CPA

Why Be a CPA?

Why be a CPA? As a CPA, you can pursue a career in the fast-paced, exciting worlds of professional sports, movies or television, fashion, music, or high tech. Or, discover the rush of crime investigation as an FBI agent. The CPA license allows you to work wherever you want in whatever field that interests you - the sky is the limit.

Make An Impact

How many businesses can you think of that do not have to pay taxes or keep financial records? If your answer is "none," then you've got the idea. Being a CPA gives you the chance to make an impact on the business practices of individuals and small business owners up to those of Fortune 500 corporations. If you own a business, you either have to be a CPA or hire one. Why not be your own boss? If that doesn't appeal to you, think about the impact you could make on a worldwide corporation or a person who looks to you as a trusted adviser. The CPA license carries enormous weight in business and financial circles. Or what about a struggling non-profit that needs help with strategic planning and budgeting? You could affect change and get it back on track.

Earning Power

A CPA license gives you the power to determine your earning potential. On average, starting salaries for college graduates working at a large public accounting firm (such as Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, KPMG, or PricewaterhouseCoopers) range from $35,000 to $48,000 per year. Starting small firm salaries range from $29,500 to $40,750. While in corporate accounting, the starting salary range is $29,750 to $51,000. You can add another 10% to these figures if you are a CPA or have a graduate degree.

Things get even better when you begin to advance your career. A first year partner at a public accounting firm averages $150,000 per year, while a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can make $81,000 to $356,250, depending on experience and the size of the company.

For up-to-date information on salaries for those in the accounting profession, consult the Salary Guide.

Become a CPA
Click here to see how CPA salaries vary by size of company.