Career
My Experience With Executive Coaching
I started working with an executive coach about six months ago. Before that, I thought executive coaching was mainly for... executives.
Read More →Career
What Does a CPA Actually Do?
What does a CPA even do? I started my career as a CPA and every time I told someone I was a CPA, the response was always the same: "Oh nice, can you help me with my taxes?"
Truth is I don't even do my own taxes.
CPA = Certified Public Accountant. It's a license, not a job title. And not every CPA does the same thing.
Being a CPA is like having a driver's license. It says you're qualified to drive, but it doesn't say what kind of vehicle you drive. Some people drive sedans, others drive buses, trucks, etc.
Here's what CPAs actually do:
- •Some CPAs do taxes. They help people and businesses file returns and lower their tax bills legally.
- •Some review financial reports. This is called "audit" — double-checking that a company's numbers and reports are accurate.
- •Some help businesses make decisions. They advise on budgets, strategy, and transactions, as external consultants.
- •Some manage day-to-day accounting. They track revenue and expenses, and create financial reports.
And some specialize even further in things like fraud investigations, valuations, or building financial information systems.
So when someone says "I'm a CPA," it could mean a lot of things. I still hold a CPA license. But no, I can't do your taxes.
More Reflections
Career
The Maple We're Losing
We lost one of our maple trees. Not technically yet.
Read More →Career
Undervalued People Outperform
Undervalued assets outperform. So do undervalued people.
Read More →