Opportunities for CPAs

It was disheartening to read about the accountant trainee’s work experience with a CPA firm that apparently provided very little incentive for its staff to remain in the profession (“ Retention of CPA Employees, ” JofA , Aug.03, page 14).

Having worked in public accounting for more than 40 years, I also have experienced sole proprietor CPAs and partners who have scant knowledge on how to nurture an employee to grow or inspire them to become a member of the public accounting profession. In reflecting on those years, I have learned that clients can dictate how small to medium-sized firms operate.

However, the point here for most accountants, and we all overlook it, is there is more to the profession today in which to advance and reap professional rewards than ever before. Forensic accounting, for example, is an entirely new field in my view and one I would pursue if I were 20 years younger. Personally, in the last 12 years, I’ve become a teacher and mentor to accounting students by obtaining a teaching credential.

I would like to emphasize that there are tremendous opportunities for newly licensed and midcareer CPAs who wish to gain more personal fulfillment for their collective and individual efforts in our profession. Just look around, be aware of the constant changes in the profession and then take the chance.

Milt Cohen
Chatsworth, California