In episodes #50 & #51 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the honor of hosting Calvin Harris Jr., CPA, CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA). Calvin’s inspiring journey from a high school bookkeeping class to leading one of the nation’s most prestigious CPA societies offers invaluable lessons for young professionals in the accounting profession. Below, I’ve distilled some of the key takeaways from our engaging conversation with Calvin, providing actionable advice for aspiring CPAs and seasoned professionals alike.
The Early Inspiration: A Childhood Spark
Calvin’s journey into accounting began at home. His late mother, a high school bookkeeping teacher, introduced him to the world of double-entry accounting. Here’s what we can learn from his story:
- Engage Early: Exposure to accounting concepts during childhood set the stage for Calvin’s career. As Calvin put it, “I enjoyed the problem solving. It was about making numbers and money make sense.”
- Problem Solving Matters: Calvin found joy in balancing books, viewing it as a problem-solving challenge rather than mere number crunching.
- Follow Your Curiosity: Let your interests guide you. For Calvin, the integration of math, money, and business led him to pursue accounting as a career.
Why Choose Accounting Over Finance?
When deciding between accounting and finance, Calvin chose accounting for its broader career opportunities. Key reasons include:
- Leadership Potential: “I remember reading that more CEOs had accounting backgrounds than other business majors,” Calvin shared.
- Comprehensive Exposure: Accounting studies often include finance, marketing, and business management courses, providing a well-rounded education.
- Passion Alignment: Calvin’s love for the discipline of accounting solidified his choice.
Actionable Advice: Research your career options thoroughly. Consider long-term opportunities, not just initial job prospects.
The Transition from College to Career
Starting his career in public accounting, Calvin’s first role as an auditor at Arthur Andersen offered significant learning opportunities. Key insights include:
- Practical Application: College courses prepared him well for real-world scenarios. “I found it interesting how much of what I learned in college immediately showed up in work,” Calvin noted.
- Embrace Teamwork: Audit roles demand collaboration, a skill Calvin refined and valued over time.
- Be Open to Growth: Starting out can be intimidating, but resilience and adaptability are key.
Actionable Advice: Seek internships and mentorships to ease the transition from academia to the professional world.
Lessons in Leadership: From Controller to CEO
Calvin’s path to leadership was marked by pivotal moments and lessons:
- Understand Your Role: Transitioning from a controller to a CFO, Calvin learned to focus on broader organizational goals rather than granular details. “I was thinking like a controller when I needed to think like a CFO,” he reflected.
- Accept Constructive Feedback: Honest advice from a colleague helped him adjust his leadership style and succeed in his role. “A colleague said, ‘Calvin, this isn’t going well because you’re acting like my peer, not my boss,’ and it was the wake-up call I needed.”
- Delegate Effectively: Recognizing the need for a strong support team enabled Calvin to lead more effectively.
Actionable Advice: Cultivate self-awareness and be open to learning from your peers and team members.
The Value of the CPA Credential
Calvin emphasized the lifelong benefits of earning a CPA designation:
- Unmatched Credibility: “As a CPA, you’re considered an expert in business, right or wrong.”
- Global Recognition: CPAs are sought after worldwide, underscoring the designation’s prestige.
- Career Flexibility: From auditing to CFO roles, the CPA offers diverse career paths.
Actionable Advice: While the journey to becoming a CPA is challenging, the long-term rewards far outweigh the effort.
Balancing Passion and Profession
Despite a demanding role, Calvin finds time to pursue personal passions, such as running marathons. Here’s how he achieves balance:
- Work-Life Integration: Calvin believes in integrating personal interests with professional commitments. “Running helps me decompress and makes me a better leader,” he said.
- Stress Relief Through Hobbies: Running helps him decompress and maintain focus.
- Efficient Time Management: Prioritize tasks to make room for personal pursuits.
Actionable Advice: Identify activities that recharge you and make them a non-negotiable part of your routine.
The Future of the Accounting Profession
Calvin shared his thoughts on the evolving role of CPAs:
- Technology’s Impact: “AI will change accounting, but the profession will always exist,” Calvin stated confidently.
- Relevance Is Key: CPAs must adapt to new industries and challenges, from digital assets to sustainability reporting.
- Engagement Matters: “Even if you’ve been a CPA for one year, your voice is critical for shaping the future of the profession.”
Actionable Advice: Stay informed about industry trends and participate in professional organizations to remain relevant.
Final Words of Wisdom
Calvin’s parting advice to young professionals is simple yet powerful: “When in doubt, do it.” Taking calculated risks and seizing opportunities often lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t hesitate to try new things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
- Hard work and good fortune often go hand in hand.
- Believe in your abilities and be open to learning from every experience.
Calvin Harris Jr.’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and passion. Whether you’re just starting out in your accounting career or aiming for leadership roles, his insights offer a roadmap for success. Remember, the CPA profession is not just about numbers—it’s about making an impact, leading with integrity, and continuously growing.
Ready to start your CPA journey? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more expert tips and advice to master your CPA journey! Let’s grow the profession together!