by Rhonda Day

Created on: October 19, 2007   Last Updated: November 06, 2007

CPAs HAVE OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY

Certified Public Accountants (CPA) are widely known for the work they do in accounting, tax preparation, and auditing. But a career as a CPA opens up a much broader spectrum of opportunities for individuals who want to expand and enhance their scope of responsibility. CPAs have extensive occupational mobility based on their personal and professional goals.

CPAs are highly respected for their knowledge in the field of accounting and also for their integrity. They are able to translate complex data into useful information and effectively communicate the results to others. They are able to evaluate a business and create a clear, concise picture of the management practices and how well the business operates. But what else lies ahead for the career CPA?

In addition to the typical jobs for CPAs such as public or private accountants, tax preparers, management accounting, and consulting, there are a variety of other exciting jobs for CPAs. Their ability to leverage their skills and create expanded roles and responsibilities are limitless:

1. Public accounting is the first thing we think of for CPAs. They perform a broad range of accounting, tax, and other activities for their clients. They typically focus on one particular specialty in public accounting such as taxes, estate planning, or healthcare benefits. They are widely known for their auditing practices and expertise. Public accountants may have their own business or they may work for public accounting firms. They also provide general consulting services or provide private accounting services.

2. Internal auditors are valuable to an organization as they evaluate internal practices and identify any potential fraud or abuse. In this role, CPAs evaluate financial and operational procedures and controls in a business to ensure they are managed well. They protect against not only fraud, but avoid waste and mismanagement of assets and resources.

3. CPAs have begun to play a greater role in forensic science. Their expertise and analytical capabilities in evaluating complex and detailed information and data positions them well for a career in helping to solve crime. Information processing, which is a strength of any CPA, is a highly valued skill in forensic science. CPAs are able to support the legal team in the investigation of crimes and in the courtroom.

4. Information technology relies heavily on CPAs who are able to help design systems and management controls for software applications and

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>