Thread: Is a CPA Certification helpful?

Will a CPA certification help me open doors to good jobs in the private sector?

That actually is a no brainer because CPA is the ultimate accounting license which is known, recognized and respected all over the world.

CPAs will always be in demand and now more than ever because of Sarbanes-Oxley.

Certainly it helps. Besides indicating an achievement level it also (depending on the state) indicates an amount of experience. Some states require no experience (Oklahoma), most require 2/3 yrs while Forida requires 5/ 6 yrs in addition to passing the test before you're officially a CPA licensed to practice. Also most if not all will certify on subsequent academic achievement like a masters degree. It's been a while since I looked but those were once the requirements.

As we now expect every professional accountant to be a college graduate and also to become a CPA as well. So to stand out today you need even more designations than just the one.

Accounting jobs are getting harder and harder to come by. Unfortunately many firms will not look at you unless you either have a CPA designation, or are studying to get it. In order to advance in a company beyond basic entry level positions, you need a CPA designation. The reason for this is that any new graduates coming in are required to work under someone with a CPA designation in order for their hours to count toward their getting their CPA (in states which require hours/experience). Without the designation, a firm cannot havee you overseeing the work of junior accountants who need those hours to get their CPA designation.

Caitlind Alexander, Author, 101 FAQs About Becoming an Accountant