Leaving because commuting and face time demands suck. OP, there is always a need for financial reporting and tax.

I’m also interested in hearing from CPAs making above $200k. Are these primarily roles like CFO? Or is there more variety of what you can do with the certificate?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They cap at 200k

I'm a CPA and make more than 200k

Same here.

So 210k?

NP. What do you do, and how much do you make? I’m interested to know about your expertise re: CPAs and the cap on their income.

+ 1

Anonymous wrote:They cap at 200k

Do you mean 3-4 yr staff level?

My director level former coworkers make 310k+ at big four.