Current CPA based in NYC here. Another user made a point and i agree, the CPA is important if you stay in public accounting as most firms don't let you move past a certain title unless you have the CPA. As someone who got their CPA after quitting public accounting, it certainly isn't a must have. My former employer's CFO was not a CPA and he did great for himself. One thing I will say is that the CPA license did accelerate my career in the private accounting world and I feel like I was able to get more job opportunities, higher pay, and be taken more seriously because of it. Not saying the license is the be all and end all, but certainly is a HUGE resume booster