Serving up advice for those working towards a career as a CPA.
April 2024
Nick Reynolds, CPA
Assurance Manager
Dean Dorton
KyCPA member
What is your favorite thing about your current position?
My favorite part of my job is acting as an advisor to my clients and working with them to help their organizations achieve their goals. It is rewarding knowing that clients see you as a trusted advisor. I have thoroughly enjoyed building personal relationships with clients and it is exciting working with businesses and organizations that have long been a part of the community that I grew up in and still live in.
What reasons would you provide to encourage others to become a CPA?
Being a CPA involves continuously learning and adapting to an environment that is constantly changing. You can and will learn something new almost every day. I have learned that there is never a dull moment as an auditor, and that keeps the job exciting and engaging.
What attributes, skills are good to have as a CPA?
Being a good communicator and developing good communication skills is very important. You are constantly communicating with clients, colleagues, etc. and it is important to develop these skills and to keep developing your skills to make sure that your communication is effective and timely. I think good organizational skills are also very important to have. As an audit manager, you are constantly juggling multiple engagements and various responsibilities. Being able to stay on top of everything and meeting the necessary deadlines and commitments is an essential part of your job.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a CPA?
The best advice that I can give would be to start studying as soon as possible. I put off studying for the CPA exam until later in my career and it was extremely difficult to complete, as your professional responsibilities within your organization will only increase with time, as well as your life outside of work. There are so many incentives to completing your exam early in your career. Most firms offer bonus programs and even alternative working schedules, as they understand the importance of you passing the exam.
What was your educational path and why?
I went to the University of Louisville and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor's Degree in Equine Business. I began interning with Dean Dorton in Louisville during my junior and senior years, and ultimately joined the firm full time after graduation, where I still am today and have had a great career. I think it is very important to get the "real-world" experience while you are still in college to help you determine your career path. There are usually plenty of accounting internships available, and I would encourage anyone considering becoming a CPA to take advantage of these opportunities.