1. Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants Student Outreach Become a CPA – and discover a lifetime of opportunity!

2. INTRODUCTIONS… Name, job title, where I work, hobbies, etc. Where did I go to school? My office/business is… and looks like…

3. What Career is for me? What Career is for me? Some things to consider… What do you like to do? What are you good at? What skills do you have/enjoy using? How much is someone willing to pay you? What jobs/careers are in demand? Jobs vs. Careers Value of College Education

4. What is Accounting? A business language. The process of recording, classifying, reporting and analyzing financial data & business transactions -- KEEPING TRACK OF THE MONEY The basis of business operations.

5. A CPA is…… A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a financial professional. CPA’s speak the “ language of business.” * They provide the advice and information others need to make important financial business decisions. CPAs are in high demand as a valued member of any Business team!

6. Why Did I Choose to Become a CPA? Challenging profession Enjoy talking and working with people Highly respected profession Flexibility & opportunity for growth High demand for accounting professionals Job satisfaction Earning potential/job security Helping others understand and resolve business issues

7. My “typical” day…. My clients and job responsibilities Hours, travel, dress My career ladder Challenges & fun stuff (Perks) What I enjoy most, least Personal experiences

8. CPA Careers Differences between CPAs and other accounting positions (bookkeeper, etc.) CPA Exam/certification/licensing required Level of education required/CPE Starting wages Job responsibilities Opportunity for promotion/higher positions

9. PUBLIC PRACTICE Work with many different companies/industries and provide various services or specialized niches Firms can be international and very large in size (Big 4), mid-sized (regional firms) or small and local firms Top position is typically a partner in a firm CPAs work in…

10. P UBLIC A CCOUNTING Accounting/ Auditing TAX Forensic/ Fraud Environmental “Green” Accounting Information Systems Consulting Financial Planning Business Advisory Business Valuations

11. GOVERNMENT Local State Federal POSITIONS Auditor Staff Accountant Budget Analyst Financial Manager CPAs work in…

12. Government – Some Examples

13. EDUCATION High School Teacher College/University Professor –Dean or Administrator Conduct Research CPAs work in…

14. Work for one company or organization POSITIONS -Internal Auditing -Financial and Management Reporting -Tax Planning -Corporate Finance -Strategic Planning or New Product Development Top positions consist of controllers, chief financial officers, managers, etc. CPAs work in… PRIVATE INDUSTRY/CORPORATE

15. Industry – Some Examples

18. Requirements to Become a CPA in CT Education: 150-hours of college credit. *(Bachelor’s Degree/120 hrs to sit for exam) Pass the CPA Exam: the exam tests your level of accounting knowledge. Experience: Two years of experience in accounting, which may be in the fields of public practice, government, and industry; work must be completed under the supervision of a CPA in good standing. Ethics: “open-book” take home exam.

19. Skills Needed to Be a CPA Effective Communicator Comfortable with Numbers – but NOT a “Math Whiz!” People Person Computer Skills (Excel/Spreadsheets) Organized, Multi-tasker, Problem Solver Ethical & Responsible

20. Accounting Salaries Bachelor's degree candidates in accounting received starting offers averaging $48,993 Master's degree candidates in accounting were offered $49,786 In the top ten for starting salaries for graduates by degree On average, individuals with a CPA and/or advanced degrees earn 10-15% more. Source: NACE’s 2009 Summer Salary Survey

21. How much money does a CPA earn? In Public Accounting, accountants can earn: (with 1 – 3 years experience) Small Firms - $46,250 - $58,250 Large Firms - $56,250-$72,500 Senior staff such as managers & directors can earn: Small firms - $85,500 - $116,500 Medium Firms - $94,500 - $143,000 Large Firms - $107,000 - $167,250 Partner Level - $150,000 - $200,000+

22. How much money does a CPA earn? In Industry, accountants can earn: (with 1 – 3 years experience) Small companies - $38,750 - $50,500 Large companies - $45,750 - $64,500 Auditors (Internal, IT) Small companies - $49,250 - $74,750 Large Companies – $45,750 - $81,750 Management (Treasurers, Directors, Controllers, CEOs, CFOs VPs, etc.) – $67,000 - $395,000

23. How much money does a CPA earn? In Government, accountants can earn: Federal/State - $35,673 - $36,223 (entry level)  MS or 2 years of professional experience approximately $43,731  Supervisory and managerial positions averaged $78,665  Auditors averaged $83,322 In Education, CPAs can earn: (Accounting faculty at accredited colleges) Assistant Professor - $93,500 (mean salary) Associate Professor - $94,100 (mean salary) Full Professor - $114,000 (mean salary) *Higher for doctorate degreed professor (Source: Robert Half 2011 Salary Guide, www.bls.gov)

24. Accounting Degree = Landing a Job! Employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 18 % between 2006 and 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Internships (usually paid!) offer great experience and perhaps, a job offer!! (U.S. Dept. of Labor - BLS)

25. Benefits of an Accounting Degree Job diversity Occupational mobility Flexibility Learning portable skills High earning potential UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES!!!!

26. WWW.CTCPAS.ORG/STUDENTS

27. THANK YOU!!!!