From Golf Dreams to CPA Impact: Marcus Rien on Carving an Unconventional Path in Accounting

Highlights and Takeaways

Pivoted from golf course management to accounting thanks to an inspiring professor
Skipped public accounting early on to help with his family business and jump into private industry
Built reporting systems and took on controller responsibilities at a young age
Gained insights in both large corporations and small nonprofits
Embraced entrepreneurship and now runs his own CFO consulting practice
Advocates for CPA retention and supports the pipeline with a broader vision for the profession

I Had the Pleasure of Speaking With Marcus Rien

In this special episode of CPA Career Paths, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marcus Rien, a dynamic fractional CFO and COO who’s taken an unconventional route through the accounting world. From helping his parents grow their retail business to advising companies across sectors, Marcus shares how curiosity and courage shaped a fulfilling CPA career.

Starting With Passion and Purpose

Marcus didn’t set out to become a CPA. In fact, he began college aiming for a career in golf course management—until a professor gave him a nudge:

“If you’d like to make a lot of money someday, work your butt off for four years, get your CPA license, and you’ll do just that.”

That advice changed everything. After graduation, instead of diving into public accounting, Marcus helped his parents’ small business before launching into private industry.

Key Wins Early On:

Streamlined a 120-page quarterly report to 15 clear, actionable pages
Migrated legacy systems and introduced reporting efficiencies
Gained autonomy and built a strong foundation for future leadership

Fast-Tracking Leadership in Private Industry

Marcus quickly took on high-responsibility roles, becoming a senior accountant/analyst at Marsden Services. There, he oversaw multiple subsidiaries and consolidated financial reporting.

“I was basically a pseudo-controller at a very young age—which meant I got to influence how management looked at the business, not just report on it.”

Beyond work, Marcus embraced the move to Minneapolis with energy—building friendships through sports and networking.

From Public Accounting to Purpose-Driven Work

Looking for new challenges, Marcus joined BDO’s advisory practice. While the hours were long, the exposure was invaluable.

👀 At BDO, He Gained:

Experience across advisory, tax, and assurance
Skills in client-facing environments
A deeper appreciation for public accounting’s broad industry exposure

Despite that, his passion led him back to private industry—this time helping launch a renewable energy startup.

“I got to build everything from scratch—HR, benefits, payroll, accounting systems. I had full autonomy.”

Entrepreneurship and Giving Back to the Profession

After three years helping build a successful startup, Marcus launched his own consulting firm. But his mission doesn’t stop at running a business—he’s committed to improving the accounting profession itself.

“I want to help CPAs stay in the profession. Our license is so important—not just to companies, but to our local communities and the broader economy.”

Actionable Advice From Marcus

Stay curious and ask why things are done a certain way
Don’t shy away from non-traditional career moves
Build your network—you never know where it will take you
Try public accounting—even briefly—to gain well-rounded experience
Reflect on how you can give back to the profession

Want More CPA Career Insights Like This?

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