[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone

I would like to know from the peoples or bloggers or friends that you know that pass the CPA Exam, how has the license change your life? Did you get promoted from your job? Did you get a big pay raised? Did you get many job offers? Also, from unemployed to employed with the CPA license? What I really want to know is was the time spent on this exam really worth it (ROI) or is it just a big marketing of the license? Lets talk about it.

[Tncincy]

cpaexamstress,

You pose a good question. I am striving to get my license to a. become a cpa, b. to experience the pay raise + professional respect, c. needed a qualified change from taxpreparer, bookkeeper to CPA. I would like to hear from the others as well. especially those that passed.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

Biggest change is the respect you get from the public. Clients expect more from you and come to you as the “financial expert.” Little do they know how far that is from the truth. Yes, I know more than they do, but am certainly not a expert. It's also nice to say that I am a CPA when people ask what I do. Anyone can say I am an Accountant, but not everyone can say that they are a CPA.

As for ROI, I guess I can say my pay before was roughly 50k without the CPA and with the CPA it is now $60k+ depending on how much I want to work. The increase was really due to my chargeable rate increasing which I benefit since I get a cut of how much I make for the company.

The coolest thing was since becoming a CPA was being asked if I wanted to take over a friends firm since he was looking to retire. I declined the offer and still don't regret my decision.

Yes, the CPA was worth it. I have not tried looking for other jobs, but I know recruiters are always trying to hook me up with jobs through linkedin. I'm sure it will help when I do want to start looking around.

[unDeR]

Aside from the sense of accomplishment and prestige that comes with passing and becoming certified, the CPA credential earned me 6 – 7 k in bonuses, which more than covers the cost of preparation materials and exam fees. Additionally, it has enabled me to transition from government to the Big 4, which means roughly an 8k annual salary increase (although more hours for sure). So in the end, although it was a pain in the ass for little more than a year, it was totally worth it.

Texas-licensed CPA

[Anonymous]

I received roughly a $6200 pay increase once I finished all the exams and not sure what my bonus will increase by yet, those don't come out until August. However I am in corporate. I still haven't received my license so I can't call myself a cpa yet.

[Anonymous]

@tncincy

I believe it a good discussion because it gives us an idea what this license could do for us.I know that even if you have a CPA License certain job do not really required it. There are some people that pass the exam and they leave the accounting profession altogether. I do believe that supporting those people that are taking the exam is very important but we need to take it a step further and say what changes has the CPA license given you? Did it meet expectation or some what disappointment in terms of money wise, job opportunity wise and so forth? Let not worry about the next license we should get such as CMA Or CIA. It could all be a marketing. Let talk about what one license could do for you. All response is welcome.

[jeff]

– Credibility

– Higher earning power

– Marketability

A CPA license is bar-none the best ROI you can get in the business world.

[ParanoidAndroid]

I think it depends on where you live and your age (experience). If you live in a large city, chances are there will be plenty of jobs for you. If you have a few years of REAL experience, live in a large city, and have the CPA credential, then you're golden.

I passed the exam back in August, but I live in a small retirement town. I have applied all over the country, but have only had one interview and a phone call with a recruiter. No one cares about me being a CPA at work so it's not like I got a raise or a promotion..Seriously thinking about just quitting accounting and finding something else..

CPA for life...

[2012passtheCPA]

@paranoid, you in Ft. Myers, FL?

Searched your signature and first hit was Comer who plays/played for FGCU. That's why I ask.

[ParanoidAndroid]

@2012passtheCPA..yes, I'm in Ft. Myers. I read about his story on ESPN and thought it was really inspiring…

CPA for life...

[Author]

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