Serving up advice for those working towards a career as a CPA.
April 2023
Myra Ryan, CPA, CFP, MBA
Financial Advisor
KyCPA member
- Accounting Career Opportunities Committee
- Women's Initiative Task Force
What is your favorite thing about your job?
In all honesty, the relationships I build with my clients. I enjoy working with my clients and being their trusted advisor. I strive to always provide them with guidance, education, and solutions around tax-smart investments, catered to the individual's unique scenario. As that trust builds, so does the relationship. At the risk of sounding cliche, all of my clients are more than just clients, they are genuinely friends that I actively and continually participate in achieving their financial and personal goals.
Where do you think the accounting industry is heading in the future?
As an increasing amount of financial advice becomes more accessible to our clients, I find it is becoming more crucial to help guide clients through the pitfalls of 'one-size-fits-all' financial advice. Incorporating this philosophy into the client relationship offers an opportunity for the future direction of the industry. Viewing clients' tax-specific questions from a holistic perspective provides unprecedented opportunities for client service and relationship-building.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a CPA?
While there are countless, nuanced study approaches and small efficiency tweaks to better learn the material, ultimately, my advice is rather straightforward. Don’t procrastinate - start studying now. Life only gets busier. Invest in yourself, set goals, be intentional, continue to grow, and stay motivated.
What was your educational path?
To meet the required 150 semester hours of education, I decided to combine an undergraduate accounting degree with an MBA. I believe the academic work needed to acquire the technical competence and skills required by today’s CPA is best obtained at the graduate level. Once I met the education requirement, I started studying for the CPA exam while working full-time, ideally attempting to capitalize on the combined professional and educational experience. I tackled FAR first, since statistically that had the lowest pass rate and continued to build upon such foundational understanding with future studying. This compounding approach helped me successfully pass all four parts within the 18 month window.
How have you been involved with KyCPA and what do you like about your involvement?
Being a member allows me to get involved with a variety of committees and outreach programs. I am on the KyCPA Accounting Career Opportunities Committee where I educate students, faculty, and the public about opportunities in the accounting profession. Since being a member, I have attended several colleges and met with students to both promote the benefits of the CPA profession, as well as encourage their personal and professional growth overall. I am also an active student ambassador mentor. My mentee and I meet regularly to discuss how I can assist in their professional growth. Whether helping them with their resume, talking through the different opportunities and challenges unique to the profession, or providing them with advice and guidance, giving back to other aspiring CPAs is truly one of my favorite aspects of the KyCPA community.