1. Accounting… Is It For You?
Presented by:
Author of Presentation

2. What is Accounting? A business language
A set of rules to record business transactions in a consistent manner
The basis of business operations
Constantly changing

3. What Are CPAs? CPAs are Leaders CPAs are Advisors CPAs are Educators
CPAs are Managers
CPAs are Respected People in your Community

4. Professional Services vs. Private Industry
Work for several different companies
Provide audit, tax and consulting services
Travel
Top position is typically a partner in a firm
Private Industry
Work for one company or organization
Travel varies
Top positions consist of Controllers, Chief Financial Officers and Presidents

5. Professional Services
Large Professional Services Firms (“Big Four”)
Deloitte & Touche
Ernst & Young
KPMG
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Regional Professional Services Firms
BDO USA
Grant Thornton
Baker Tilly
Career Path
Audit, tax & business consulting
Service lines within each
Levels of advancement
REGIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRMS – SPECIFIC FOR EACH CHAPTER

6. What Do “Private Industry” Include?
Manufacturing
Retail
Insurance & Banking
Healthcare
Not-for-Profit
Government & Schools
Individuals
Information Technology

7. Topics of Discussion My personal CPA experience Unique occupations
Traditional roles
Growth opportunities
Salary compensation
Requirements
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION – SPECIFIC FOR EACH SPEAKER

8. Why Did I Choose Accounting?
Very challenging
People-oriented profession
Highly respected profession
Flexibility
High demand for accountants
Financial rewards
Job satisfaction
Desire to understand and resolve business issues
WHY DID I CHOOSE ACCOUNTING – SPECIFIC FOR EACH SPEAKER

9. My Personal Experience
Related jobs
Fun
Growth
Challenges
Why I am a CPA

10. Career Options
Pizza eating. Whale watching. Punk rocking. Whatever your interest, you can turn it into a career in accounting.
Entertainment: Have the itch to work in Hollywood?
Technology: If you live on the cutting edge
Sports: Behind every sports team, network and event are the accountants and CPAs making it happen.
Government: Seriously, what does our country do with all that money?
Nonprofit & Education: The world needs more do-gooding accountants and CPAs.
Criminal Investigation: Were you born to bust bad guys?
Environment: Even the business world has room for the eco-friendly.
Travel: Are your bags are always packed for your next destination?
Food & Fashion: Love to eat, shop and be merry?

11. Careers in Government Securities and Exchange Compliance FBI
Government Auditing
Country Tax Assessor
Sales and Use Tax
Parks and Recreation
State and Local Government

12. Technology Careers Software Consulting E-Business
Developing and Testing Systems
Change Management
Security of Systems
Maintaining Accounting Systems
Project Management

13. Other Unique Careers Entertainment Accounting International Accounting
United Nations Accounting
World Bank Accounting
Risk Management
Non-Profit (such as Red Cross)
Education

14. Traditional Roles Auditing Accounting and Consulting for Business
Tax Accounting, Preparation and Planning
Financial Planning
Payroll Tax Reporting
Sales Tax Reporting
Financial Reporting

15. Growth Opportunities CPAs become the leaders of their companies
Many become the CFOs and CEOs of large and small companies
They are trusted business advisors
Growth is possible to the top

16. Average Salaries for College Graduates
** Keep in mind if you also have a CPA license, you’ll make 10-15% more when you start out. **
Employer
Jr. Level (0 - 3 yrs.)
Sr. Level (4 - 6 yrs.)
Public Accounting (large firm)
$48,750-$69,250
$66,750-$86,000
Public Accounting (medium firm)
$42,500-$62,500
$59,250-$79,750
Public Accounting (small firm)
$41,000-$56,000
$54,000-$69,750
Corporate Accounting (large co.)
$38,000-$57,250
$55,750-$73,500
Corporate Accounting (medium co.)
$35,750-$53,250
$50,750-$65,500
Corporate Accounting (small co.)
$33,500-$49,000
$46,500-$58,750

17. Upper-level Salaries For Managers in Corporate Accounting
Position
Large Co.
Small to Medium Co.
Chief Financial Officer
$183,250-$384,000
$94,250-$175,750
Corporate Controller
$122,000-$180,000
$80,500-$134,750
Tax Manager
$92,250-$130,250
$74,250-$100,250
**Geographic region, experience, education, CPA certification and company size each play a role in determining salary**

18. CPAs are Needed EVERYWHERE!
Here’s what you can expect to be paid where you live:
Boston
$55,250-$68,900
New York
$59,925-$74,730
Miami
$48,025-$59,890
Chicago
$52,275-$65,190
Denver
$43,560-$54,325
San Diego
$49,725-$62,000
Dallas
$44,625-$55,650

19. What Are the Requirements?
Pass the CPA exam
CPA Exam Book
Complete Work experience/requirements
Continued Certified Professional Education

20. We Look for People Who Are…
Involved in activities
Professional
Good communication skills
Personable
Detail-oriented
Strong academically
Overall business awareness
Leaders

21. PICPA
A CPA license can open the door to unlimited career opportunities. PICPA provides resources for high school and college students, recent grads, and educators on a variety of accounting topics that will help you discover what your next step will be.
Resources & Tools

22. Questions?