Should You Start Your Own CPA Firm? 5 Signs It's Time to Make the Leap

Leaving the security of a public accounting job to start your own firm is a big decision. For years, I hesitated, wondering if I was really ready. I had a steady paycheck, familiar routines, and a clear career path - at least, that's what I told myself. But deep down, I knew I wanted something different.

If you've been thinking about starting a CPA firm, you're not alone. Many accountants reach a point where they realize they want more control, flexibility, and financial independence. But how do you know if now is the right time to take the leap?

After making the transition myself, I've identified five key signs that might mean you're ready to start your own CPA firm. If these resonate with you, it might be time to make your move.

 #1 You're Overworked and Burned Out

Public accounting is notorious for long hours, high stress, and never-ending busy seasons. I spent years pushing through long weeks, believing it was just part of the job. But the reality? Burnout isn't a requirement for success - it's a sign something needs to change.

If you find yourself constantly exhausted, missing family events, or struggling to enjoy your work, it might be time to step back and ask:

✅ Am I working more than I want to?

✅ Do I feel undervalued for the effort I put in?

✅ Have I lost passion for accounting because of the workload?

If the answer is yes, starting a CPA firm could give you the freedom to design a practice that works for you - not the other way around.

 #2 You Feel Undervalued and Underpaid

One of the biggest myths in public accounting is that loyalty leads to financial rewards. I believed that for years - until I realized that no matter how much responsibility I took on, my pay didn't reflect my contributions.

Many CPAs in firms generate hundreds of thousands in billable revenue but only take home a small fraction of it. Meanwhile, firm partners reap the rewards.

✅ Have you been passed over for a raise or promotion?

✅ Are you handling work above your pay grade with no recognition?

✅ Do you feel like you could earn more if you were in control of pricing?

When I finally left to start my own firm, I was nervous about making less money. But within two years, I was earning more than I had in public accounting - while working fewer hours.

 #3 You Want More Control Over Your Clients and Services

In traditional firms, you don't always get to choose who you work with or what kind of work you do. When I was in public accounting, I had clients assigned to me, even if they were a bad fit. I also spent time on services I didn't enjoy, simply because the firm needed the work done.

When you start your own CPA firm, you get to decide:

✅ Who you work with

✅ What services you offer

✅ How you structure your engagements

If you're frustrated by being stuck with difficult clients or doing work that doesn't excite you, it might be time to take control and build the practice you actually want.

 #4 You're Hitting a Ceiling in Your Career Growth

For many CPAs, the path to partnership is the only defined career track in a firm. But what if you don't want to wait 10+ years for that opportunity - especially when there's no guarantee of a fair buy-in offer?

In my case, I was offered a partnership position, but after months of waiting, I never received a clear compensation package. That's when I realized that staying wasn't worth it.

If you feel like you're stuck in your current role with no clear path forward, starting a CPA firm allows you to set your own career trajectory - without waiting for someone else's approval.

✅ Have you been in the same role for years with no clear path forward?

✅ Does your firm limit your ability to grow and take on leadership?

✅ Do you feel like you’re capable of running your own practice?

If so, making the leap might be the best way to break through that ceiling.

 #5 You're Excited by the Idea of Running Your Own Business

This is the most important sign of all.

Starting a CPA firm isn't just about leaving a bad job - it's about building something better. And that requires a certain mindset.

✅ Do you feel energized by the idea of working for yourself?

✅ Are you willing to take risks and problem-solve on your own?

✅ Do you enjoy the thought of choosing your own schedule and clients?

If you answered yes, that excitement is a clear indicator that you're ready. Running your own firm is challenging, but it's also one of the most rewarding things you can do as a CPA.

Is Starting a CPA Firm the Right Move for You?

I know how scary it can be to think about leaving a stable job. But looking back, I can confidently say starting a CPA firm was the best career decision I ever made.

If you see yourself in these five signs, it might be time to trust yourself, take the leap, and build the firm you've been dreaming of.

Because the only thing riskier that starting your own CPA firm? Staying in a job that's holding you back.