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Why are so many CPA's not actively using their license after spending all the effort to acquire it? #Spring25
It poses a serious question of whether accounting is still a valid career in 2025. To acquire a CPA license and not use it would just tarnish its name, would it not?
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11 answers
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Sneha’s Answer
Hi Kayle! Many CPAs may not actively use their license in traditional ways, but that doesn’t mean their effort was wasted. The CPA credential opens doors far beyond public accounting. It signals credibility, discipline, and expertise that can be leveraged in finance, consulting, tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles. In 2025, accounting is evolving, not fading. Skills like data analysis, strategic advising, and ethical judgment are more valuable than ever. Earning your CPA is still a powerful investment in your future, no matter how you choose to apply it. Rather than tarnish its name, CPAs who take unconventional paths are expanding its relevance. Hope this helps and good luck with your future path!
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May’s Answer
Hello Kayle,
Becoming a CPA opens many doors to different career opportunities because of how applicable the skillsets can be in all types of organizations of all industries. Many accounting professionals may first leverage their CPA early on in their career, working in more tradition accounting roles such as auditing and tax but then branch off into other career paths because of the transferable skills that they've acquired along the way. Even if you don't use your CPA on a day to day to sign off on audits, it is a great asset when applying to new jobs and is a badge of approval for your skillsets.
Hope this helps!
May
Becoming a CPA opens many doors to different career opportunities because of how applicable the skillsets can be in all types of organizations of all industries. Many accounting professionals may first leverage their CPA early on in their career, working in more tradition accounting roles such as auditing and tax but then branch off into other career paths because of the transferable skills that they've acquired along the way. Even if you don't use your CPA on a day to day to sign off on audits, it is a great asset when applying to new jobs and is a badge of approval for your skillsets.
Hope this helps!
May
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Kayla’s Answer
Hi Kayle, this is a great question and something you are likely seeing a lot more in 2026 than we would have seen 20 years ago. The CPA license does require so much intent, work, commitment and often times money as well. I am someone who went to college, received an accounting degree, passed my CPA exam (with a few fails in the process), worked as a CPA auditor for 4+ years and now do something completely different but at the firm I started my career at! I loved what I did as an auditor and was able to help clients learn their books and find ways for them to improve their reporting. It helped me build relationships and skills that I use EVERY DAY still. Although I enjoyed that role, I was looking for something more fulfilling and a job that aligned better to my purpose. I now work in Social Impact and Diversity & Inclusion work at that same firm. I get to help the auditors that work at my firm get involved with volunteering and help build a culture of belonging so they can do their job effectively while also giving back to their communities. I absolutely LOVE my work now and feel so lucky to have made this career change through the network I built as a CPA. ALSO - I keep my CPA license active even though I don't practice anymore. I find it's a personal point of pride that I passed the exam, and I never want to lose that or let it lapse. I also keep it in case there is an economic downturn, I have a backup career.
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Dana’s Answer
When I graduated from college 2.5 decades ago, career paths into accounting/auditing were much more regimented than they are today. Back then, all the big public accounting firms (more then, but today: Deloitte, PWC, E&Y, KPMG) recruited heavily on-campus and it was virtually unheard of that anyone skipped the step of doing their 2 years with a public firm. Public CPA firms, then and now, require employees to have passed the CPA to attain certain promotions/levels within the firm (in my day, at my firm, that level was Manager). Now, many recent graduates go directly into a corporate job. That isn't to say that CPA licenses are any less valuable today. Many corporate jobs still look for (if not require) a candidate to have a CPA. It also greatly increases the confidence an external CPA firm would have on the degree of reliance they will place on the workpapers created by the Internal Audit staff of a public company. It has also been reported that a CPA designation may contribute to increased salary. Finally, attainment of a CPA can "lighten the load" if you get other certification (for instance, the CIA allows you to "test out" of a part if you already have a CPA). So, all that to say that there are still lots of very good reasons to pursue a CPA, and be very proud of attaining that certification!
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Kristin’s Answer
Great question! Having spent several years in auditing before transitioning to a role on PwC’s Inclusion, Sustainability, and Social Impact team, I’ve come to appreciate how invaluable my CPA license and audit experience remain, even outside traditional accounting roles.
My auditing background gives me a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses, the regulatory environment they operate in, and the pressures they face. This insight allows me to engage authentically and knowledgeably with client contacts who attend our national Inclusion Network Conferences. Holding an active CPA license further reinforces my credibility and clients recognize that I have firsthand experience.
This combination enables me and my team to curate meaningful, targeted client experiences that go beyond surface-level networking. I can connect inclusion and sustainability discussions to the business and compliance realities of clients, helping bridge the gap between emerging social impact priorities and financial goals. Ultimately, my CPA credential and audit background empower me to support clients in ways that are practical, relevant, and trusted, strengthening client relationships and unlocking new opportunities.
In short, the CPA license is not just a qualification for audit work, it’s a versatile tool that enhances credibility, insight, and value in diverse roles where understanding the client’s perspective is key!
My auditing background gives me a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses, the regulatory environment they operate in, and the pressures they face. This insight allows me to engage authentically and knowledgeably with client contacts who attend our national Inclusion Network Conferences. Holding an active CPA license further reinforces my credibility and clients recognize that I have firsthand experience.
This combination enables me and my team to curate meaningful, targeted client experiences that go beyond surface-level networking. I can connect inclusion and sustainability discussions to the business and compliance realities of clients, helping bridge the gap between emerging social impact priorities and financial goals. Ultimately, my CPA credential and audit background empower me to support clients in ways that are practical, relevant, and trusted, strengthening client relationships and unlocking new opportunities.
In short, the CPA license is not just a qualification for audit work, it’s a versatile tool that enhances credibility, insight, and value in diverse roles where understanding the client’s perspective is key!
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Brooke’s Answer
Hi Kayle, I get your concern about the effort needed to earn a CPA. As someone who has a CPA and CISA but isn't actively using them, I can say it was definitely worth it. I spent 8 years at a Big 4 firm in auditing before switching to HR at the same company. Now, I'm a senior director in HR, involved in strategic decisions about our people strategy. Having a CPA prepared me for this role, and it helps me lead more effectively. CPAs also open many doors in both professional services and industry. Good luck!
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Chulin’s Answer
Hi Kayle! While earning a CPA is a significant achievement, career paths and personal choices sometimes lead people to roles where the active use of the license isn’t necessary. The knowledge and credibility gained from the CPA designation still benefit them, even if the license isn’t actively used.
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Victor’s Answer
People often use the skills they learned from the CPA program in their jobs, especially in accounting and finance. Even if they work in different fields, CPA skills are still valuable. The program teaches not only accounting but also important life skills like problem-solving, leadership, management, and critical thinking. However, keep in mind that CPA knowledge is based on the current standards, and these fields change often with new rules and guidelines. CPAs must keep learning and updating their knowledge throughout their careers.
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Anne-Marie (Yaklin)’s Answer
Hi Kayle,
I'm not sure what you mean by actively using a CPA license. If you are in public accounting you are most likely required to keep your license in "Active" status. However if you work in a corporation or other career where you are not performing audits or representing others in front of the IRS, many chose to move their license to an "Inactive" status (may have different status names by state) so they do not need to complete all of the continuing education courses, pay a higher renewal fee, etc. So they are still utilizing their CPA. Overall, I think it is an excellent credential to have and is valuable in the workforce.
Hope that helps!
Anne-Marie
I'm not sure what you mean by actively using a CPA license. If you are in public accounting you are most likely required to keep your license in "Active" status. However if you work in a corporation or other career where you are not performing audits or representing others in front of the IRS, many chose to move their license to an "Inactive" status (may have different status names by state) so they do not need to complete all of the continuing education courses, pay a higher renewal fee, etc. So they are still utilizing their CPA. Overall, I think it is an excellent credential to have and is valuable in the workforce.
Hope that helps!
Anne-Marie
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Krupa’s Answer
The CPA degree always gives you a pedigree of base experience. once you get through and start thinking about career sometimes other things might interest you and would want to diversify. eventually when you pave your path, this CPA degree in the resume only adds more weight and eve though it might not be your core certificate , it will always come handy as its considered a strong one and that is the reason even thought people not in accounting major also try to get it.
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joe’s Answer
Many CPAs use their public accounting experience or work under CPAs as a stepping stone to exciting roles like business owners, real estate and finance experts, or top industry executives. It's common for some CPAs not to keep their license active, but this doesn't mean their CPA journey wasn't valuable. The CPA designation provides a strong foundation in understanding business, setting you up for future success, even if you choose not to maintain your license. Seeing former CPAs thrive in various fields highlights their versatility and the broad opportunities available in the business world.