[Anonymous]

Is it worth when working in Private? What is the short/long term return on those 3 letters next to your name?

[jeff]

Simply put: Credibility

AUD - 79
BEC - 80
FAR - 76
REG - 92

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE | Another71

[sumersrose]

Definitely worth it… even in private!

1) It puts you at the top of the interview pile

2) There are tons of companies… private ones… that dream of going public. Having that attached to your name, well – they want that experience!

3) It shows that you're willing to work hard to further yourself in your knowledge that will ultimately benefit them

4) It allows you to command a larger salary for your experience

5) Its a good security blanket — refer to #1 🙂 If you were laid off or the company closed etc etc, you'll have an easier time getting interviews at least (once you land the interview, well then its all up to your interview skills)

I have worked in private for 10 years (one went public and others have dreamed it). I was always asked if I wanted to get my CPA in interviews… its a desirable trait.

REG: 2/26/2014 Pass
BEC: 5/29/2014 Pass
FAR: 8/31/2014 Pass
AUD: 4th Attempt, 8/25/15 ... Omg, PASS w/a 93 and I'm done!!!

[Anonymous]

Women. Speedboats. Parties with Fifty Cent.

In all seriousness, its worth it.

It's a door opener and commands respect and trust from the public.

[Anonymous]

In my company, you can't be promoted past a certain level without a CPA. Definitely worth it if you want to move up in the ranks!

[Anonymous]

@MKE,

B.S. degrees are like high school diplomas these days, and a Masters isn't going to get you that much farther. In any industry today as the older generation moves out, it's not all about the time you've spent with the company, or how hard you've worked, if someone is trying to sneak into the company with that higher credential (CPA) and some relevant work experience you have some serious competition. Sure, that may not apply to all companies, but the good ole boy generation is leaving, so you need all of the help (credentials) you can get.

Good luck!

[sep7uakron]

I had my CPA license for less than two months and I was promoted. Among many other things, it shows the employer that the person is dedicated and has a large amount of critical capacity.

AUD: April 2014 - 85
REG: May 2014 - 83
BEC: July 2014 - 82
FAR: August 2014 - 83

I'M DONE!!

[Anonymous]

A lot of job descriptions in private state that you must have your CPA license.

[Mamabear]

My title is Accounting Manager and once I get my CPA, my title will change to Assistant Controller without a change in duties, but more importantly I will be eligible to be promoted to Controller, CFO, etc. later on in my career. I know–pointless for title changes, but promotion opportunities are important. On the flip side, we have a much smaller sister company located in our building and the Controller doesn't have a CPA. It depends on the size of the company and whether or not it's publicly traded as to how far you will be allowed to go without your CPA.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[Author]

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