8 answers
Breanna
Student
Menands, NY
1
Question
Updated
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For accountants, how much does getting a CPA impact salary and job stability compared to not having one? #Spring26
I am studying accounting in the fall, because I want a stable career financially. I’ve heard that getting a CPA can really impact your salary and opportunities, but it’s also a big commitment. For those working in the field, has getting your CPA been worth it long-term? How much of a difference has it made in your career? #Spring26
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8 answers
Meg Sakurai, CPA
Managing Director
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Meg’s Answer
I strongly encourage you to get a CPA license. In public accounting, it is required to be promoted to manager. Being a manager in public accounting brings many opportunities. In addition, outside of public accounting many jobs in accounting at higher levels require a CPA license.
Michelle Diaz, CPA
Senior Manager - Financial Statement Audit
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Breanna!
Earning your CPA license is definitely worth it and will open up many career opportunities for you. It's a great idea to start studying and taking the exams as soon as you can. Life can get busy, and it might be harder to find time later on. By planning ahead and using the skills you've gained as a student, you'll set yourself up for long-term success. Keep going, you're on the right path!
Earning your CPA license is definitely worth it and will open up many career opportunities for you. It's a great idea to start studying and taking the exams as soon as you can. Life can get busy, and it might be harder to find time later on. By planning ahead and using the skills you've gained as a student, you'll set yourself up for long-term success. Keep going, you're on the right path!
Brad Rush
Certified Public Accountant
5
Answers
Moseley, Virginia
Updated
Brad’s Answer
It is definitely worth it! As a student, you're in a position to develop solid study skills that prepare you for the CPA exams, so the marginal commitment is not that significant at this point in your education/career. Becoming a CPA has opened a number of doors for me to take advantage of opportunities that are typically CPA gated. As a matter of cost, becoming a CPA is one of the highest "Return on Investment" credentials in business professions.
Tony Bae, CPA
Consultant
14
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Earning your CPA is definitely a great choice. You can take the exam right after finishing your undergraduate degree, unlike many other professions that require expensive graduate studies, which can add to student loans.
Once you have your CPA, the possibilities are wide open. Not all CPAs work as accountants; you can explore related fields like consulting, IT, and more.
I hope this inspires you!
Once you have your CPA, the possibilities are wide open. Not all CPAs work as accountants; you can explore related fields like consulting, IT, and more.
I hope this inspires you!
Agnes Hon
International Tax Consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Agnes’s Answer
Yes, it definitely has an impact throughout your career, and I think it’s worth it for sure! Even though it feels like a big commitment at first, I definitely think you can do it while you’re still in school.
I’d recommend starting early if you can, because the sooner you build that foundation, the easier it feels later on. I started during my senior year of college, and honestly, it gave me a really solid understanding of accounting before I entered the profession.
I’d recommend starting early if you can, because the sooner you build that foundation, the easier it feels later on. I started during my senior year of college, and honestly, it gave me a really solid understanding of accounting before I entered the profession.
VIJAY NARAHAR REDDY KONDURU, CPA
Tax Senior
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
VIJAY NARAHAR REDDY’s Answer
Hi Breanna,
Getting my CPA was definitely worth it. Last year, I was a Senior Associate at a mid-sized CPA firm without the certification. Now, I'm a Tax Senior at Deloitte, and having my CPA has brought more opportunities, growth, and credibility.
However, the CPA isn't everything. It can open doors, but it doesn't guarantee a big paycheck. What's important is how you use it—your work ethic, people skills, and career goals matter a lot.
For me, becoming a CPA was one of the best investments in both money and time. If you're studying accounting, I highly recommend getting the needed credits while in college to keep your options open. Remember, the CPA isn't the only path. Depending on your goals, consider other great options like the CFA, CFP, or EA.
Getting my CPA was definitely worth it. Last year, I was a Senior Associate at a mid-sized CPA firm without the certification. Now, I'm a Tax Senior at Deloitte, and having my CPA has brought more opportunities, growth, and credibility.
However, the CPA isn't everything. It can open doors, but it doesn't guarantee a big paycheck. What's important is how you use it—your work ethic, people skills, and career goals matter a lot.
For me, becoming a CPA was one of the best investments in both money and time. If you're studying accounting, I highly recommend getting the needed credits while in college to keep your options open. Remember, the CPA isn't the only path. Depending on your goals, consider other great options like the CFA, CFP, or EA.
Kinsey Jordan
Tax Accountanting
4
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Kinsey’s Answer
Hi Breanna!
I currently do not have my CPA, so I can speak from my experience compared to coworkers at Big 4 who do have theirs. There is definitely a difference in both salary and opportunities. Without a CPA, your growth can be more limited, and for example, it will likely be harder for me to make manager until I have mine, which directly impacts salary.
One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is to focus on the CPA before starting a job. I tried to pass it while getting my master’s degree in accounting, and it was a lot to balance. I wasn’t able to pass then, so I planned to take it while working. But the CPA is a huge exam that requires a lot of time and focus, and now that I have a job, I have less time to study than I did before. Having the CPA also gives you an advantage when applying for jobs. If I could do it differently, I would have passed it before starting work.
I currently do not have my CPA, so I can speak from my experience compared to coworkers at Big 4 who do have theirs. There is definitely a difference in both salary and opportunities. Without a CPA, your growth can be more limited, and for example, it will likely be harder for me to make manager until I have mine, which directly impacts salary.
One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is to focus on the CPA before starting a job. I tried to pass it while getting my master’s degree in accounting, and it was a lot to balance. I wasn’t able to pass then, so I planned to take it while working. But the CPA is a huge exam that requires a lot of time and focus, and now that I have a job, I have less time to study than I did before. Having the CPA also gives you an advantage when applying for jobs. If I could do it differently, I would have passed it before starting work.
Angela Wong, CPA
Audit
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Huge impact on your career and definitely worth it! At the Big 4, you are required to have a CPA if you want to make manager and it is strongly supported to get your CPA. The firm will pay for the study guide and also have bonus incentives for you to earn your CPA earlier in your career. Accountants are in strong demand right now, and the talent shortage means employers really want qualified people, especially CPAs.