[Reverie]

Hey guys! I haven’t passed the CPA yet but I’ve invested a lot into it with my masters and my bachelors in accounting. However, I feel like accounting isn’t my passion. Any ideas what I should do to transition careers (I also want to make use of my CPA with my new career path). I’m probably going to work in the audit field for a few years but after that, I want to make use of my talents. I’m good at design. I’m thinking of a graphic design/architecture major. So how should I go about it?

[letsrun4it]

I don't know anything about design but I know something about switching careers. I was working in finance then accounting and during that time got my MBA and just completed my CPA exams. I decided to make a change and I am taking a job as a PE teacher. I am fortunate because my wife is rich but even if money is tight I think it's important to pursue happiness down any avenue. I am 33, and I see fresh grads on this board much too worried about their first jobs at the big 4. Once you go through some shit, have a parent die, suffer a health problem, a giant personal failure, etc…you realize how silly all that stuff is. There is no one path. Follow your own and don't try to plan out the next 20 years, think about next year!

BEC: 85
REG: 74, 78
AUD: 86
FAR: October?

[Reverie]

Thanks bruh!

Pass my CPA exams first! xD

[Anonymous]

I'm not aware of a way that being a CPA will help with graphic design/architecture. I'd suggest looking at job postings in the design world and seeing if any of them have any reference to CPA, accounting, etc. There are some fields that overlap and the CPA would help, but I don't think design is one of them. If you wanted to do something IT related, you could do IT audit or IT accounting system implementation or something like that and have CPA be a benefit. If you wanted to go into finance, there's a HUGE overlap with accounting. Business analysis CPA would still be a benefit, same with something like generic “Management”. However, design isn't something that I see any overlap with. I don't see someone going “I need an architect…oh, you're a CPA?!? You're the one I want!”

My point is, finishing up the CPA may not be worth it if your plan is to move to design. No reason to waste more time and money on something you'll never use. Now, if you're wanting to do something like pay off your student loans and buy a house before moving to design, then the CPA will help you earn more and meet financial goals quicker as an accounting-person before you switch to being a design-person. Finishing something expensive just because you started it is pointless if it's not gonna help you out, so make sure you have a plan that makes it worth it, or feel free to switch before finishing it.

[Amortized and Energized]

What extra schooling did you need to become a PE teacher?? That's a 180 :-). I always thought if I really couldn't take accounting anymore in the future I may look at being a math teacher.

FAR - Aug 2015 (58), Feb 2016 (81)
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BEC - May 2016 (79)
AUD - Jul 2016
REG - Aug 2016

[letsrun4it]

Hamms- I actually moved to Saipan, a US territory, and they only require a BA/BS to become a teacher here. They are beyond desperate for math, language, and science teachers here. You just have to pass this very very basic subject praxis exam demonstrating enough knowledge to pass the class as a student basically. I heard about an opening for a PE teacher and applied. They asked me nicely to also teach a math class since PE teacher's don't really need a prep period so I'm happy to do that too.

Saipan is sort of a tax haven too so going to work on building my own business out here too as a CPA. People have told me becoming a teacher is a great way to get connected and respected in the community.

BEC: 85
REG: 74, 78
AUD: 86
FAR: October?

[CPA50]

I've changed careers so many times in my life! The great thing about being in accounting is that you can work with all sorts of industries. Why not look for an accounting job within a design firm or professional architecture office? It's a great segue to see if you enjoy that work before launching into a whole new career.
Explore and keep exploring! There's so much out there to enjoy 🙂

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately unless you are aiming for another Finance related field, IT or even teaching, I don't see how having a CPA will be relevant. Why even work in public or study for the exam if your heart isn't into the profession? You can get a jump start of a few years if you decide to switch now. Alternatively, if public doesn't seem that interesting, try industry. There's a large range of positions and work you can explore to find your niche whether it's financial reporting, FP&A, or internal auditing as a few examples. Perhaps going into finance and trading securities is something you can explore.

[Accountant183748]

I'm in a similar boat – I just finished my exams, but now I'm wondering if this is really what I want to do the rest of my life. It seems like CPAs work very stressful jobs, long hours, and not necessarily good pay. I am thinking of taking some IT classes to get into IT Audit or maybe searching for a job in Internal Audit to transition to that field.

[letsrun4it]

Best thing about having a CPA is it makes people feel like you can do anything.

The same way the finance industry employs a lot of doctors and lawyers who wanted to make a career change. If you can become one of those, you must have what it takes.

BEC: 85
REG: 74, 78
AUD: 86
FAR: October?

[Reverie]

Is IT auditing a good career path for future prospects?

[Author]

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