ALT-1 Why you should consider a Career as a Certified Public Accountant Cpa
CPAs HAVE OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY
Certified Public Accountants (CPA) are widely known for the work they do in accounting, tax preparation, and auditing. But a career as a CPA opens up a much broader spectrum of opportunities for individuals who want to expand and enhance their scope of responsibility. CPAs have extensive occupational mobility based on their personal and professional goals.
CPAs are highly respected for their knowledge in the field of accounting and also for their integrity. They are able to translate complex data into useful information and effectively communicate the results to others. They are able to evaluate a business and create a clear, concise picture of the management practices and how well the business operates. But what else lies ahead for the career CPA?
In addition to the typical jobs for CPAs such as public or private accountants, tax preparers, management accounting, and consulting, there are a variety of other exciting jobs for CPAs. Their ability to leverage their skills and create expanded roles and responsibilities are limitless:
1. Public accounting is the first thing we think of for CPAs. They perform a broad range of accounting, tax, and other activities for their clients. They typically focus on one particular specialty in public accounting such as taxes, estate planning, or healthcare benefits. They are widely known for their auditing practices and expertise. Public accountants may have their own business or they may work for public accounting firms. They also provide general consulting services or provide private accounting services.
2. Internal auditors are valuable to an organization as they evaluate internal practices and identify any potential fraud or abuse. In this role, CPAs evaluate financial and operational procedures and controls in a business to ensure they are managed well. They protect against not only fraud, but avoid waste and mismanagement of assets and resources.
3. CPAs have begun to play a greater role in forensic science. Their expertise and analytical capabilities in evaluating complex and detailed information and data positions them well for a career in helping to solve crime. Information processing, which is a strength of any CPA, is a highly valued skill in forensic science. CPAs are able to support the legal team in the investigation of crimes and in the courtroom.
4. Information technology relies heavily on CPAs who are able to help design systems and management controls for software applications and create business processes that optimize the use of resources. Information processing fits well with their formal training. Their background in interpreting complex data positions them well for a career in the field of information technology.
5. CPAs have taken on a much greater role in the realm of personal financial advisors by helping individuals manage their taxes, develop and manage budgets, allocate assets, manage investments, and provide general consulting and advice for all financial and personal related matters. Their high integrity and expertise make them excellent financial and personal advisors.
6. As the population ages, the need for retirement planning is even more critical and CPAs are in the perfect position to provide this type of consulting and management. Eldercare has become increasingly more important in today's society and CPAs have entered this business effectively. The older population has trust and confidence in CPAs and engages them to handle much of their financial wealth and personal health.
7. CPAs generally make outstanding managers since their analytical skills are supplemented with a strong ability to work with people, make decisions, and communicate well. They can easily move into jobs in management such as Chief Operations Officers or Chief Executive Officers of a company. They are able to perform functions at varying levels throughout an organization and their career opportunities are limitless based on their experience and performance.
CPAs have a huge array of career possibilities before them. Being a CPA affords an individual the ability to move into different jobs, at different levels, and across multiple areas of a company. They have the choice to work for a public accounting firm, a corporation, a small company, or for themselves. CPAs are highly respected and valued for their expertise, knowledge, and integrity.
A career as a CPA spans the entire realm of business and goes beyond the typical stereotype of being an accountant. It is a profession that is constantly evolving and increasing in value as technology advances, the economy expands, and the population ages.
Making a choice to become a CPA creates an exciting and diverse career for years to come.
