Ask a young CPA

Do you have questions about careers in accounting? A young CPA from The Ohio Society is ready to answer any and all of your questions related to the accounting major, what it's like in the real world and more! Submit your question below and you will get a prompt and helpful response.

Marc Filer, CPA is a staff accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in his hometown of Cleveland. He earned his bachelors of business administration from Ohio University in Athens, majoring on accounting, finance and business pre-law. Not only did he receive the CPA designation last year, but he is also a Certified Fraud Examiners candidate (CFE).

Marc currently works in the dispute, analysis and investigations practice area and does forensic accounting and litigation support. He is also involved in other activities such as Delta Sigma Pi, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Ohio University- Greater Cleveland Alumni Chapter.

Ask Marc a question!

Dear Marc:
How did you know that Accounting was right for you? What are the benefits of becoming a CPA?
- Jennifer

Dear Jennifer:
I guess I knew that I wanted to go into the business field from a very young age. When I was in college, I thought accounting was right for me because I didn’t dread going to class?no matter how early in the morning. The subject always kept my attention. I would have to say I knew earlier than most people because my high school offered two accounting classes, so I got a sneak peak before coming to college. Another reason I picked accounting is that my older brother was an accountant and he would always talk about his work with me.

As for the CPA, there are so many benefits to obtaining the certification. The first one in my opinion is the accomplishment of being a CPA because not everyone gets the certification. During college you work so hard to meet all the requirements to sit for the CPA, and when I passed I was very proud of myself.

The second benefit is the monetary gain of being a CPA. Many accounting firms give a bonus to people who pass the test within a certain time period. CPAs, on average, have a larger salary then those without the certification.

The third benefit is the networking that is available through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and The Ohio Society of CPAs. Through those two organizations you can increase your networking circle which can produce many things including potential clients, new opportunities for advancement and friendship. There are many more benefits to becoming a CPA, but if I were to list them this email might be a little too long.
- Marc Filer, CPA

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