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Reinvented
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Joined: 28 Jul 2009
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Posted: 28 Jul 2009 at 17:25 \| IP Logged

Hi all,

I am close to making the decision to make a significant career change. I have been in IT for nearly 30 years - SW development, high tech - and it has been very good to me. I am ready for a change into a field I could imagine working in well into my golden years - accounting/finance.

Here's the deal. I'm a true life-long learner and I have a BS/Comp Sci, an MS/IT and an MBA. I am only a couple of hours of classes away from having all of the course requirements complete to sit for the CPA exams. Did I mention I'm older than most of you reading this? I'm 50. I would work as long as I want in the field that I'm in but I need a new challenge. I'm confident that I could pass the CPA exams. I have had much of the material either by experience or coursework.

Money is not an issue. I want to think that I could contribute at a CPA firm maybe even on a part time or contract basis, maybe even specializing in an area such as forensics. I'm curious, is this a move you would make? If not why not?

Thanks for your thoughtful replies.

chevyrcrz28
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Posted: 28 Jul 2009 at 17:36 \| IP Logged

If money isn't an issue, I would certainly do whatever makes you happy. The biggest risk I could see would be leaving the job security/salary in your current position, both of which are money issues.

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trexseattle
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Posted: 31 Jul 2009 at 22:45 \| IP Logged

Reinvented, similar situation here - I'm 45 and just studying for my last CPA exam (passed the other three on my first try - yes, the brain is still functioning, thank you very much, better than recent graduates).

Here is what I'm thinking - our generation will have to work until we are 70, so that is another 20 years for you, maybe more. In 10 years you can make partner at a smaller firm (at some firms even sooner), and then life gets a bit more interesting and financially rewarding. I see some partners in their 80's still working part-time and having a blast. The way things are going with Social Security, would you rather be in a position to be a partner in a CPA firm, or having to be a greeter (or whatdayya-call-em) at a local Wal-Mart in your 80's?

I say go for it! You'll be able to advance much faster than a newcomer to the business world. Mature folks are much less confrontational, have better work ethics, a broader perspective and significantly better people skills than young CPA's do. All very valuable skills! Another advantage: when you meet with clients, they are usually far more inclined to trust and rely on a more mature person.

Wishing you the best in your new adventures!

Nan - Louisiana
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Joined: 15 May 2009
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Posted: 01 Aug 2009 at 09:16 \| IP Logged

Trex,

You're someone right after my own heart. I'm 50 and getting my license for exactly the same reasons you've just spelled out so very clearly. My first career was in the military, and I came back to accounting after I retired from active duty. Lots of years to work still, and this is an excellent way to go. I expect to have my CPA work experience requirement signed off in a few months. After that I am planning to get a CFE.

From what you write it seems you are angling for partnership at a small to medium sized firm. Excellent. I am wondering.... Have you given any thought to a secondary certification after the CPA (CMA, CFA, CFE...)? If so, what are you thinking about and why?

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Reinvented
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Joined: 28 Jul 2009
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Posted: 01 Aug 2009 at 19:32 \| IP Logged

Trex,

Very similar to my thoughts. I could keep plugging away in the faster paced,
higher stress, IT domain, but I can't see myself doing that for the long term.
The thing I have going for me is that my wife is just finishing up her
certification so I have all of the Becker materials and I am very familiar with
the material and the testing process. Thanks for the well wishes.

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