Why Be A CPA | Students (2024)

WHAT IS A CPA?

If you asked the general public “What is a CPA?” you’d likely receive various responses related to tax preparation when, in actuality, a CPA is so much more than that.

A CPA is a highly educated, skilled, and respected individual with expertise spanning across many financial and accounting areas. These areas can include financial planning, taxation, auditing and assurance, consulting, forensic accounting, business valuation, government accounting, non-profit accounting, and company management. The depth of knowledge and breadth of skills which CPAs possess make them invaluable to companies of all sizes. Beyond that, CPAs are often regarded by other professionals as moral, ethical individuals who are trusted advisors serving the public interest. Lastly, a CPA has passed the regulated CPA exam and has met the state mandated work and education requirements, a designation separating CPAs from unlicensed accountants.

WHY BE A CPA?

Becoming a CPA is no small feat. It requires immense knowledge and abilities. The skills required today now exceed comprehension of accounting codification and Microsoft Excel. As the world economy becomes increasingly more complex, CPAs are asked to provide more and more expertise and guidance on a wide range of topics from IT to technology, financial planning, and business deals. These areas require additional knowledge and even greater skills.

Beyond vast understanding, CPAs are increasingly required to have competent soft skills. The days of sitting quietly behind a computer are long gone. Being a CPA requires confidence, interpersonal skills, sound professional skepticism and judgement, the ability to analyze and conclude quickly and comfortably, and more. This is all to say that being a CPA is an evolving field—one that is both challenging and exciting. Each day is different from the one before and provides little opportunity for the job to become ‘boring.’

Why Be A CPA | Students (2024)

FAQs

Why Be A CPA | Students? ›

A specialty needed by all companies and organizations, a CPA license sets you apart as a trained expert in accounting. Getting your license is a rigorous but rewarding process requiring ample preparation and testing. Due to that rigor, becoming a licensed CPA is one of the best ways to stand out to potential employers.

Why is becoming a CPA worth it? ›

The financial benefits for a CPA are clear. CPAs often make more money for the same job than they would if they did not hold the license, and it routinely enables them to secure jobs they would not be able to get without it. According to the AICPA, CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs working in accounting-related jobs.

What is the benefit of CPA? ›

One of the benefits of becoming a CPA is the flexibility and versatility of the designation. CPAs are able to work across numerous industries, specialize in specific skills, and their designation is globally recognized, opening up a world of opportunities. A few careers that CPAs can pursue include: Climate accounting.

Why are CPAs so important? ›

Because a CPA's toolbox includes everything from tax preparation, to financial statements, to financial planning, to forensic accounting, to internal auditing, to income tax, the CPA's primary function is to help businesses thrive. And while a CPA is an accountant, not all accountants are CPAs.

Why might you choose to hire a CPA? ›

CPAs can help you prioritize your business goals by handling some of the administrative tasks, including budgeting, bookkeeping, financial accounting and reporting, tax planning, and tax preparation and filing. A CPA can also provide sound financial advice for your growing business.

Why am I interested in becoming a CPA? ›

The depth of knowledge and breadth of skills which CPAs possess make them invaluable to companies of all sizes. Beyond that, CPAs are often regarded by other professionals as moral, ethical individuals who are trusted advisors serving the public interest.

What are the pros and cons of CPA? ›

Pros and cons of working as an Accountant
  • Pro: It's a growing industry. ...
  • Pro: Salaries are competitive. ...
  • Pro: You can work in any industry. ...
  • Pro: Your skills will always come in handy. ...
  • Pro: You're always learning something new. ...
  • Pro: There's a wide range of jobs to choose from. ...
  • Con: It can sometimes be stressful.
Oct 28, 2020

Is a CPA really necessary? ›

It's not unusual for small businesses to get tripped up by their own mistakes or lack of knowledge about tax laws, which means they often end up paying more than necessary. Hiring a CPA means you don't have to worry about tax planning as they can help you navigate the complicated tax filing process.

Is being a CPA rewarding? ›

Obtaining their CPA licensure has allowed our people to develop new skills that have been invaluable and opened doors to countless rewarding career opportunities. Lastly, a career as a CPA provides an enduring and valuable foundation that helps you to secure your future.

Is a CPA better than an accountant? ›

A CPA is better qualified than an accountant to perform some accounting duties, and recognized by the government as someone who is credible and an expert in the field. Individuals who have received a CPA designation are trained in generally accepted accounting principles and best practices (including online tools).

Is being a CPA prestigious? ›

A CPA license is considered very prestigious: The CPA license is the most widely recognized professional credential in the accounting industry.

Why are CPAs so high? ›

Several factors can contribute to a high Facebook CPA. Here are some of the most common ones: Targeting Issues: Your target audience might be too broad or not specific enough to your ideal customer. This leads to showing your ads to people unlikely to convert, inflating your costs.

Do CPAs become millionaires? ›

The answer is yes, but it depends on several factors, such as your education, experience, specialization, and personal choices.

Why being a CPA is worth it? ›

CPAs get to pick from highly-specialized job functions, ranging from auditing to information technology. You can pursue jobs that will let you travel internationally — or find opportunities to give back through work for non-profit organizations.

What do people want from a CPA? ›

Whether it's in-depth financial advice, or high-level strategic thinking, your clients want you to be part of their team. A good accountant is on board for the long-haul and someone who can act as a trusted adviser, business coach and long-term mentor.

Why do I choose to be an accountant? ›

You Will Be In a Profession That Is Respected and Known for Integrity and Ethics. Accountants are respected business professionals, and accounting is known to be one of the most trustworthy professions. You will become a trusted advisor to others where you work, and your opinion will matter in making business decisions ...

Is CPA a good future career? ›

CPA undoubtedly offers a promising career with excellent growth prospects. As a Certified Public Accountant, you can explore various industries and roles, such as auditing, taxation, and financial advising.

Why are CPAs in high demand? ›

Increasing Complexity Of Financial Regulations:

The financial industry is constantly developing, introducing new regulations and reporting standards regularly. Companies need CPAs to help them guide through these complexities and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and standards.

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