Benefits of CPA License

Why should you pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license? You want me to tell you about all the exciting things we do? How about the potential lifetime earnings 💰?

I heard accountants are boring...

I heard accountants have to be good at math... I heard all accountants sit in a cubicle all day....

That couldn't be farther from the truth. There's many things accountants do that are quite different than the stereotypes that are out there. In this post, we will outline the benefits of having your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

BENEFIT # 1: CAREER GROWTH

Having your CPA license can open the door to opportunities beyond your wildest dreams. Having the CPA license gave me the chance to experience some diverse career opportunities. These opportunities include:

• Travel:

  • The chance to travel to accounting conferences across the United States. I know, I know... you may be wondering is an accounting conference even fun? That's a topic for another day. Some places I traveled to include Chicago, Las Vegas, and all over Florida, among other places.

    
    

  
  

• Variety of Work:

  • Think about all the types of people and organizations that need an accountant. Athletes, business owners, large corporations, the local government, etc. all need accountants. Whether it's tax, audit, forensic accounting, consulting, or non-profit, having the CPA license can give you the flexibility to work in various industries and fields. Growing up, I remember watching SportsCenter every morning watching the Top 10 countdown. Fast forward fifteen years and I found myself interacting with those same players, coaches, and teams regarding their taxes and accounting.

No, I haven't worked on LeBron's taxes but one can dream, right?!

• Networking:

  • Having a CPA license gave me the opportunity to interact with various accountants and non-accountants. Yes, you can network outside of having a CPA license... In the context of this post, I am talking about interacting with other professionals that will

    help develop your professional and personal network. I remember having a conversation with someone at a conference, and they asked if I knew an individual. I told them yes, and from there we began talking about a potential opportunity they believed I would be a great candidate for.

    
    

    

    
    

BENEFIT # 2: LIFETIME EARNINGS

Discussing how much money someone makes can come with an uncomfortable feeling; however, we have to be real with ourselves. Often times, when we're choosing a career, money can rank as one of the top factors in you choosing a certain career. Money is not everything, but it does matter. Think about all the things you do in your life that require money. Having the CPA license can help increase your lifetime earnings compared to non-CPAs. The CPA license lifetime earnings can potentially look like the following:

Job Level:	Salary Range:
Staff level (or equivalent)	$50,000 - $80,000
Senior level (or equivalent)	$80,000 - $110,000
Manager level (or equivalent)	$100,000 - $150,000
Principal / Director (or equivalent)	$120,000 and above
Partner (or equivalent)	$150,000 and above

Please note that these salaries are simply estimates and do not apply to every single CPA and non-accountant. Various factors such as state, company size, and years of experience can impact your earnings.

Sources:

Becker

Investopedia

BENEFIT # 3: PROFESSIONAL CREDIBILITY

Just as the JD can be the gold standard for aspiring lawyers, demonstrating their expertise and opening doors to numerous opportunities, the CPA credential signifies the highest level of proficiency in accounting, unlocking your full potential.

If you would like to open your own accounting firm in the future, having the CPA license will certainly help establish your credibility among clients and potential clients. It'll also help you if you would like to pivot to other areas of business in your career. Think of having the CPA license as your ticket to unlimited opportunities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the CPA license is more than just a credential—it's a key that unlocks countless opportunities and benefits. From diverse career growth and increased lifetime earnings to enhanced professional credibility, the CPA license empowers you to reach new heights in your career. Don't let the stereotypes hold you back; embrace the journey, and unlock your full potential with the CPA license. Your future awaits!