Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[moneymom]

I am middle-aged going through a career change. My background is music, but I am currently enrolled in a program to get the college hours I need to sit for the CPA exam. I have completed 21 hours of accounting and related business courses. I am almost finished with the PB program. I just have to take the final exam. My goal is to have my own accounting and tax preparation business. I don't really want to go to work for anyone else, but if I want to be a CPA I will have to fulfill the work requirement. Here is my question. Do I need to be a CPA to have a successful accounting business? I know the PB program says no, but I have NO previous work experience in the field. If a potential client asks me for a resume, there is no accounting work on it. I am really nervous about going out to find clients because of my TOTAL lack of experience. Any advice? Do I go looking for a job under a CPA, or do I jump in and try to do it on my own?

[stasia2003]

moneymom wrote: I am middle-aged going through a career change. My background is music, but I am currently enrolled in a program to get the college hours I need to sit for the CPA exam. I have completed 21 hours of accounting and related business courses. I am almost finished with the PB program. I just have to take the final exam. My goal is to have my own accounting and tax preparation business. I don't really want to go to work for anyone else, but if I want to be a CPA I will have to fulfill the work requirement. Here is my question. Do I need to be a CPA to have a successful accounting business? I know the PB program says no, but I have NO previous work experience in the field. If a potential client asks me for a resume, there is no accounting work on it. I am really nervous about going out to find clients because of my TOTAL lack of experience. Any advice? Do I go looking for a job under a CPA, or do I jump in and try to do it on my own?

I do not recommend anyone taking on clients if you do not have any work experience. There are some who will say go ahead but I strongly disagree. I have had clients ask questions that only a person who has worked in accounting would know. But really, if you have the conceptual knowledge already then the work experience may come a bit easier. I suggest you work for someone else for at least a year even if it's only part time.

I wouldn't have dreamed of starting an accounting business if I didn't have any work experience. Just having the educational background alone isn't enough. If you want to get your foot in the door and get a quick jump start, try getting a job with a CPA firm. But don't tell them you're going to start your own business in the future.

You do not need to be a CPA to have a successful accounting business. I am in the process of pursuing my CPA because I would be able to accept special clients. I have lost two potential prospects because I didn't have a CPA license. They both had to do with needing financial statements certified and a non-CPA cannot do that. But other than that, a majority of your clients won't necessarily need a CPA.

Good luck. :D

[moneymom]

Thanks. That is pretty much what I thought.

[QBConsultant]

I agree that you should get experience first. I worked in public accounting and private industry before I started my own business. Although I had audited/worked for large companies, it was amazing how much I still didn't know about the details!

Michelle L. Long, CPA, MBA
Author of: Successful QuickBooks Consulting
Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
National Trainer for Intuit Accountant Trainer/Writer Network
http://www.SuccessfulQuickBooksConsulting.com
http://www.amazon.com/Successful-QuickBooks-Consulting-Comprehensive-starting/dp/1434810690