How Useful is a CPA for a non-accountant?

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  • #186045
    Terp14
    Member

    Just wondering….Obviously, a CPA would hold no value for someone in a non-related field, but what about someone working in a semi-related field such as investment banking, academia, or financial services consulting (but not tax, audit, risk assurance, etc.)?

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  • #560249
    Mathgirl7
    Member

    Very valuable as it sets you apart from others in your field. Finance positions build on accounting so I think it shows you have a crucial foundation.

    AUD - 2/1/2014 - 92
    BEC - 2/8/2014 - 79
    REG - 5/17/2014
    FAR - 5/21/2014

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    #560250
    lude4life13
    Member

    I might have to disagree. The way I see it, the CPA license is just like a degree, a tool that you use during your career. If the career path you are pursuing does not require/value it, why would you spend the time obtaining that tool?

    To help answer your question, you should do some research and have a better understanding of your long term goals. After that, take some steps back to figure out what you need to do to get there. If the CPA will be advantageous for you to obtain, absolutely get it. If it does not make a difference, or if there are alternative certifications that are more valued, then don't waste your time.

    #560251
    Mathgirl7
    Member

    To clarify my answer, yes if you are trying to do something vastly different like be a dr than no it would not be helpful. If however you are going to work in finance or consulting than yes it is valuable. I have never been an accountant nor do I intend to be one but I do manage accounting departments as a finance executive so it is valuable.

    AUD - 2/1/2014 - 92
    BEC - 2/8/2014 - 79
    REG - 5/17/2014
    FAR - 5/21/2014

    CA Ethics Exam - Passed

    #560252
    tomq04
    Participant

    I'm at a software company that writes accounting software. The old guy I replaced had his, so they want me to have mine. I am in no way an accountant, but I speak the language and deal with CFO's and CPAs daily, so there is clearly value for me, and the company to having a CPA on staff.

    REG- (1) 76
    FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
    AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
    BEC- (6) 75

    #560253

    I've decided to earn the CPA even though as a CFO, I don't “need” it for my job. I'm tired of having people ask why I don't have one. After I've passed this blasted thing, I'm sure the next question will be “why don't you have any public accounting experience?”

    FAR 1/4/14 88
    BEC 2/27/14 93
    AUD 4/14/14 86
    REG 5/29/14 86

    That's all Folks!!!

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