Becoming a CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, carries significant weight in the accounting industry. As the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) notes, this certification shows “that you’ve mastered the vital elements of your profession through years of academic and technical training.”
Employers recognize the rigorous education and training required to become a CPA, aware that individuals who hold this credential possess the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field. This opens up exciting career opportunities. Here’s how:
Employment Demand for CPAs is Growing
Becoming a CPA opens up many job opportunities in the accounting and finance industry. Accounting firms as well as businesses and enterprises, public and private alike, prefer candidates with their CPA, since it signifies that they’ve met stringent educational and experience requirements.
Take, for instance, the projected growth of accountants and auditors without their CPA licensure. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that they will experience a modest increase of 6 percent by 2031. But employment for people with a CPA, on the other hand, is projected to grow by 22 percent by 2028 — almost four times the demand.
A CPA Salary is Higher (On Average)
The AICPA notes that CPAs earn 10 to 15 percent more than regular accountants, possessing the potential to boost their earning potential by $1 million during their lifetimes compared to a non-CPA in the same capacity.
What explains this difference in earning potential? CPAs can simply do more. For one, they have the authority to audit a company’s books and officially authorize the results, which a non-CPA isn’t allowed to do. Likewise, a CPA, especially those in business for themselves, can charge more money for their services. That’s because the State Boards of Accountancy will hold them to higher standards of work, ethics and professionalism.
CPAs Can Easily Work Abroad
The CPA credential is recognized in many countries worldwide, increasing your chances of working globally, with vastly more opportunities than available strictly in the U.S. In fact, some multinational companies actually require a CPA credential for accounting positions. Worldwide, according to the AICPA, there are 1.3 million CPAs in practice, a growing, exclusive community of elite accounting professionals.
Put Your CPA License to Good Use
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant opens up opportunities to work in specialized fields of accounting and across diverse industries around the world.
AP Professionals will help you leverage your CPA designation to land coveted accounting positions with leading Rochester businesses. Contact us today to begin your search.