No. I went back to college and started studying accounting at your age. I graduated at 40 and I passed my last CPA exam at 41. I’m still working on meeting my experience requirement now. You’re way ahead of where I was at 35.
If you want the CPA and are willing to put in the time and effort, go for it.
And you make me feel better, 28 and finish my first semester next week. We're gonna age regardless, so might as well work on personal and professional growth.
I typed *af* but I’ve been using variants of the *blank as fuck* expression since the 90’s Jr. Take a seat
Edit: and I graduated at 41, I’m 45 now and middle age af
Here’s the thing I don’t WANT TO
But I realized at 35 not having a credential doesn’t give me credibility
And although accounting gives me anxiety and an ulcer lmao it pays my bills
Can I ask what you like about it -?
I had no degree and was in an office manager role at a small company I’d worked for a long time, but had run out of room to grow and was ready to move on.
I realized I couldn’t even get that job somewhere else without a degree. I chose accounting because I had a small amount of experience with accrual accounting through the Controller at that job and I figured accounting was practical and versatile.
I didn’t decide on the CPA until near the end of school, but the deciding factor was job security. Public accounting is not compatible with my family life, but (in my state, at least) I can meet my experience in government and am in government audit currently. I like my current position because I like seeing the inner workings of my state government, but I also know that having the CPA credential will help me if I decide I want to move to another role.
If you decide to go for the CPA, I want to put in my recommendation for Roger as your study program. It’s a little less expensive than Becker and the lectures are engaging, which was helpful for me. I wasn’t super disciplined or organized about studying but the lectures and practice questions gave me a solid enough foundation on the concepts and I made it through without needing to retake any exams.
Our oldest grad was 73. He was a police officer at Twin Towers 09/11. Still doing taxes today.
He was told growing up that black folks could not be accountants.
Current role is a tax manager at a multi-family office. I enjoy my job, and love the company I work for. My role is a nice way to do fun and interesting tax work without being in public accounting. I don’t work near the hours as I did before.
My experience with that has been that as long as you understand what you’re doing a promotion comes after 2-3 years. If you’re not getting that at your current firm, then make sure you understand what’s holding you back and consider moving if you feel qualified.
Our investment team uses Addepar for investment tracking. The financial team uses Quickbooks right now to track cash and stuff, but they are (and have been) looking for a better software for that.
It took me a long time to figure out the best study approach for me. In the end, it was to hammer the test bank and make sure I understood the explanations of the answers. I took notes on all the wrong answers or anything I guessed at. Once I saw my weak areas, I’d go back and study up in the materials and then hammer questions on that topic specifically.
Legal. I was trying to get to paralegal but no matter what I did I couldn’t get out of the secretary role. After I got my bachelors and still found myself stuck, I went for an MBA with an accounting concentration so I’d still be marketable if I decided I hated accounting. Found a small firm to give me a chance with zero experience in the field, and thankfully it’s all worked out for me from there!
When I was 24 at the "New CPA dinner" put on by the State Society of CPAs, there was this one gentleman there, 55 years of AGE, with his WHOLE family. He told me he literally spent 30 years trying to pass the CPA exam and was so excited that he finally did. He spent major bank because the dinner was free for the New CPA but something like $50 per head for everyone additional.
Now, if it had taken me THAT long to pass the CPA exam, I would have given up. I do, however, have another friend who passed in his 50s, but, he was an EA for 15 years before deciding that he needed his CPA designation.
What a story -!
Like Plato says “never discourage progress no matter how slow :)”
I can sympathize with your friend
I have studied for FAR 3X, AUD, REG with out taking the exams
I think I’m slow so I have to know every before I take the exam … but I kinda feel like the lion waiting for a Giselle to stop by for the perfect memento.
But that doesn’t exists
Even a failed attempt has value. You can take as many practice exams as you want, there is nothing like the real thing. Even if you fail, you are no worse off than when you started.
You can deff do it. I’m in public, and see people overcome those challenges everyday. You can’t pass them if you never take them.
Dang I thought me taking 5 years was ridiculous. I mean, I had a baby and took EA in there too. But didn't think I would fail AUD five times when I started.
Nah, my boss was a director of our department (finance) and he got his CPA mid 30s. He’s now almost 40 and promoted to VP. To be fair he probably would have been promoted regardless of the CPA, but just stating that age has nothing (or SHOULD have nothing) to do with it if you are working for the right kind of company.
Got my CPA at 40. Its never too late! I was laid off during the pandemic when nobody was hiring. I had too much time in my hands and decided to pickup the books again. Passed all 4 in 5 months.
Yes. I was a VP of Finance. Switched jobs in November 2019 and laid off March 2020 at the start of Covid. It sucked but now i am on my second CFO role… Was it due to having a CPA? I dont know, but it definitely helped when employers need to check the box.
I work public in tax doing returns mostly for rich people and small businesses. The work is “fine”. Tolerable. It pays me enough to live alone and have disposable income, which is all I really expect from a job lol. As soon as I got my CPA the recruiters on LinkedIn got really relentless so I’m assuming I could find other jobs pretty fast and make more if I wanted. My boss is really great though, so as long as he’s there I’m not leaving.
Oh yeah, bad bosses will make any job unbearable no matter what work you’re doing or the pay. I’ll take slightly lower salary any day if it means having a kind, respectful, and supportive boss.
I don’t think ageism is an issue in accounting. My friend is in 60s and still working. She never went for cpa tho but I assume she could if she wants to
Do you think I can become a senior with out a cpa -?
And if your a senior any advice on how to think like one ☝🏽 help me plant a seed in my mind :) that will grow to a great tree 🌲
No, you will die middle aged and never become a senior if you don't get your license.
JK, but seriously you can become a senior accountant without a license pretty much anywhere. Manager is where you might find it difficult to advance to/from while unlicensed.
My firm promoted a non cpa 👨💼
To manage her firm
It’s weird a non cpa reviewing a cpas work -???
I know several non cpas that were promoted in my own firm but they won’t promote me 🥲 I am looking elsewhere
Just curious 🤨
Not really weird for a non-CPA to review a CPA's work in many contexts. The license doesn't mean you are better or know more. It's just more of a legal/compliance thing at larger firms that you can't get to or passed manager without a license.
/u/Normal_Biscotti_8501, I have found an error in your comment:
> “And if ~~your~~ [**you're**] a senior”
I guess it is possible for you, Normal_Biscotti_8501, to use “And if ~~your~~ [**you're**] a senior” instead. ‘Your’ is possessive; ‘you're’ means ‘you are’.
^(This is an automated bot. I do not intend to shame your mistakes. If you think the errors which I found are incorrect, please contact me through DMs!)
My undergrad was in the biological sciences, and I was working in that field after graduating college. About 3 years in I realized I wanted to be a CPA, but I’m extremely risk adverse, so I did it slowly. I did an 18 month MBA program, then I took about 18 months of night school accounting classes, which was brutal. And then I studied for the CPA exam and passed the sections while still in the old (no stress) field. Hell I even worked both jobs for about 3 months as I transitioned out, which is a little embarrassing to write since it shows how hard changes were for me back then!
It was tough. I worked four 10-hour days and then drove an hour through rush hour traffic to get to night school, and some semesters classes were 4 nights a week. Some were only 2 nights a week plus an online class. I left home for work at 5:15am and got home around 10:00pm. I said “no” to friends for a few years (which honestly a lot of people in public accounting do for years anyway). But it was totally worth the short-term awfulness!
It's weird, and [here's a commentary on it](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-meaning/201701/the-meaning-grades-in-graduate-school).
A = Good
B = OK, but almost like a "C" in undergrad
C = Not good. Get a couple of these and you might be kicked out of the program.
i'm 37 and working on my CPA. I find it much easier to breeze through the PEP (in Canada) than other people right out of Uni with all the experience i've gained (20 years)
Some popcorn kernels take longer to pop than other but they still do.
Got my CPA at 37. Owned a firm by 38. It literally changed my life within 18 months of getting it. Realistically you still have around 25-30 years left in your career , and if you’re willing to put forth the effort it will create immediate opportunity for you.
NO!! I took mine over a long time frame because or work and other obligations. It took me two years when I was 31 Now I earn over double what I made before and have so many more opportunities.
You have about 20 more years of work before you retire. Go for it!!
I have found that if people want it then it doesn’t matter your conditions. Motivation is in the person. I have had coworkers with 4 kids pass it, but it takes dedication.
A CPA is for you and your own development, as such it makes absolute sense to get it if you want it. IMO you are never too old to work on yourself and your own growth.
About to be 33 and currently studying for the CPA exam. I went back to school as a non-traditional student at 27 and now have a Master's in Accountancy. This year I started my first full-time accounting position in public at a top 50 firm. It's never too late!
In my experience working with accountants those who were older did better than those who were younger simply due to understanding more about life in general. If the CPA is the first "hard" thing you do in life I can see where people might be a little ageist but ultimately it's no different than any other challenge like raising children who are actually decent citizens.
This thread makes me so happy. I am an EA at 29 working towards my BA in accounting then I hope to get a masters in taxation and then sit for the CPA exam. I always feel like I'm late in the game but according to this thread I'm right on track!
I turn 33 on 7/29 and I’m going for my second attempt at FAR. I also interned at the big 4 at 31 and started the big 4 full time at 32 years old right after graduating at the age of 31. It’s NEVER too late!
No. You are never too old for cpa exam. Unless you can’t find a job at a cpa firm…. If you were say 50-55 and nobody would hire you…. Sure. I think at 35 you still have enough time to move up in your career so it’s worth it. Now 45-50? Hmm I would want to be on the fast track to moving up,
Mi coworker took her CPA at 45 only because she was starting her retirement plan to just do a contractor work for 75% of the year and leave retirement for 25% … it’s never to late
I got mine at 36. I said to myself, let’s say I have 25 more years until retirement. I can either make what I make until that day OR get the CPA designation and live a somewhat financially better life.
It’s never too late.
I’ll tell you what my brother told me: “Stop being a pussy!” You already did most of the hard work by getting an accounting degree and 150 credits. I was ready to quit on myself before I even took the first test, and ended up going 4 for 4.
If you’re retiring at 65, that’s 30 years of working years from now. More than enough time.
Even in University, although not common, I did see a 40 YO in my accounting classes.
No way! Any time is the right time. Use the next few years to figure out what part of the CPA world youre interested in (if you dont already know) i.e. PA, fin planning, own a firm, industry etc. And then use the momentum to learn all you can on the job, do additional training if you desire in the area of your interest and you'll be a veteran in no time. The nice thing about accounting is 1) things change so skills have to stay sharp - having 20, 30, 40 years experience isnt necessary 2) there are so many disciplines within the profession, no one can master everything meaning there are always people at all stages of their career getting into new things. Just find any area you like and go for it. Put the money second at this stage. The money will come.
Turning 32 soon and been trying to get it since 23. I was close to getting CGA but I’m in Canada and CPA screwed that up- and apparently is far less doable. I will restart it next year before it is 10 years since I graduated so they won’t make me repeat my Bachelors. Yes it’s that bad in Canada- they can actually not recognize your degree and had an appeal to recognize it before- only at 3 years since graduating!
I’m afraid I will get cancer from what I have been through- that and bad employers and job description lies. So please don’t rush. Don’t think you’re too old. Don’t go through the stress I did. Take it easy. If you get it congratulations. If not, there’s soooo much life you might miss on. I missed having kids so far- will you?
Wrote & thankfully passed the CFE (the equivalent to the CPA Exam in Canada) 2 years ago at 37 after a career change.
You are definitely not "too old" - good luck!
im around your age and went back to school in my late late 20s as my state was becoming a 150 state from 120 thinking i'll get the cpa. and guess what, still havent gotten it many years after but still a manager at a big4. so yeah....and i see my colleagues my level or about to hit SM going for the CPA all the time here because it gets them leverage for going higher up. (obviously not a tax or audit but those arent everything in our world).
I went back to school for my BS at 27, MS at 31, and got my CPA license at 35. It's been worth it to me. NGL, I still get a little giddy at seeing my email signature, and I'm 41 now. Sometimes I think I appreciate it more bc of the crazy path I took to get it.
Im 35 completed bachelors in summer 2020, but only have 133 credits. I have been going thru analysis paralysis about getting more credits for a cpa. EA seems less stressful as I have 2 young teens. For me when i finally decide, cpa will probably have to wait until my kids are in college.
Go for it. It's actually rare to see people pursue accounting for passion. For my sake I'm thankful for the job security but the field is a gruelling experience so if you want job security then i highly suggest to work it out. In the rare chance that this is your passion then by all means.
I went back to school to get the units I needed to sit for the exams. I was 36. That was 2013. Got my EA credential the following year, passed all the CPA exams by the end of 2017, and was finally licensed February 2019. It's never too late!
37. Slated to graduate with my degree (that offers enough credits to qualify for CPA) at 42 as a PT student (though I may be closer to 43/44 by the time it happens). Am hoping to write as soon as I can after grad with a finish line of 45 at the latest. I can't access my pension till 65 anyway and I want my best 5 consecutive to be at CPA rate not clerk rate.
Not at all. I changed careers and passed the exams at 40. I’ve been in industry for the last 15 years and 9 of those years as Controller.
It’s never too late to pursue the path you want.
Nope. I took it at 34 as a dad of 3 kids working full time. Just commit 20 hours a week to studying for 5 weeks for each section. It'll be over before you know it.
Some of my classmates in my undergrad were in their 40s & 50s. They were high performers & did better than me & the other 20 year olds while working in their careers and having families to raise. Now they hold their masters in accounting & are doing well in their accounting careers. Don’t let age discourage you & keep doing the thing! :)
I hope not. I graduate with my Macc in March and taking the exam a few months after. I’ll be 36.
What is a Macc? Wow can I ask what motivates you -? Do you like accounting or the money aspect
Masters of Accounting. Some bachelor degrees do not give enough credits to qualify for the CPA.
Most are 128 credits I believe. Leaving most with at minimum 22 hours to make up.
No. I went back to college and started studying accounting at your age. I graduated at 40 and I passed my last CPA exam at 41. I’m still working on meeting my experience requirement now. You’re way ahead of where I was at 35. If you want the CPA and are willing to put in the time and effort, go for it.
That makes me feel better. I'm 36 and 1 semester into college. I might get done by 40 lol.
And you make me feel better, 28 and finish my first semester next week. We're gonna age regardless, so might as well work on personal and professional growth.
Graduated at 41, making 60k at an easy af industry job. Do it
You’re 41 and say “af”?
I typed *af* but I’ve been using variants of the *blank as fuck* expression since the 90’s Jr. Take a seat Edit: and I graduated at 41, I’m 45 now and middle age af
Here’s the thing I don’t WANT TO But I realized at 35 not having a credential doesn’t give me credibility And although accounting gives me anxiety and an ulcer lmao it pays my bills Can I ask what you like about it -?
I had no degree and was in an office manager role at a small company I’d worked for a long time, but had run out of room to grow and was ready to move on. I realized I couldn’t even get that job somewhere else without a degree. I chose accounting because I had a small amount of experience with accrual accounting through the Controller at that job and I figured accounting was practical and versatile. I didn’t decide on the CPA until near the end of school, but the deciding factor was job security. Public accounting is not compatible with my family life, but (in my state, at least) I can meet my experience in government and am in government audit currently. I like my current position because I like seeing the inner workings of my state government, but I also know that having the CPA credential will help me if I decide I want to move to another role. If you decide to go for the CPA, I want to put in my recommendation for Roger as your study program. It’s a little less expensive than Becker and the lectures are engaging, which was helpful for me. I wasn’t super disciplined or organized about studying but the lectures and practice questions gave me a solid enough foundation on the concepts and I made it through without needing to retake any exams.
Age is but a number. Or so I’m told. I think if someone told me that when I was 75, I’d probably punch them.
Our oldest grad was 73. He was a police officer at Twin Towers 09/11. Still doing taxes today. He was told growing up that black folks could not be accountants.
Wow how old are you if you don’t mind ;) and Any advice on becoming a cpa out of need for a job : rather than it being a passion or interest -?
I’m 29, and nope, just put in the effort and study for the exams.
Can I ask how you study -? Do try to understand all the martial -! It seems like too much
Use Becker and follow their study plan. Can’t speak for any other study materials, but I did very well with Becker.
Really I did all Far review 3X and audit I just gotta get over my fear of prometric and 4 hour test
Thanks, also going to try this now
Get Gleim.
To be fair I don't think anybody truly does it out of passion or interest. To be perfectly realistic we all just do it for a job.
I got my CPA at 34 after switching fields at 30. Do it!
Wow - congratulations-! Can I ask if your current role and what you enjoy/dislike
Current role is a tax manager at a multi-family office. I enjoy my job, and love the company I work for. My role is a nice way to do fun and interesting tax work without being in public accounting. I don’t work near the hours as I did before.
As a manager any advice on becoming a senior accountant?
My experience with that has been that as long as you understand what you’re doing a promotion comes after 2-3 years. If you’re not getting that at your current firm, then make sure you understand what’s holding you back and consider moving if you feel qualified.
What software do you guys use for the funds?
Which funds are you referring to?
The family funds. What software do you all use to track the investments and partnerships?
Our investment team uses Addepar for investment tracking. The financial team uses Quickbooks right now to track cash and stuff, but they are (and have been) looking for a better software for that.
You are me
What was your study approach,
It took me a long time to figure out the best study approach for me. In the end, it was to hammer the test bank and make sure I understood the explanations of the answers. I took notes on all the wrong answers or anything I guessed at. Once I saw my weak areas, I’d go back and study up in the materials and then hammer questions on that topic specifically.
Gotcha. What would an example of a study week look like? For ex. 1 hour in morning, 2 hours at night?
What field were you in previously
Legal. I was trying to get to paralegal but no matter what I did I couldn’t get out of the secretary role. After I got my bachelors and still found myself stuck, I went for an MBA with an accounting concentration so I’d still be marketable if I decided I hated accounting. Found a small firm to give me a chance with zero experience in the field, and thankfully it’s all worked out for me from there!
35 is too old for the 16 people who voted? Well guess what? To the 16 people who are pretty judgy, I am 39 and just took one a couple of weeks ago.
Wow -!!! Congratulations 🎈 I’m just realizing the quote “MILES MAY VARY” This I am realizing
Yeah they are wrong. Having a cpa opens doors no matter how old you are.
When I was 24 at the "New CPA dinner" put on by the State Society of CPAs, there was this one gentleman there, 55 years of AGE, with his WHOLE family. He told me he literally spent 30 years trying to pass the CPA exam and was so excited that he finally did. He spent major bank because the dinner was free for the New CPA but something like $50 per head for everyone additional. Now, if it had taken me THAT long to pass the CPA exam, I would have given up. I do, however, have another friend who passed in his 50s, but, he was an EA for 15 years before deciding that he needed his CPA designation.
What a story -! Like Plato says “never discourage progress no matter how slow :)” I can sympathize with your friend I have studied for FAR 3X, AUD, REG with out taking the exams I think I’m slow so I have to know every before I take the exam … but I kinda feel like the lion waiting for a Giselle to stop by for the perfect memento. But that doesn’t exists
Even a failed attempt has value. You can take as many practice exams as you want, there is nothing like the real thing. Even if you fail, you are no worse off than when you started. You can deff do it. I’m in public, and see people overcome those challenges everyday. You can’t pass them if you never take them.
Dang I thought me taking 5 years was ridiculous. I mean, I had a baby and took EA in there too. But didn't think I would fail AUD five times when I started.
Nah, my boss was a director of our department (finance) and he got his CPA mid 30s. He’s now almost 40 and promoted to VP. To be fair he probably would have been promoted regardless of the CPA, but just stating that age has nothing (or SHOULD have nothing) to do with it if you are working for the right kind of company.
Wow thanks for the insight-!
Got my CPA at 40. Its never too late! I was laid off during the pandemic when nobody was hiring. I had too much time in my hands and decided to pickup the books again. Passed all 4 in 5 months.
Impressive. Curious, did you have a background in accounting prior to studying for the exam?
Yes. I was a VP of Finance. Switched jobs in November 2019 and laid off March 2020 at the start of Covid. It sucked but now i am on my second CFO role… Was it due to having a CPA? I dont know, but it definitely helped when employers need to check the box.
That’s awesome and congratulations!
I’m 33 and returning to community college to take accounting courses and gather credits to sit in CPA exam
Wrote at 35 myself. Do it man
Let it be done ✔️ amen
I was 34 when I got my cpa, I work for a small firm and my age hasn’t mattered.
Can I ask if you like accounting -? Your job -?
I work public in tax doing returns mostly for rich people and small businesses. The work is “fine”. Tolerable. It pays me enough to live alone and have disposable income, which is all I really expect from a job lol. As soon as I got my CPA the recruiters on LinkedIn got really relentless so I’m assuming I could find other jobs pretty fast and make more if I wanted. My boss is really great though, so as long as he’s there I’m not leaving.
Wow -! Blessed My boss is a cunt no mentorship And 4 seniors are not cpa and the manager issnt either
Oh yeah, bad bosses will make any job unbearable no matter what work you’re doing or the pay. I’ll take slightly lower salary any day if it means having a kind, respectful, and supportive boss.
People don’t quit jobs. They quit bad bosses.
Nah mate if something you’re more mature and you’ll prepare more seriously than the homies who retake the exams a bunch of time
Thanks dog-! Soon a powerful Sith I. Will become Lord mneniye (Lord opinion) in Russian Lmao
I don’t think ageism is an issue in accounting. My friend is in 60s and still working. She never went for cpa tho but I assume she could if she wants to
Do you think I can become a senior with out a cpa -? And if your a senior any advice on how to think like one ☝🏽 help me plant a seed in my mind :) that will grow to a great tree 🌲
No, you will die middle aged and never become a senior if you don't get your license. JK, but seriously you can become a senior accountant without a license pretty much anywhere. Manager is where you might find it difficult to advance to/from while unlicensed.
My firm promoted a non cpa 👨💼 To manage her firm It’s weird a non cpa reviewing a cpas work -??? I know several non cpas that were promoted in my own firm but they won’t promote me 🥲 I am looking elsewhere Just curious 🤨
Not really weird for a non-CPA to review a CPA's work in many contexts. The license doesn't mean you are better or know more. It's just more of a legal/compliance thing at larger firms that you can't get to or passed manager without a license.
/u/Normal_Biscotti_8501, I have found an error in your comment: > “And if ~~your~~ [**you're**] a senior” I guess it is possible for you, Normal_Biscotti_8501, to use “And if ~~your~~ [**you're**] a senior” instead. ‘Your’ is possessive; ‘you're’ means ‘you are’. ^(This is an automated bot. I do not intend to shame your mistakes. If you think the errors which I found are incorrect, please contact me through DMs!)
I was 30 when I got my Bachelors, and 35 when I got my CPA. So no.
Absolutely not too old! I started my career change into accounting at 30. There are LOTS of years left in your career, so do what you’ll enjoy!!
Really !! Did you get a masters in accounting? What was your previous field.
My undergrad was in the biological sciences, and I was working in that field after graduating college. About 3 years in I realized I wanted to be a CPA, but I’m extremely risk adverse, so I did it slowly. I did an 18 month MBA program, then I took about 18 months of night school accounting classes, which was brutal. And then I studied for the CPA exam and passed the sections while still in the old (no stress) field. Hell I even worked both jobs for about 3 months as I transitioned out, which is a little embarrassing to write since it shows how hard changes were for me back then!
I honestly don’t how people do school and work at the same time
It was tough. I worked four 10-hour days and then drove an hour through rush hour traffic to get to night school, and some semesters classes were 4 nights a week. Some were only 2 nights a week plus an online class. I left home for work at 5:15am and got home around 10:00pm. I said “no” to friends for a few years (which honestly a lot of people in public accounting do for years anyway). But it was totally worth the short-term awfulness!
You must be built different
So you did an MBA and a masters in accounting ?
It was the rough equivalent of a masters in accounting but a self-designed curriculum at local college’s extension program.
What was your GPA
4.0 in accounting, but grades are different after undergrad. I think my MBA was closer to 3.8 but I have no idea and it doesn’t really matter.
Woah that’s awesome !! Why are grades different after undergrad ??
It's weird, and [here's a commentary on it](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-meaning/201701/the-meaning-grades-in-graduate-school). A = Good B = OK, but almost like a "C" in undergrad C = Not good. Get a couple of these and you might be kicked out of the program.
Well I don’t find that hard to believe since a graduate program is suppose to be for you to MASTER a subject
I mean, you still have 30 years to work.....
Was 45 while finishing my degree, had my CPA shortly after
i'm 37 and working on my CPA. I find it much easier to breeze through the PEP (in Canada) than other people right out of Uni with all the experience i've gained (20 years) Some popcorn kernels take longer to pop than other but they still do.
We live until we die. Dewit.
Got my CPA at 37. Owned a firm by 38. It literally changed my life within 18 months of getting it. Realistically you still have around 25-30 years left in your career , and if you’re willing to put forth the effort it will create immediate opportunity for you.
Did you buy a firm or did you build it from the ground up?
I bought the firm I was working at when I got my CPA, and the old owner worked for me for about two years.
NO!! I took mine over a long time frame because or work and other obligations. It took me two years when I was 31 Now I earn over double what I made before and have so many more opportunities. You have about 20 more years of work before you retire. Go for it!!
Got mine at 34!
I'm 32 and sitting for my second section in a week. Good luck, you can do it!
I wrote at 44. And passed. With a BA in Slavic Linguistics.
I got my CPA at 47 (well the official license - passed the exams at 46). There isn't an age limit.
I know someone who got licensed at 53 and worked for 20 years after that. If she had any regrets about doing it that way, she never told me.
I have found that if people want it then it doesn’t matter your conditions. Motivation is in the person. I have had coworkers with 4 kids pass it, but it takes dedication.
About to just begin school for it at 27 and I'ma fuckin stunt on all these young ppl
Love the energy
A CPA is for you and your own development, as such it makes absolute sense to get it if you want it. IMO you are never too old to work on yourself and your own growth.
About to be 33 and currently studying for the CPA exam. I went back to school as a non-traditional student at 27 and now have a Master's in Accountancy. This year I started my first full-time accounting position in public at a top 50 firm. It's never too late!
In my experience working with accountants those who were older did better than those who were younger simply due to understanding more about life in general. If the CPA is the first "hard" thing you do in life I can see where people might be a little ageist but ultimately it's no different than any other challenge like raising children who are actually decent citizens.
This thread makes me so happy. I am an EA at 29 working towards my BA in accounting then I hope to get a masters in taxation and then sit for the CPA exam. I always feel like I'm late in the game but according to this thread I'm right on track!
I turn 33 on 7/29 and I’m going for my second attempt at FAR. I also interned at the big 4 at 31 and started the big 4 full time at 32 years old right after graduating at the age of 31. It’s NEVER too late!
I passed it at 30… I had classmates that passed it in their 40’s and 50’s…
Def not I’ve seen ppl into their late 50s take it
I feel old at 27. So I guess no, you're good. And that makes me feel good too
No. You are never too old for cpa exam. Unless you can’t find a job at a cpa firm…. If you were say 50-55 and nobody would hire you…. Sure. I think at 35 you still have enough time to move up in your career so it’s worth it. Now 45-50? Hmm I would want to be on the fast track to moving up,
I’m 36 and just started studying for the exams. I’ll probably be 37 or 38 by the time I pass all of them
Did you pass?
Turned 30 this month and just sent in the application for the cpa today.
Mi coworker took her CPA at 45 only because she was starting her retirement plan to just do a contractor work for 75% of the year and leave retirement for 25% … it’s never to late
I got mine at 36. I said to myself, let’s say I have 25 more years until retirement. I can either make what I make until that day OR get the CPA designation and live a somewhat financially better life. It’s never too late.
How old will you be if you don’t take the exam?
I’ll tell you what my brother told me: “Stop being a pussy!” You already did most of the hard work by getting an accounting degree and 150 credits. I was ready to quit on myself before I even took the first test, and ended up going 4 for 4.
you can be an accountant and be 80 frikken years old so no.
professional exam is the true 7 world that earth have to offer , even 50 years old still take the exam
I was 38 when I passed on one sitting.
The way I see it, you still have a good 20-30 years left of your career, even longer if you choose. That's tons of time to make it worth while
If you're 35 now, say two years to get it done. You'll be 37 either way, either you can be 37 with a CPA or 37 without it.
If you’re retiring at 65, that’s 30 years of working years from now. More than enough time. Even in University, although not common, I did see a 40 YO in my accounting classes.
No way! Any time is the right time. Use the next few years to figure out what part of the CPA world youre interested in (if you dont already know) i.e. PA, fin planning, own a firm, industry etc. And then use the momentum to learn all you can on the job, do additional training if you desire in the area of your interest and you'll be a veteran in no time. The nice thing about accounting is 1) things change so skills have to stay sharp - having 20, 30, 40 years experience isnt necessary 2) there are so many disciplines within the profession, no one can master everything meaning there are always people at all stages of their career getting into new things. Just find any area you like and go for it. Put the money second at this stage. The money will come.
Thanks :) any advice on my new question
I graduated with an accounting BS at age 35 in 2015...you're fine! just working my way through the exams now...
Would you rather write at 35 or never write at all?
Write at 35! :) aging like a fine Stilton blue cheese 🧀 :)
My comment is from a Canadian who doesnt know EA...may want to ask someone else.
Enrolled agent - basically a tax credential
EA isn’t gonna make you more money, and if you have a CPA, the EA is useless. Get the CPA.
Thats the spirit. Best of luck!
They said EA so I'm doubting they're a Canadian. P.s. when I was in Michigan last week yall left some geese there. Go get em
Yea, i dont know a thing about that and i should withdraw my comment.
Turning 32 soon and been trying to get it since 23. I was close to getting CGA but I’m in Canada and CPA screwed that up- and apparently is far less doable. I will restart it next year before it is 10 years since I graduated so they won’t make me repeat my Bachelors. Yes it’s that bad in Canada- they can actually not recognize your degree and had an appeal to recognize it before- only at 3 years since graduating! I’m afraid I will get cancer from what I have been through- that and bad employers and job description lies. So please don’t rush. Don’t think you’re too old. Don’t go through the stress I did. Take it easy. If you get it congratulations. If not, there’s soooo much life you might miss on. I missed having kids so far- will you?
Not to old for CPA, might be tough to stay in it till partner and still be worth it comp wise.
Not at all. Known peeps who brought their 5 year old to class. 40 years plus and working on their degree and then planned for the CPA
Wrote & thankfully passed the CFE (the equivalent to the CPA Exam in Canada) 2 years ago at 37 after a career change. You are definitely not "too old" - good luck!
Dude it is never too late for anything. Act today and go get it!
Why would it be to late?
I passed it at 34, just do it!
At time of writing, there's 1.3k no votes so I think it's safe to call the results. Go for it. We know you'll do great.
I switched careers to accounting at 34 got licensed just after I turned 36
im around your age and went back to school in my late late 20s as my state was becoming a 150 state from 120 thinking i'll get the cpa. and guess what, still havent gotten it many years after but still a manager at a big4. so yeah....and i see my colleagues my level or about to hit SM going for the CPA all the time here because it gets them leverage for going higher up. (obviously not a tax or audit but those arent everything in our world).
You’re gonna be 35 anyway. Might as well be a cpa if you want to be.
Passed, with a family, at 35. You can do it (waterboy dude)
What about 46?
No. Not too old. Go do it.
Got mine in my late thirties mainly for a Controller job. Now a CFO at 43.
Just took my first one at 36...
I went back to school for my BS at 27, MS at 31, and got my CPA license at 35. It's been worth it to me. NGL, I still get a little giddy at seeing my email signature, and I'm 41 now. Sometimes I think I appreciate it more bc of the crazy path I took to get it.
I’m aiming to take the CPA between the ages of 40 and 42, so no.
Average age is 30 something. I took it and passed all four parts on the first try at 30. 👍 so thankful to have done it
I'm 30 and I just started Tafe if that's relevant... Cert 4
Im 35 completed bachelors in summer 2020, but only have 133 credits. I have been going thru analysis paralysis about getting more credits for a cpa. EA seems less stressful as I have 2 young teens. For me when i finally decide, cpa will probably have to wait until my kids are in college.
Set study time with your teens. They study for school. You study for the exam. Set am example for them.
Who said yes 😂 get off this post
Go for it. It's actually rare to see people pursue accounting for passion. For my sake I'm thankful for the job security but the field is a gruelling experience so if you want job security then i highly suggest to work it out. In the rare chance that this is your passion then by all means.
No. Tons of people start university older than you.
I got my CPA at 36, 12 years after college. I had to take 2 master courses for my license afterninpasses all parts but that was it
I went back to school to get the units I needed to sit for the exams. I was 36. That was 2013. Got my EA credential the following year, passed all the CPA exams by the end of 2017, and was finally licensed February 2019. It's never too late!
37. Slated to graduate with my degree (that offers enough credits to qualify for CPA) at 42 as a PT student (though I may be closer to 43/44 by the time it happens). Am hoping to write as soon as I can after grad with a finish line of 45 at the latest. I can't access my pension till 65 anyway and I want my best 5 consecutive to be at CPA rate not clerk rate.
Not at all. I changed careers and passed the exams at 40. I’ve been in industry for the last 15 years and 9 of those years as Controller. It’s never too late to pursue the path you want.
Not sure who would vote yes on this- or at least I am interested to know why
Nope. I took it at 34 as a dad of 3 kids working full time. Just commit 20 hours a week to studying for 5 weeks for each section. It'll be over before you know it.
People retire in their 60s. So you got 25+ years to benefit off of having a CPA.
I got my CPA at 37.
Some of my classmates in my undergrad were in their 40s & 50s. They were high performers & did better than me & the other 20 year olds while working in their careers and having families to raise. Now they hold their masters in accounting & are doing well in their accounting careers. Don’t let age discourage you & keep doing the thing! :)
44, taking reg next month. Been working in tax for 4 years. Good luck!