CPA's Have a World of

Opportunities

What are CPA’s?

CPA’s are LeadersCPA’s are AdvisorsCPA’s are EducatorsCPA’s are ManagersRespected People in

Your Community

Professional Services vs. Private Industry

Professional Services 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, Presidents of company

What does “Private Industry” include?

Manufacturing Retail Insurance & banking Healthcare Not for profit Government/Schools Individuals Information Technology

Topics of Discussion

Traditional Roles

Unique Occupations

Growth Opportunities

Salary Comparison

Requirements

Traditional Roles Auditing Accounting and Consulting for

Business Tax Accounting, Preparation,

and Planning Financial Planning Payroll Tax Reporting Sales Tax Reporting Financial Reporting

Unique Careers in Government

Securities and Exchange Compliance

FBI Government AuditingCounty Tax AssessorSales and Use Tax Parks and RecreationState and Local Government

Other Unique Careers

Entertainment Accounting International Auditing United Nations Accounting World Bank Accounting Risk Management Non-profit such as Red Cross Education Accounting for a professional sports

team

Technology Careers Software Consulting E-Business Developing and Testing

Systems Change Management Security of Systems Maintaining Accounting

Systems Project Management

Growth Opportunities

CPA’s Become the Leaders of Their Companies

Many Become the CFO’s and CEO’s of Large and Small Companies

They are Trusted Business Advisors

Growth is Possible to the Top **People with college degrees usually have greater growth opportunities

Salaries for CPA’s(Source: 2009 Robert Half Salary Guide)

Public Accounting Firms0 – 3 years exp. 4 – 6 years exp.

Large Firm $48,750 - $69,250 $66,250 - $86,750

Medium Firm $42,500 – $62,500 $59,250 - $79,750

Small Firm $41,000 - $56,000 $53,750 - $69,750

Corporate Accounting 0 – 3 years exp. 4 – 6 years exp.

Large Company $38,000 - $67,500 $55,750 - $87,250

Medium Company $37,750 – $58,000 $50,750 - $77,250

Small Company $33,500 - $52,750 $46,500 - $64,000

Salaries for CPA’s(Source: 2009 Robert Half Salary Guide)

CPA vs. BookkeeperCPA

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Accounting

Must pass CPA exam, other requirements

Starting wagesBookkeeper

Two year education or lessDoes not require CPA examStarting wages

What are the requirements?

Educational Requirement 150 semester hours (225 qtr hrs)

of college course work A baccalaureate degree & a

minimum of 30 semester (45 qtr hrs) in accounting above

entry level and 24 semester (35 qtr hrs) in general business

Experience Requirement One year in public accounting OR One years in private industry

What are the requirements? (Continued)

Pass the CPA ExamNew Format of the

Exam Computer based

instead of paper exam Exams given quarterly

during 2 months of each quarter

More focus on IT and general business knowledge

Continued CPE

Employers look for:

Involved in activitiesProfessionalGood communication skillsPersonableDetail orientedStrong academicallyOverall business

awarenessLeaders

What you can do now . . .Assess: What do you like to do?Assess: What are you good at?Leave yourself opportunities by…

Maintaining your GPAInvolvement in activities--participate!Do what you’re passionate aboutChoose relevant courses such as:

Bookkeeping/AccountingWritten CommunicationsComputer ApplicationsOral Communications

What you can do now . . .

Research and apply to advantageous colleges & universities

Visit an office of an accounting professional

Speak to a member of professional organizations

Participate in a Job Shadow Program

Sources of Information Georgia Society of CPAs -

www.gscpa.org American Institute for CPAs –

www.aicpa.org CPA Exam – www.cpa-exam.org

Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensure - www.sos.state.ga.us

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy – www.nasba.org