Competence Versus Credentials
I mentioned from the outset that the biggest hurdles to switching careers are time and cost.
Without getting too far off topic, I want to introduce the idea that competence and credentials are not the same thing.
This is important for career switchers to consider because you can achieve credentials (degree(s)) faster than you can achieve competence (experience).
When it comes to the CPA, you will invariably need to obtain both and, if Reddit is a good indicator of anything, there are plenty of people who find themselves credential-stacked with limited experience, still sourcing ways for a qualified CPA to sign off on their experience.
I’m going to say the best way to skin this cat is to obtain the accounting degree for the lowest cost possible, with the understanding that you will need to architect your own experience path toward competency.
I will even go one step further and argue that the credentials are the easy part — there is no shortage of schools willing to take your cash in exchange for the diploma.
Figuring out how you’re going to know enough to do the job and eventually open up your own shop — that’s a different ball of wax.
To be frank, I don’t have the answer to the experience dilemma — but part of this blog is posting my findings.
I consider myself a researcher more than an expert, but the whole point is to provide my findings so that people can take from them what they need.
In separate posts, I will provide my insight into the first portion of the problem — figuring out the credential stack without wanting to close your laptop on your face.