Did you know that the average salary for a CPA based in the US is $119,000? The accountants that gather experience and extensive expertise working in the financial sector earn substantially more than this. This in itself is one of the most significant reasons to become a CPA.
However, money aside, being an accountant is an incredibly fulfilling career, and for many reasons. You see, CPAs are always in high demand because this is one of those markets that are never saturated. Moreover, almost every business requires the help of an accountant, which means you can work in just about any industry.
Need more reasons to become a CPA? Well, read on because, in this guide, we’ve listed 20 more reasons to become a certified public accountant.
1. You Can Work in Any Industry
When you become a CPA, it doesn’t matter what industry you choose because any business will likely employ accountants or at least take advice from them. This is because every company needs help with keeping accurate records of their transactions and financial processes. However, some industries are more demanding than others.
For example, CPAs that work in the finance sector tend to be the highest-paid accountants, while those who assist with tax returns may not get as much. This is not to say the tax sector is not just as rewarding or fulfilling, but it may have less demand than the finance sector.
Regardless of where you end up, being a CPA for a business will prove beneficial as you’ll be helping organizations save money, time, and resources.
2. CPAs Are in Incredibly High Demand
As we mentioned earlier, CPAs are always in high demand due to the comprehensive services that they offer businesses. So, whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to switch careers, becoming a CPA is an excellent idea.
There will always be companies that need your expertise. And with an ever-growing economy, the demand for accountants isn’t going to decrease any time soon. So, rest assured that you’ll always have a career path if you become a certified public accountant.
3. You Can Work From Anywhere
With the advent of technology, it’s now easier than ever for CPAs to work from anywhere in the world. In fact, many accountants now work remotely for various companies, and you’ll find freelancers even on websites like Upwork.
This gives you a lot of freedom because you can choose to work from wherever you want as long as you have an internet connection.
Plus, if you have young children at home, you can easily work from home and take care of your family at the same time. Alternatively, if you like to travel, you can work from any state or country, making this a great career option.
4. You’ll Be Able to Help Businesses Save and Make Money
One of the primary roles of CPAs is to help businesses save money. And they do this by providing valuable advice on financial processes, bookkeeping, and other money-saving strategies. So, if you become a CPA, you’ll be able to help business owners save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and who doesn’t want to save money?
On the other hand, CPAs can also help businesses make money. How? By helping them increase their profits through sound financial advice and strategies.
Many business owners attribute much of their success to the invaluable advice of their CPAs. So, if you become a CPA, you could very well be the reason a business becomes successful. This can be as fulfilling for you as for those businesses, so it’s a win-win situation.
5. You’ll Have Job Security
One of the best things about becoming a CPA is that you essentially have job security for life because businesses will always need accountants on staff. Moreover, with an aging population, the demand for accountants will only increase as more baby boomers retire.
6. You Can Start Your Own Business
Some accountants choose to start their own businesses, which means you could be self-employed or a business owner. In this case, you’ll have even more freedom because you’ll be working for yourself and setting your own hours. Still, keep in mind that there will likely be times when you work extra hard to meet deadlines or during crunch time.
So, if the idea of being your own boss appeals to you but also scares you, starting your own accounting firm may not be ideal for you. Instead, consider serving as an accountant from home or within a specific industry such as finance, where demand is high. These opportunities are plenty in such a vast market, so you can be sure that you’ll always have a job as long as you want one.
7. You Can Specialize in a Certain Area of Accounting
Another great thing about becoming a CPA is that you can specialize in a certain area of accounting. For instance, you could choose to specialize in auditing, taxation, or bookkeeping.
This will help you become an expert in a certain field and give you an edge over the competition. And since specialization is becoming more common in the accounting world, it’s important for accountants to have at least one specialized skill to offer their clients.
8. You Can Make a Difference
Since CPAs are responsible for reviewing and monitoring financial transactions, you can make a difference in the world by ensuring everything is on the up and up. So, you’ll be part of an elite group that assures legal and ethical standards when it comes to accounting and finance.
Moreover, accountants help clients with complex tax issues and make sure they don’t break any laws when filing taxes. This means you could potentially be saving businesses from tax penalties, fines, or closing shops altogether. This could make an enriching experience and career for you in the long run.
9. You’ll Be Able to Network With Other Professionals
As a CPA, you’ll have the opportunity to network with other professionals in your field. This is important because it will help you learn from their experiences and get advice on various topics. And since CPAs are known for being high-quality professionals, you can be sure that any contacts you make will be beneficial to your career.
10. High Job Satisfaction
One of the best things you may love when you become a certified public accountant is that you’re likely to be very satisfied with your career. This is because accountants and auditors enjoy their work and find it extremely rewarding and satisfying. So, if you’re looking for a career that offers high job satisfaction, then becoming a CPA is a great option.
11. Broad Knowledge Base
The knowledge base required to become a successful accountant is extensive. For instance, CPAs must know mathematics, accounting, finance, and law (especially tax law). They need to understand business operations and processes and have financial management skills such as budgeting and forecasting.
Moreover, your career will have even more opportunities when you understand financial reporting, information technology, data management, audit procedures, ethics, economics, small business administration, and more. So, if you’re looking for a career that offers a lot of knowledge, then become a CPA.
12. It’s a Prestigious Career
CPAs enjoy a very prestigious career. This is because accountants are in high demand and are considered to be very valuable members of any organization.
Additionally, CPAs also have a lot of career flexibility and can work in a variety of industries. So, if you’re looking for a prestigious career, where you know that almost everyone needs your services, endeavor to become a CPA.
13. Reasonable Job Outlook
The job outlook for CPAs is one of the most reasonable in the job market. The thing is, the number of available positions is expected to grow by 7% by 2030, which is above the national average for all careers. So, becoming a CPA stands as a great career choice because there’s a lot of room for growth, and you can only expect greater things in the future.
14. Personal Growth Opportunities
One of the best things about becoming a CPA is that there are numerous personal growth opportunities. For instance, CPAs can advance in their careers with experience and expertise gained in auditing, financial reporting, information systems auditing, and security consulting services.
You can grow your career in tax planning and compliance, forensic accounting and fraud investigation services, or management advisory services.
Alternatively, you can venture into internal control consulting, business valuation services, management and operations consulting services, and more. So, if you’re looking for a career that allows you to gain personal growth opportunities, then become a CPA.
15. It’s Challenging Work
The work that CPAs do is challenging. This is because they are constantly learning new things and keeping up with the latest changes in the accounting profession. Additionally, CPAs must also be able to think critically and solve problems.
Businesses and organizations will depend on you to meet their tax deadlines and solve financial issues. People will look up to you to solve their financial issues when they screw up, so if you love a good challenge, become a certified public accountant.
16. Worldwide Recognition
CPAs are recognized worldwide as being experts in the accounting field. This is because they have met stringent education and experience requirements, passed a rigorous exam, and adhere to a strict code of professional conduct. They are recognized as professionals in an industry of very few, and if you excel, you’ll have plenty of opportunities.
As a certified public accountant, you can work in almost any country in the world because your skills are required across the board. This means that you won’t have to worry about relocating. More job opportunities will be waiting for you wherever you need to move.
17. Excellent Benefits
Another great reason to become a CPA is that there are several excellent benefits. For instance, CPAs enjoy good salary prospects, paid time off during the busy season, and reimbursement for job-related certifications and licenses.
Depending on where you work, you stand to get excellent medical insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement plans with company matching funds, and flexible work hours.
Even better, you’ll have opportunities for promotions and advancements based on merit rather than seniority. You may qualify for tuition reimbursement programs and more. So if you’re looking for an excellent benefits package along with your salary, then work as an accountant.
18. Ethical Demands
Another great reason to become a CPA is that there are ethical demands. For instance, CPAs cannot provide services to clients they know are breaking the law or committing fraud. They’re not permitted to bribe foreign officials, must be aware of worldwide financial trends, and may not use their position for personal gain.
Moreover, they must keep client information confidential, adhere to auditing requirements, and more. Case in point, if you’re looking for an ethical career that provides you with peace of mind every day, then having a job as an accountant may cut it for you.
19. Career Flexibility
Another great reason to become a CPA is that there are job opportunities in almost every industry. For instance, CPAs work for government agencies, private schools and universities, and non-profit organizations.
They also work for healthcare facilities, regional and national accounting firms, international corporations, and more. So if you’re looking for a career path that has plenty of options available based on your interests and needs, then become a certified public accountant.
20. Great Working Conditions
Finally, one of the best reasons to become a CPA is that there are excellent working conditions. For instance, CPAs typically work about 40 hours a week, enjoy flexible schedules, and may telecommute from home. This is one of the major perks of having a job as an accountant.
Of course, this may vary depending on which sector you choose to work in. For instance, if you venture into taxes, you’ll be relatively busy during the tax season.
Become a CPA: Top Benefits of Becoming a Certified Public Accountant
If you’re still considering what career path to choose, these are some of the most significant reasons to become a CPA. This is a rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling career for most, so you may enjoy it as well.
Even better, the salary prospects are incredible, the demand is super high, and the opportunities and rooms for growth are appealing.
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