[Nelsonx5]

I am in the process of getting an MA in Accounting, but will be 49 by the time I finish it. I am debating taking the CPA exam at the end. Given that I will be almost 50 by the time I finish taking the exams (assuming I pass all on the first try!), is it worth it at that point? I had a career in my 20’s, then became a stay at home mom for 12 years, then went back to school for accounting. I have been working part time as an accounting assistant for 5 years, but other than that, no real experience.

[Last Chance CPA]

The only thing I am not seeing is job descriptions and salaries on this thread. What kind of jobs are you getting? What kind of package are you receiving? Is it comparable to what you were doing before?

I make six figs in California, so it will be very challenging to get to that figure starting over in accounting. It's just that I know I want the CPA and I want to practice. Consulting/advisory might be my only option.

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Anonymous]

that is going to be a painful pay cut

[Texan_176]

Go for it.

I had multiple people tell me the CPA is worth it even if you end up not working in anything accounting related. The fact that you lose the license if you are convicted of a felony or some other acts such as tax fraud sets you apart from the general labor pool. Of course, any employer will screen applicants but this license will get you past the knockout round.

I'm 36 and started on my way to a CPA at age 32 by working full time and going to school at night. My undergrad was in economics and I worked in commercial real estate since I was 19. I wanted something more and was having friction where I was working but that job allowed me plenty of study time so I kept my mouth shut and hit the books. I got my first official accounting job 8 months after I finished the program at age 35. My boss actually told me it was between me and someone who was in their early 20s and just out of school with a finance degree. They picked me because I had started at the bottom where I was, showed the stability/ability to hold down a job and move up in the company, had all As except one class in the accounting program, and most importantly had experience with the politics/people skills that you can only learn with experience.

Never give up and push on to get to your goal.

It is unlikely a big 4 will hire someone fresh and new that is older than their typical candidates but you probably would not want those hours anyway. 60-80 hour work weeks and live out of a suitcase is not so fun after you pass young adulthood. There are plenty of other jobs in industry, smaller public firms, etc.

BEC 11/29/14 77 (Roger)
AUD 2/23/15 60 (Roger) 4/13/2015 83 (Roger & Ninja MCQ)
REG 5/30/2015 66 (Roger & Ninja MCQ(7 hours only)) 8/23/2015 78 (Roger & Ninja MCQ)
FAR 11/23/2015 60 (Roger & NINJA MCQ) 2/24/2016 74 (Roger & NINJA MCQ) 5/25/2016 83 (Roger+Roger CRAM & NINJA MCQ/NOTES)
Texas Ethics Exam 92%

Licensed TX CPA Aug 2016

[Plymuff]

Interesting read. I am 45 with the UK ACCA (CPA equivalent in Europe), however no experience in accounting but got tonnes of experiences in IT and housing law. Recently moved to the US weeks ago. Currently prepping for the CPA. Guess what after few networking I landed a job today in the heart of DC.

So go for it and let no one discourage you.

AUD - May 2016
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
REG

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom

[Anonymous]

Glad I'm not the only member of the old folks club! Graduated back in the dark ages with an econ degree, minor in accounting, went right into private industry working for a Fortune 5 company so decided I didnt need to get my CPA (dumb) More than 25 years later, here I am, going back to school, trying to get my CPA after working in a completely different industry for the past 12 years. Passed three, one left to go.

I have NO CLUE what I'm going to do once I get my license. I have one family member telling me I still need to get experience working in public accounting (hard since I live in a very small town and cannot move due to other family commitments)

anyway, long way to say you're not the only one!

[Last Chance CPA]

@Allegra – Yes, you need work experience in most states. I am in CA, and I need 1 year experience. I work in a totally unrelated industry as well. I am 37, so not too old, but it's time to make a career choice and stick with it!

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[kcrc]

If you're over 40, have someone else pay for the CPA exam. Investing your own money won't be worth it.

[Missy]

kcrc, I'm curious how you figure a truly nominal personal investment isn't worth it in a person's 40's.

Most people are going to work well past 65 years old, some well into their 70's. Played correctly the investment in the CPA translates to a salary bump within a year or two so I'm curious how your're calculating the FV of approx $1500 for testing plus study materials that can range from a few hundred to a few thousand compared to 20-30 years of increased earning potential (also increased saving 401k potential.)

I was 42 when I paid my own CPA study and exam fees. I'm 46 now and making 60% more than I was 4 years ago. My investment paid for itself in literally less than 12 months.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Last Chance CPA]

I will end up spending $5K with all the pass/fails included with the course fee. My next job, whether the CPA benefits me or not, will at least pay $15-25K more. Never leave a job unless you get at least 10-20% more in base salary. Problem solved…

I get where kcrc is coming from, because people say the same thing about folks getting an MBA in their 30s. But it is a nominal price. And yes, we are all going to work well into our 60s…our political landscape has pretty much ensured that much…

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same position but in my 50's. Does anyone recommend a review course for our age group?

[Le]

I also in early 50. I just passed 4 sections for the first try by using Excel Wiley. If you can have time, Ninja MCQ is a good source to reinforce your learning.

[A]

I just got a 12% raise for passing the exams, so I'd say it was *definitely* worth it. More money now plus opportunity for upward career movent is a no-brainer. I am 47.

B - 77 (2.27.16)
A - 81 (4.18.16)
R -
F -

Roger Review + Ninja MCQs

[Anonymous]

I'm 32 and taking on the CPA Exam. Being a CPA will set u apart from other job applicants. There are many, many candidates who will never pass this exam. This exam sets u apart from some of the “wanna-be” CPA's who believe having an Undergrad in accounting gaurantees that they will pass the Exam. And, becoming certified is only the first step but if u apply yourself (networking) and everything u have learned, then it is a solid investment. Also, if a candidate thinks he or she can half-ass this exam and pass it in 18 months, then u will be in for a big Surprise. And, of course being a CPA at a younger age will give u more long-term payback for your investment, but company's will value older candidates due to their work experience, maturity, etc. I could be wrong in some of my beliefs, but I truly feel that passing this rigorous exam sets u apart from other “Accountants.” I know a handful of candidates who have already quit or think they will never pass due to its difficulty and time commitment. Goodluck and let's keep knocking these exams out and prove any naysayers Wrong!

– 32 Year Old Candidate

[benboccio]

This post is from 2013, OP probably knows by know

[bhunt815]

I was 47 when I passed last year and just got a new job making 15% more and working fewer hours. It was definitely, absolutely, and without a doubt worth it to me.

Becker and Ninja for what it's worth, but I bet any of the review courses would get you there if you apply yourself.

FAR 04/11/2016 - 84
AUD 05/12/2016 - 79
BEC 07/06/2016 - 81
REG 08/29/2016

[Author]

Replies