Rich Cropper
PwC
Florham Park, NJ
"Whatever path you choose in life, you are rewarded for performing well in it, and it's easier to do well when you are fully invested and genuinely interested in it."
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Rich's work combines: Numbers, Technology, and Building Things
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
International Business/Trade/Commerce
Loughborough University, UK
Graduate Degree
International Business/Trade/Commerce
Loughborough University, UK
Certification
Chartered Accountant
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Certification
CPA
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Accountants and Auditors:
Bachelor's Degree: International Business/Trade/Commerce
Graduate Degree: International Business/Trade/Commerce
Certification: Chartered Accountant
Certification: CPA
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Originally wanted to study politics and philosophy at university, but teachers and family noted I had a natural aptitude for business and so encouraged me to follow that.
2.
My college degree required me to work at a company for one year during my 4 year course, and so I ended up applying for graduate jobs at the age of 19. I joined PwC at 20.
3.
Upon joining PwC I was told I needed to start my accountancy exams (I wasn't aware previously) and I ended up sitting for 9 exams in 12 months. I failed one and had to re-sit during busy season.
4.
After finishing my year at PwC, I had to finish my college education. Once finished, I decided to travel SE Asia/Oceania for a year before returning to PwC to complete my exams and start work.
5.
After completing my exams at PwC in London and gaining experience, I decided I wanted a change and got an opportunity to move internally to Charlotte, NC. Moving was challenging but very rewarding.
6.
After nearly 5 years in the Charlotte, NC office, I got the opportunity to move Florham Park, NJ to work in our National Office and made the move.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Working in public accounting involves challenging hours, busy seasons, and time away from family and friends.
How I responded:
It didn't discourage me because of all the positives that directly relate to my interests—working in teams, solving problems, building processes, helping companies, access to experienced individuals to learn from, no two days being the same, and gaining experience in the financial markets to name but a few. I also believed that if there was a way to reduce the number of hours people work during busy season, I and the company would a find a way to do so, and that has proven out over my tenure.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
As the first person in my family to go to college, there was a lot to learn and it was challenging financially. However, my family always encouraged my education and I found many others in my same situation for support. I set myself a goal to achieve