Career Opportunities for CPAs: Beyond Public Accounting

The CPA career paths often begin with taking the traditional route to public accounting. Public accounting offers crucial and valuable experience that is necessary for you as a certified public accountant. However, apart from the conventional route, alternative CPA career paths are available that provide diverse opportunities to leverage your CPA designation.

As a current or aspiring CPA, if you have considered potential jobs beyond public accounting, you are in the perfect position to pivot to a new role with the right CPA certification. 

Keep reading to get an insight into the key CPA career paths you can explore for new opportunities. The skills you have gained during your CPA certification will help you transition into your next career stage. 

TOP CPA Career Paths Apart from Public Accounting

• Corporate Finance & Strategy

Corporate finance may be the right path for you as a certified public accountant if you enjoy using financial insights to shape the direction of a business. Qualified CPAs are highly sought after for roles in multinational corporations where they are required to take up high-powered jobs that include managing mergers and acquisitions, driving financial strategy, and guiding investment decisions. 

Key Roles for CPAs

• Corporate Treasurer
• Financial Analyst
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Specialist

• Investment Banking

Investment banking is one of the most lucrative careers for CPAs. CPA salary as an investment banker is high as you will get a chance to work with governments, large corporations and other high-profile entities to raise capital, provide advisory services regarding mergers and acquisitions and play a pivotal role in facilitating large financial transactions. 

Key Roles for CPAs

• Equity Research Analyst
• Investment Banker
• Asset Manager

• Government & Regulatory Bodies

Governments and regulatory agencies always demand financial professionals. As a certified CPA, you can work in a range of roles within the public sector including taking charge of financial planning and budgeting to audit and regulatory compliance. Apart from an attractive CPA salary, you can also get many other benefits as a Government professional.

Key Roles for CPAs

• Tax Policy Advisor
• Government Financial Analyst
• Regulatory Compliance Office

• Startups & Entrepreneurship 

As a professional with a CPA certification, your knowledge of tax laws, financial management, and strategic planning provides a strong foundation for building and growing a business. Many CPAs transition as CFOs for startups, and some even jump into the world of entrepreneurship and launch their own companies.

Key Roles for CPAs

• Startup CFO
• Entrepreneur
• Business Advisor

Consulting

Another very lucrative CPA career path apart from public accounting is management consulting. Big names like Deloitte, EY, and PwC need professionals who can offer advisory services to businesses, helping them solve complex financial, operational, and strategic problems. When you enrol in a CPA certification program, the CPA course details will also include specialised knowledge in areas like risk management, performance improvement, or risk management, helping you build a successful career in consulting.

Key Roles for CPAs

• Risk Consultant
• Management Consultant
• Financial Advisory Consultant

Conclusion

Ready to explore career opportunities other than public accounting as a CPA? Enrol in a professional CPA certification program offered by Imarticus Learning, one of the leading Edtech companies in India. By holding a CPA, you can get an enviable, high-demand position with many career paths at your fingertips.

Get in touch with career advisors at Imarticus Learning and get all the CPA course details you need. Pursue Excellence, Lead the Way: Make Your Mark as a CPA.