I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth (Liz) Burkhalter, CPA and Director of CPA Pipeline at AICPA, on Episode 100 of the CPA Career Paths podcast. From her start as a first-generation college student to becoming a leader focused on growing the CPA pipeline, Liz’s journey is filled with authenticity, grit, and encouragement for anyone navigating the profession.
Highlights & Takeaways:
- Your first job doesn’t define your future.
- You can switch between public, private, and nonprofit sectors and still thrive.
- CPA exam failure isn’t the end—persistence is the key.
- Seek growth no matter where you work.
- Boundaries, support, and mindset are crucial for long-term success.
Starting with Purpose
Liz’s journey began in high school, where an influential accounting teacher—a CPA himself—sparked her interest in the profession. As a first-gen college student from a single-parent household, Liz took a practical route: community college, then transferring to a four-year university. “I really had to figure out how to get from where I was to where I wanted to be,” she shared.
Public, Private, and Back Again
After interning and landing her first role at a public accounting firm (where she met her now-husband), Liz moved into industry to explore new challenges. She explained, “I enjoy being challenged and learning new things,” and she found that mindset paid off—expanding her skills into fixed asset accounting, shared services, and financial planning.
Her tip: “If you raise your hand and you want to keep learning, those opportunities will roll out.” Public or private, big firm or small—you make the growth happen.
On Work-Life Boundaries and Family
With both Liz and her husband in accounting, boundaries are vital. “It’s not about work-life balance, it’s about work-life integration,” she said. She emphasized prioritizing family and understanding that career paths aren’t one-size-fits-all.
CPA Exam: The Real Talk
Liz passed FAR and BEC on her first try, but REG and AUD were major challenges. “I was an auditor who couldn’t pass the audit section,” she admitted. It took her three tries and she passed her final section with only 20 days left on the clock.
Her advice? “Find your people.” Whether it’s a study group or friends who understand the grind, support is everything. “Once you have those letters after your name, that’s all that matters.”
Actionable Advice:
- Don’t let fear or failure define your journey.
- Explore different paths to find your fit.
- Speak up about what you want to learn.
- Set boundaries that support your personal life.
- Build a supportive community to get through the CPA exam.
Liz’s story is a reminder that the CPA journey isn’t linear—and that’s okay. What matters most is your mindset, your voice, and your vision.
👉 Ready to keep growing? Join my monthly newsletter to get insights, tips, and motivation to thrive in your CPA career. Let’s master this journey together!