Imagine for a second you are a business owner and your company is about to undergo an audit, will you want to hire: a candidate who has over 10 years of experience in the accounting industry but without a CPA, or a candidate who has 5 years of experience and holds their CPA? Nine times out of ten, you’d probably choose to work with the professional who has the CPA.

For certain employers, having the right certification/designation after your name can make a big difference in how you are perceived within your respective industry. Whether you are early in your career or a veteran in the accounting field, the sooner you get your CPA, the better it will be for your overall career growth. Here are some of the most important reasons why you should consider getting your CPA now:

Advanced certifications are in high demand

An advanced certification is not only useful in enhancing your professional marketability, but it is also something that employers are increasingly demanding from prospective candidates. “In the past, employers would give their employees 5 years to attain their CPA, but today, many organizations that are looking for accountants with 2 or more years of experience are demanding that candidates have their CPA or parts passed,” notes Elisa Dammacco, Managing Director of The Execu|Search Group’s Accounting/Finance division.

It distinguishes you as an accounting professional

Simply possessing the three-letter designation puts you in a better market pool of accounting professionals. In addition, possessing this certification exemplifies your dedication and diligence in meeting the stringent qualifications and requirements necessary. On the other hand, without it, employers will always question the lack of dedication you bring to your professional development. It’s important to take into account both the short and long term benefits this certification will bring to your career. Is your professional growth worth one year of commitment to take an exam, where its importance and applicability will always be relevant to business operations? We think so.

It improves your marketability

“Every hiring manager is looking for a candidate that is dedicated, hard-working, diligent, and committed to holding themselves to the highest industry standards,” notes Elisa. “To an employer, the candidate who holds their CPA is the one they will typically consider to be the best choice.”

Within the accounting/finance sector, employers often view professionals without the CPA certification as unmotivated with a lack of initiative to improve their professional career. “The CPA is one of the most marketable and recognizable certifications in the business world, and is also the best investment an accounting professional can make in their career,” advises Elisa.

It provides professional mobility

As the financial market continues to strengthen and competition continues to stay fierce, without a CPA certification, it may prove to be more difficult to move outside of your organization if you decide to. Our accounting/finance recruitment specialists continue to advise candidates to get their CPA, as more organizations are in search of CPA certified candidates in lieu of more years of experience. “For instance, if a hiring manager receives 10 resumes for one accounting position, if your competitors have their CPA and you don’t, your resume may automatically fall to the bottom of the pile.” “Therefore, if you want to enhance your professional mobility, acquiring your CPA is the best route to take now.”