From Private to Powerhouse: How Marjorie McPike Built Her CPA Firm from the Ground Up

I had the pleasure of speaking with Marjorie McPike, CPA, on Episode #75 of the podcast. Marjorie is the owner of her own firm based in Southern California, where she specializes in tax services and small business education. Her journey from private industry to launching her own practice is full of valuable insights, bold decisions, and a strong sense of purpose.

Here are some highlights from our conversation:

• Marjorie knew she wanted to be an accountant since high school.
• She worked in private industry before transitioning into public accounting.
• She earned her CPA license to unlock new opportunities and advance her career.
• Her leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t planned—but it was the right move.
• Education is at the heart of everything she does.

A Clear Vision from the Start

“I always loved math,” Marjorie shared. Encouraged by a high school teacher, she chose accounting as her major right from day one in college—no detours, no uncertainty. That clarity laid the foundation for her steady and strategic career growth.

Navigating Private and Public Accounting

Before pursuing her CPA, Marjorie worked full-time in private industry, managing accounting for nursing homes. “I didn’t start college and go straight through. Life happened,” she said. That real-world experience gave her an edge when she eventually stepped into public accounting.

She worked at several small to mid-sized firms, learning everything from estate and trust returns to audits and international tax issues. “At a small firm, you get exposed to everything,” she explained. But the downside? Limited opportunities for promotion and leadership growth.

Why She Became a CPA

“The advancement opportunities,” Marjorie said without hesitation. “You hit a ceiling with just an accounting degree. The CPA opened up new doors for me.” Her story is a strong reminder that credentials matter—and the CPA license is a powerful one.

The Role of Education and Her Master’s Degree

While some debate the necessity of a master’s degree, Marjorie saw it as a way to expand her skills beyond what smaller firms could offer. “You either go to a larger firm or go back to school. I chose the latter.”

Going Solo and Building Her Own Firm

Marjorie didn’t plan to start her own firm. “It just happened. I knew it was time,” she said. Now, four years in, she runs a boutique firm with a team of part-timers and focuses on small business tax and education. Her biggest passion? Helping clients understand their finances.

“I felt there was a whole big world out there that needed to hear what I had to say.”

Actionable Advice from Marjorie

• Don’t wait to be ‘ready.’ Sometimes you have to leap and figure it out as you go.
• Know your goals. A small firm might expose you to everything, but it might not offer upward mobility.
• Never stop learning. Whether through degrees or CPEs, continued growth is key.
• Value your independence. Managing yourself is just as important as managing others.

Final Thoughts

Marjorie’s story proves that your CPA journey doesn’t have to follow a straight path. Whether you’re starting in private, moving into public, or dreaming of launching your own firm, the key is staying intentional and open to growth.

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