CPA Career Awareness
WHY I AM HERE
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WHAT DO YOU WANT
FROM A
?
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WHAT KIND OF
DO YOU WANT TO HAVE ?
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WHAT WILL IT COST
TO
THIS LIFESTYLE ?
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Housing (Rent / Mortgage)
Car / Transportation
Food
Clothing
Phone
Cable
Internet Access
Entertainment
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Home Furnishings
Electricity & Gas & Water
Car Insurance
Gasoline
Health Insurance
&
TAXES!!!
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WHAT IS A
?
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Accounting Is…
The means by which all companies track
and report on their financial performance,
internal processes and systems.
It is a foundation for operating and
managing all types of businesses.
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CPA vs. Accountant
Not all accountants are CPAs.
A CPA is a person who has:
• Completed the required accounting hours at an
accredited college or university
• Met the college credit-hour requirement
• Received a bachelor’s or higher degree
• Passed the CPA Exam
• Attained a level of professional work experience
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CPA vs. Accountant
In addition- CPAs:
• Possess a higher level of knowledge and
experience
• Enjoy wider career opportunities
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Where Do CPAs Work?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Public Accounting
Business & Industry
Government
Non-Profit
Education
Forensic Accounting
Law Enforcement
Financial Planning
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What Can You Earn
As A CPA ?
$
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Salary-Public Accounting
Jr. Level (0-3 yrs.) Sr. Level (4-6 yrs.)
Large firm 35,750-51,250 48,750-62,250
Medium firm 31,750-45,500 44,000-56,500
Small firm 29,500-42,500 41,000-54,000
Source: 2004 Robert Half International Salary Guide
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Salary-Corporate Accounting
Jr. Level (0-3 yrs.) Sr. Level (4-6 yrs.)
Large firm 31,750-49,250 48,000-62,750
Medium firm 30,750-44,500 44,000-55,250
Small firm
28,500-42,000 40,500-51,500
Source: 2004 Robert Half International Salary Guide
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How Do You Become a CPA in
Arkansas ?
• Complete the required accounting hours at
an accredited college or university
• Earn a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Complete 150 college-credit hours
• Pass the computerized CPA Exam
• Complete one-year of professional work
experience
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VIDEO
• Takin’ Care of Business
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What is it Like to Be a
?
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Is Accounting for You?
To find out if you would make a good CPA, answer these questions
below:
1. Do you enjoy working with and meeting new people?
2. Would you like to earn a degree that could take you down various
career paths?
3. Do you want a career that is financially rewarding and offers
opportunity for advancement?
4. Do you enjoy giving advice to others?
5. Do you like to think of solutions to problems?
6. Do you want to work with the latest technology?
7. Do you want a job that offers stability?
8. Do you enjoy researching?
9. Do you want a career that is personally rewarding?
10. Are you comfortable working with numbers?
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Is Accounting for You?
If you answered yes to five or more of the
previous questions, a career in accounting might
be a great profession for you!
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Recommended Classes
High School
Mathematics
Introductory Accounting
Classes that develop written and oral
communication skills
Computer Sciences
Economics
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Recommended Classes
College
Accounting
Business Law
Communications
Computers
Economics
Finance
International Relations
Marketing
Statistics
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Employment Outlook
• Demand for accountants (especially CPAs)
and auditors is expected to increase by
10-20% through the year 2010, according to
the U.S. Department of Labor, and many
specialized fields are anticipated to grow
even faster!
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Did You Know That…?
• Author John Grisham received his undergraduate degree
in accounting.
• Phil Knight, Nike CEO and Arthur Blank, Home Depot
founder are CPAs.
• Track sensation and Coach of Villanova University Men’s
Track Team Marcus O’Sullivan was a CPA.
• Former Texas Rangers Manager Kevin Kennedy, and
former San Francisco 49er Ray Wersching were CPAs.
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Did You Know That…?
• Former FBI Director Thomas Pickard, is a CPA.
• Bob Newhart, television comedian once worked as a
CPA.
• Joseph Barbera, of the Hanna-Barbera animated cartoon
team, initially worked as an accountant.
• Kenny G., Jazz musician was an accounting student at
the University of Washington.
• Tom DuBois, songwriter was an accountant before
becoming President of Arista Records Nashville.
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Want More Info?
For more information on becoming a CPA,
here are some valuable sources:
www.startheregoplaces.com
www.arcpa.org
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