Susan Keiser

What do like about your job or what are your favorite things about your job?

I like the fact that I have experienced a great deal of mobility and opportunity in my current position. I am in a senior management role where I have a lot of autonomy. The work that I do is significant in that it is used by management as a strategic management tool as well as supporting the public disclosure required of the Firm. This is particularly important in today’s environment of increased emphasis on accurate and timely financial reporting. The role of the CPA has really come to the forefront of finance and public awareness. This is great opportunity for the profession to make a positive contribution.

What do you know now about being a CPA that you wish you knew before?

Being a CPA is much more than simply being a number cruncher. The days of the nerdy guy with the green visor and adding machine are long gone. Being a CPA is about being a business partner and advisor to our clients, both internal and external. In this environment, they are looking to us as professionals more than ever for timely and accurate advice . The more that one can learn about the business they are involved in, the more value he or she can add.

What advice would you give those considering becoming a CPA?

• If you have the opportunity, take a working internship while you are still in school. It will give you the opportunity to see what you are getting into first hand. In addition, it will be a positive attribute on your resume as you compete for your first job.


• If you are considering a career in Finance, get the CPA. Having this designation will typically afford one greater respect and consideration in the finance world, as well as the potential for a greater level of compensation than a non-CPA.


• Get the CPA exam behind you as soon as possible. It is much easier to focus on your career when you are not having to prepare for this test. My advice is to sit for all of it as soon as possible upon graduation. Even if you don’t pass it all the first time, it gives you a great opportunity to see what the exam entails. You will realize that it is definitely passable. This in itself can ease what can be a significant psychological barrier associated with the test.


• I would recommend spending a few years in public accounting, particularly if you are interested in pursuing a career in core accounting and/or financial reporting. You just can’t beat the experience, and it is a great resume builder. If you don’t want to go the public accounting route, consider applying for a position in one of the major private industry management programs. Both GE and JPMorgan Chase have these programs and my experience with those individuals in both companies was very positive. Such a program gives you an opportunity analogous to the public accounting experience where one has the opportunity to work in rotations among the various businesses within the firm.