The Next Generation of CPAs

In Robert Colson’s column [“The Next Generation of CPAs,” November 2000], his Step 2 to expand the pool of potential entrants to the profession—“completely rethink the experience requirement”—is a valid point.

I’m in my last year of an undergraduate accounting program at Georgia State University. My first degree was a BA in economics, and I decided on a career change after 10 years in commercial banking. The decision was extremely difficult—mostly due to the experience requirement for the CPA license. I have 10 years of solid work experience and I feel I’m being penalized for it. After graduation, I will have to wait three to five years to be a “true CPA” and command my previous salary. In the long run I will come out ahead but the short-term hurdles are high. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead.

Karla Lynch
Powder Springs, Ga.

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