By Stefania DeMarco, CPA

As CPAs, we are no strangers to high expectations and rigorous demands. Despite your qualifications and achievements, do you sometimes feel like an imposter in your own career? This common experience, known as imposter syndrome, is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud."

Recently, I had an opportunity to speak on a panel for the CBIZ Young Professional Employee Resource Group about this very issue. This experience underscored the importance of addressing the challenges of imposter syndrome.

Key Themes from the Panel

Imposter syndrome can manifest in various ways, such as attributing your success to luck, downplaying your achievements, or fearing that you will be "found out" as incompetent. For CPAs, these feelings can be exacerbated by the profession's persistent emphasis on precision, compliance, and continual learning.

During the CBIZ Young Professional Employee Resource Group panel, I shared my journey and the struggles I faced with imposter syndrome. Our discussions on my and the other panelists’ personal journeys and struggles with imposter syndrome revealed a common thread among those in attendance. Here are several key points:

• Normalization: Many CPAs and other professionals experience imposter syndrome, and it’s crucial to normalize these feelings. Knowing that you are not alone in experiencing those feelings can be incredibly reassuring.
• Open Discussions: Creating a safe space to discuss these feelings helps to mitigate their impact. Whether it's through panels, mentorship programs, or informal conversations, openness is key.
• Support Systems: Having a robust support system or community, both within and outside the workplace, can provide the necessary encouragement and perspective needed to overcome self-doubt.

It became clear as the conversation continued that these types of stories and journeys are often willingly and commonly shared by firm leaders.

Does the CPA Credential Make Imposter Syndrome Go Away?

One of the most significant milestones in an accountant’s career is earning the CPA credential. We work tirelessly, sacrificing personal time on top of long work hours to achieve this goal. But once we have those three fantastic letters after our name, shouldn’t any feelings of imposter syndrome go away?

The answer, for many, is not entirely. While earning the CPA credential is a monumental achievement that should instill a sense of pride, confidence, and accomplishment, it doesn't automatically erase feelings of self-doubt. In fact, it may open new professional practice areas and opportunities that may allow imposter syndrome to creep in even more:

• New Challenges: With the CPA credential comes new responsibilities and challenges. The heightened expectations can sometimes reignite feelings of inadequacy.
• Continuous Learning: The accounting profession and holding a CPA license require ongoing education and adaptation to new regulations and standards. The need to stay updated can perpetuate feelings of not knowing enough.
• Comparisons: In a field with many high achievers, it's easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you don’t measure up, despite your credentials.

Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is pervasive in public accounting, but it doesn’t have to define your career. By acknowledging these feelings, engaging in open discussions, and using available support systems, you can navigate these challenges more effectively.

Speaking on the CBIZ Young Professional Employee Resource Group panel reinforced the importance of addressing imposter syndrome openly. As we continue to support each other in this profession, we can foster a culture of confidence and resilience. Based on my experiences and the insights from the panel, here are some strategies that can help CPAs navigate imposter syndrome:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize that imposter syndrome is common. Acknowledging your feelings is the first step towards addressing them.
• Celebrate Achievements: Take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Reflect on your accomplishments and the hard work that led to them. One of my colleagues shared the idea of a “smile file.” Keep a file (paper or electronic) of your achievements to refer to when imposter syndrome starts to creep in.
• Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback from peers and mentors can provide a more balanced view of your skills and accomplishments.
• Professional Development: Engage in continuous learning and development. Gaining new skills and knowledge can boost your confidence and reduce feelings of inadequacy.
• Connect with Peers: Build a network of peers who understand the unique challenges of the profession. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly supportive and remind you that you’re not alone in how you feel.

Remember, your journey as a CPA is a testament to your skills, dedication, and hard work. Embrace your achievements and know that you belong in this profession. While earning the CPA credential is a significant milestone, overcoming imposter syndrome requires ongoing self-compassion and support from your community.

Stefania DeMarco, CPA, is national director of business development with CBIZ MHM LLC in West Conshohocken, Pa. She can be reached at SDeMarco@cbiz.com.

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^{Statements of fact and opinion are the authors’ responsibility alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the PICPA's officers or members. The information contained herein does not constitute accounting, legal, or professional advice. For actionable advice, you must engage or consult with a qualified professional.}