Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a CPA didn’t come from textbooks, webinars, or board regulations.
They came from conversations, raw, honest, behind-the-scenes exchanges with other CPAs.
Some failures don’t need to be yours. Struggling alone through what others have already lived, learned, and paid for is not a badge of honor, it’s a preventable loss. Mentorship, coaching, and conversation could spare you what ignorance will gladly charge.
When I launched my own firm, I didn’t have all the answers. I still don’t.
But what kept me from walking blind into traps was the wisdom of CPAs who had been where I was heading. They’d already been audited, already faced tough clients, already survived the kind of situations that can wreck your license or your confidence.
So many things to learn that you will not in your CPA exam study guide. That’s real world, real cost insight.
Too many CPAs isolate themselves. They treat this profession like a solo climb.
But the truth is, you can only see what your angle of the mountain shows you. Other professionals can see blind spots you’re too close to notice.
If you’re early in your career, find a group and stay plugged in.
Facebook groups, Slack channels, state society meetups, niche mastermind communities, it doesn’t matter where, but it does matter who.
Get around CPAs who don’t just do the work, but reflect on it.
Listen more than you speak.
Ask questions that make you uncomfortable.
Share when it feels risky. That’s where the real learning starts.
And if you’re further along? Don’t hoard your knowledge.
Someone is where you were five years ago, and your experience might keep them from a mistake they can’t afford.
Take the following actions:
Join one new CPA community this week.
Post a question.
Share an insight.
Start a conversation.
The right connection at the right moment could save you from a five figure mistake or something worse.
Get set for lesson 8 tomorrow. Don’t miss it.
Book your free 15 minutes clarity session today: 757-977-8911 or email [email protected]
If we haven’t met,
I am Dr. Lilly Mbinglo, CPA,
❤️Daddy YONGKA’s Nyomshiliv,
💃🏾Abakwa’s FINEST and SMARTEST CPA,
💸Tax Strategist and Tax Alchemist Extraordinaire,
👩🏽💼Regent University MBA Professor,
I serve through The Ark NPS, a full-service Accounting Firm, where we provide Accounting services, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Tax Preparation, Planning, Resolution and Consulting, as well as Startup services to Individuals, Businesses and Nonprofits.
Let’s Connect!
#cpa #cpafirm #taxaccountant
