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Compliance Director/ Educational Director
Graf Repetti & Co. LLP
New York, NY
In telling you why he recommends becoming a CPA, John Raspante would like to start with one key selling point: “Stability,” he says. “The first six to eight pages of The New York Times jobs section is devoted to accounting jobs.”
As a veteran of well-known firms across the country, John is particularly qualified to speak on the profession. In his current post he’s the office authority on breaking issues in the field. He keeps up with all the major accounting websites and schedules educational programs to learn even more.
Despite all these responsibilities at work, he finds time for lots of activities outside the office, from playing violin and piano to surprising his wife with dinner.
It’s also fulfilling to have such a respected position in the world of business, he points out. “We are the trusted professional,” he says. “And that designation is critical to the flow of the capital markets worldwide.”
So no matter what you want to do, or who you want to do it for, John suggests you prepare yourself with CPA licensure. “You’ll be sought after wherever you go,” he says.
“You will never starve being a CPA. All organizations such as schools, the military and banks will require a CPA at some point. It can open the doors to other occupations such as teaching, IT, financial planning and business valuations.”
Guess that explains the stability he was referring to. How can you be out of a job with so many industries inviting you in?
Years practicing: 26
Best job: Interaction with all members of the firm regarding risk exposures
Hobbies outside of work: Playing piano and violin
Words to live by: “He who cannot forgive destroys the bridge he must someday cross himself.”