Question

Do you think it is advantageous to be a licensed CPA even if you are not working in public accounting, why or why not?

Answer 1

CPA can be a good tool to get for those even not going into public accounting. I have seen many people not in public accounting transition to CFO or Controller or even Finance Manager in which the CPA designation helped them get those jobs.

Here are some things to think about:

First, the CPA test is difficult and will take dedicated time to study.

Second, a CPA designation will help you if you are in any type of business profession. Is it worth getting? That is really specific to each individual case.

Third, if you already making a decent yearly wage, let's say, $80K per year, then likely the cost (study time, money, stress) does not outweigh the benefit. Of course, the whole premise of my answer is based on the assumption that your current employer is not requiring you to get a CPA designation.