Can I get a job with CPA certificate only? This is one of the most popular questions CPA students ask. To avoid being mean and dishonest with my answer, I would say yes.
It’ is not always that when one holds a business related degree he will automatically secure employment ahead of an individual with CPA qualification only. Kenyan employers are clever nowadays. They know that most of the students who graduate from local universities as degree holders are half baked. In a fair ground, they go for CPA holders because they understand how tough it is to pursue the course to the end. In Kenya, completing a Bsc in Commerce is easier than undertaking CPA, which is the reason CPA holders are more valued than undergraduate degree holders.
I have seen in many occasions, Assistant Accountant, Cashier and Finance Assistant jobs target CPA holders. Many job adverts, if not all, demand that an individual be a CPA holder plus zero or one year of experience. When you notice a job vacancy of this nature not mentioning undergraduate qualification, know that a degree holder is not needed.
In our modern society there are millions of Kenyans who are jobless, including CPA holders. I mostly advise Kenyans who are pursuing CPA not to stop at that. The moment you join college for the program, pursue Pastel or SAGE accounting packages, then be proficient in Excel and Microsoft Word. These are the basic skills employers in Kenya demand from job seekers.
After you have completed your CPA, join ICPAK.At the end of the day, your CV will be decorated with main qualifications showing:
- CPA (K)
- ICPAK
- Accounting Packages:Pastel,SAGE
- IT Proficient
If an employer was interested in recruiting a CPA holder, chances are that you will be his first priority.
For you to increase chances of getting a job, you have to move to areas where job opportunities are plenty, by default Nairobi is the best location. You should also drop blind applications, and create connections through your friends.
