I had the pleasure of speaking with Keith Kenez, CPA, a Tax Manager at AAFCPAs, whose path into accounting is anything but traditional. From leaving high school early to majoring in performance art, Keith didn’t follow the usual route to a CPA license—but his story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start over.
Interview Highlights & Takeaways:
- Keith started college at 16, majored in performance art, and worked in retail and IT before discovering accounting in his late 30s.
- He entered recovery at 32, sparking a period of personal and professional growth.
- At 39, he took his first step toward accounting by joining an H&R Block tax course.
- Despite facing ageism and initial job search struggles, Keith earned a joint MBA/MSA and landed his first CPA job at age 42.
- His advice? It’s about people, not just the work—find those you connect with and don’t be afraid to ask for more opportunities.
Starting Late, Starting Strong
“I didn’t graduate high school, but I’m a CPA,” Keith told me—an opening that instantly set the tone for his remarkable story. After trying everything from cucumber farming to selling records, Keith finally discovered his love for tax through a basic H&R Block course.
“I thought I’d be disappointed, but I loved it. I realized I had an aptitude for tax and for being in school again—19 years after my last class.”
Facing Ageism in the Accounting World
Keith applied to several grad schools but encountered his first dose of age discrimination during interviews. “They didn’t say it out loud, but I could see it in their eyes,” he said. “They weren’t ready to tell a 40-year-old to work 80 hours a week like a 22-year-old associate.”
Instead of giving up, he pivoted to Suffolk University and finished a full-time MBA/MSA program in 20 months—without an internship. That choice came with challenges, especially landing a first job without recent experience.
The Interview Game-Changer
After several failed interviews, a hiring manager gave Keith feedback that changed everything. “He told me, you’re interviewing like you want to be a partner, not an associate. Just show them you can do the work.”
That simple shift in mindset helped Keith land a role at Marcum LLP. There, he worked across tax areas and found his groove by aligning with colleagues he respected: “It wasn’t about the work—it was about the people.”
Embracing the Multigenerational Team
At Marcum, Keith worked with people much younger than him. Instead of letting age be a barrier, he built genuine connections: “Your first coworkers are like litter mates—I’m still in touch with many of them today.”
His final advice? “Seek out people you click with. Let them know you enjoy working with them and ask for more.”
Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a major career change, Keith’s story is a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to pursue your CPA journey.
👉 Join my monthly newsletter to get real stories and actionable advice to help you thrive in your own accounting path. Don’t miss out—your future self will thank you.