Should I Become a CPA?

Becoming a certified public accountant takes a lot of effort, but getting your CPA license can also open up a lot of career opportunities. If your personality is suited to being a CPA, then this could be a satisfying career choice for you.

According to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, there is a strong demand for certified public accountants as of 2014. Huge numbers of Baby Boomer CPAs have retired or are about to retire, which is creating large numbers of openings for suitably qualified people. Getting your CPA license could allow you to apply for these vacancies.

If you want to pursue a career in accountancy, then becoming a CPA is the best way to advance your career. Earning your CPA license shows that you are motivated, committed and determined to succeed. The CPA license also proves that you have the necessary skills to thrive in a high-level accountancy position.

The CPA license equips you with the knowledge that you need to carry out many different accountancy roles, including auditing and financial reporting. These skills make you valuable to many different businesses, allowing you to work with companies in almost any industry. Certified public accountants do not only work in accountancy practices; many licensed CPAs also work in financial planning, corporate governance and other roles in the financial industry.

For many people, one motivation for getting a CPA license and pursuing a career in accountancy is the potential financial rewards. As of 2014, experienced CPAs working in public practice have salaries in the range from $80,000 to $100,000, according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. There is also a difference of approximately 10 percent between the earnings of new accountancy graduates with and without CPA licenses. If you want to earn a decent salary in a potentially rewarding career, then becoming a CPA is a good way to achieve that goal.

In order to pass the CPA exam, you need to demonstrate that you can analyze information and use logic to draw relevant conclusions. You, of course, need to have strong math and numeracy skills, as well as a good eye for detail. Solving problems is a big part of the job, so you should enjoy working on puzzles and coming up with workable solutions. Communication skills, both written and oral, are also important to master for those desiring a successful career as a CPA.

Passing the CPA exam requires a lot of study, but the rewards can be extremely worthwhile. Before embarking on the journey in obtaining your CPA license, make sure that you are willing to put in the necessary hours of study. If you are prepared to work hard and pass the exam, then your CPA license could open many doors for you to advance your career.

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