For professionals searching for a career path that has the proven stability to outlast recessions, market fluctuations and the challenges of military travel, a career as a CPA can provide a surprisingly wide variety of opportunities. We're not talking about the proverbial number crunching, mind-numbing and dreary accounting job either; we're talking about some really interesting careers such as forensic accounting, internal auditing, investment planning and financial analysis.
As a supportive partner to a military professional, you undoubtedly already know about paying attention to details, documentation, thinking analytically to solve a problem and applying an effective logical method to get things done. These are all skills that come into play in the accounting field.
No matter where military travel might take you, CPA skills, education and experience will travel with you. This can greatly reduce the chances of lost income or lack of employment when relocation is required. While relocation may be challenging and tough on everyone involved, participating in a career that travels well and translates into a job across a variety of industries can surely be a benefit.
Education, Networking and Long-Term Potential
To enter the field of accounting, you won't need to have completed all the courses needed to become a CPA. Professionals can start off by working in various accounting roles while continuing their education online to fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the requirements to become a CPA in most states include 150 credit hours in related courses at an accredited college or university. Many of the courses you will need to become eligible to sit for the exam will count toward a master's degree.
The AICPA website offers special information for students, as well as those already in the field. It is a great resource to find out more about the CPA profession and to build a networking strategy. For those professionals interested in the international applications of becoming a CPA, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy's website provides information on a variety of international topics which are continually being updated.
For instance, it became possible in August 2011 to take the CPA exam in various international locations, which is great news for military spouses living overseas and wishing to advance their accounting career while traveling outside the United States. The NASBA has prepared a helpful video for anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a CPA. You can view the video here.
A Field with Prestige, Power and Flexibility
The academic requirements, as well as the additional rigorous training needed to pass the CPA exam and gain full licensure in a state, intrinsically gives the field a high level of prestige. As a military spouse, you also bring important skills to the job that may lead to a competitive advantage. Many employers know how military spouses must be detail-oriented, dependable, articulate and organized to manage the challenges inherent to life with a military spouse effectively. These same skills can be used as an asset in a job search during or before relocation.
In addition, strong communication skills and networking know-how go hand in hand with a military lifestyle. Using the benefits of a professional association to leverage increased contacts and professional opportunities may come more naturally to you than you think. Many reputable online programs exist to provide the education needed to build your CPA career. While moving around may continue to be a challenge to your career, choosing the respected, ubiquitous career path of a CPA can help build a steadier professional future, no matter what city appears on your spouse's next set of deployment papers.
The Next Step: Find the Right Veteran Job
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