CPA Careers

CPAs command a great deal of respect, both socially and in the business world. They are seen as highly educated professionals with the knowledge, integrity and work ethic it takes to succeed. They earn solid wages at the entry level (usually more than $50,000) and, ultimately, often command six-figure salaries.  Furthermore, the opportunities open to CPAs  are more diverse than ever because of a changing financial world. Career paths for  CPAs include:

  • Public Accounting
  • Corporate finance
  • Tax preparation and planning
  • Financial analysis and planning
  • Estate planning
  • Internal auditing
  • Forensic accounting (preventing or detecting fraud)
  • IT services
  • International accounting
  • Performance management
  • Consultant
  • Teaching

A CPA license can help distinguish you from other job candidates, providing a leg up in any job search or towards getting a promotion. Often, firms require employees to be a CPA in order to move past a certain level in their corporate structure. 

Salary

On average, CPAs tend to make 10% to 15% more than their uncertified counterparts.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTING Non-CPA salaries can reach: CPA salaries can reach:
Manager $104,400 $114,840
Senior $81,600 $89,760
1 to 3 years $63,950 $70,345
Up to 1 year $50,750 $55,825
Source: Robert Half 2009 Salary Guide
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING Non-CPA salaries can reach: CPA salaries can reach:
Senior Manager / Director $159,333 $175,267
Manager $111,667 $122,833
Senior $86,083 $94,692
1 to 3 years $69,167 $76,083
Up to 1 year $59,583 $65,542
Source: Robert Half 2009 Salary Guide

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