Part 6/9:
Conversely, self-employment presents the opportunity to set one’s fees, control workload, and avoid the oppressive demands often associated with firm life. For those with the entrepreneurial spirit, becoming an enrolled agent or starting a small accounting firm can have significant long-term benefits, allowing for a lifestyle that prioritizes family and personal endeavors.
The Gatekeeping Issue
However, challenges remain in the form of intensive gatekeeping within the industry, fueled by increasingly stringent requirements to enter the CPA field. These hurdles—including extensive educational prerequisites and rigorous certification processes—often deter young and disadvantaged individuals from entering the profession.