I'm proud to be a CPA, and after 30 years in accounting, I know it's one of the best ways to start and spend your career.
The profession is so much more than counting numbers and poring over documents, and the role of a CPA is so important. CPAs are our capital market's seekers of truth, and are critical to building trust and strengthening our financial systems with high-quality and independent audits, providing tax knowledge and advice, and informing business strategies. Over the course of three decades, I've built meaningful relationships, learned how to work alongside people from all around the world with different working styles and personalities, and gained experiences I never could have imagined. Best of all, I have also built amazing friendships and had a lot of fun along the way!
Reflecting back on what being a CPA has afforded me is amazing, especially considering I didn't study accounting when I was in college. In fact, I was a history major, and my path to accounting and becoming a CPA was far from traditional. From afar, accounting seemed a bit daunting and rigid, and although I had strong skills in analytical thinking and clear communication as a result of my history degree, I had limited accounting knowledge prior to starting my career. Now as a CPA, I can 100% tell you that the accounting profession affords opportunities for everyone and it's anything but boring.
I recently attended PwC's Destination CPA experience, where I had the chance to meet with up-and-coming talent preparing to begin their accounting careers. Their energy reminded me why I love the profession and why I wake up so excited to continue this career journey for myself. Many students were curious about everything the profession is able to offer them, from communication skills to business acumen, and even the opportunities to branch into different careers. A common theme I've noticed is that many people — not just students — want to know what it means to have a career in accounting. Here's what I shared:
CPA is a team sport
Being a CPA takes planning, project management, relationship building, determination, the ability to work independently and also problem solve as a team, and so many more skills. And those skills matter, whether you are squarely in accounting forever or jump into another profession, and can help fast track your ability to move up the ranks and excel in your career.
While it takes hard work and determination and sometimes the days can be long, there's a feeling of camaraderie when together a team goes through a challenge to achieve an end goal. And what I love most about accounting is that all team members, from associate to partner, celebrate together.
Startup-like characteristics
Some people are drawn to startups for their energy, excitement and the idea of rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. That startup vibe doesn't immediately come to mind when you think of accounting — but it's there!
Throughout my career as a CPA, I've found that similar startup energy and excitement. Projects often change every six months, and I am energized knowing my days are rarely ever the same. I've also had the chance to work with small and large clients all around the world, giving me the opportunity to learn about different types of organizations, various business models, and work across practically every industry. I once worked for a global client and visited six countries in seven days! A whirlwind for sure, but that experience gave me the chance to get outside my comfort zone and take on a new perspective of the world.
I've always been challenged to try something new throughout every stage of my career, and often those challenges are the most rewarding and exciting. If a new opportunity gives me butterflies in my stomach, I take it!
Expertise, expertise, expertise!
Having expertise builds trust and helps you gain the respect of others — and it's important. CPAs are credentialed professionals, setting those with this designation apart as having dedication, knowledge and the skills to perform the job. A CPA is a credential that can follow you throughout your career even if you take a break to explore a different passion.
An accounting career is about continuous learning. It's staying on top of new, developing trends that are changing how the world works and how companies do business. These are skills that are highly valuable and increasingly sought after.
I often say CPAs are the best trainers of talent. We're exposed to leadership, collaboration, critical thinking and most importantly communication. These are important skills to make you a well-rounded profession and will help you succeed in any career. And learning begins on day one because, as a CPA, you're thrown right in and working alongside partners, managers and other experienced professionals.
Why CPA?
Now, nearly 30 years into my career, and after reflecting further while spending time with those about to start their CPA profession, I can look back and say I'm so thankful for my career journey and proud to be a CPA. Having a CPA as a professional designation is a lifelong credential you'll have under your belt to create change, lead, and propel forward the future of the workforce.
