The Republic of Korea has a capitalistic economy. Most countries have adopted capitalistic economies, and they have created a lot of developments and wealth. Also, there are certified public accountants (CPA) all around the world, and they are known as the guardians of capitalism. In Korea, people who want to be a CPA should pass the CPA examination, which is conducted by the Korea Financial Supervisory Service. After passing the exam, CPAs conduct tax affairs of companies, audits, and management consulting. CBT reporters met Cho Seong-gun, a graduate of CBNU (’86, Dept. of Business), who is not only a CPA but also a CEO for the accounting firm Sunwoo. He told us about the roles and realities of CPAs and advised CBNU students who are interested in finances and accounting as a job. -Ed.


1. As we know, you graduated from the Department of Business in CBNU. What made you become a CPA?

  When I was a middle school student, my big brother’s friend passed the CPA exam and got praised by everyone. Since then, I have been interested in becoming a CPA and have yearned for it.

2. Even though it is known that the Korea CPA examination is hard to pass, you passed the exam in 1993. How long did it take and how did you prepare for the exam?

  I had prepared for the exam since when I was a junior in college after being discharged from military service in March 1991. I passed a preliminary CPA examination in April 1992 and the second-round CPA exam in July 1993. In total, I had prepared for the CPA exam for about two years.
  During the exam preparation period, I had a clear goal and strengthened my mind by thinking that I could pass this exam. Therefore, I devoted myself to my CPA studies. Of course, as few students were preparing for the CPA exam in CBNU at that time, it was difficult to get information about the exam. However, with the motto ‘No Efforts, Fall Behind,’ I did my best, and I devoted myself to a basic examination book rather than relying on private educational institutes.
  After passing a preliminary CPA exam in 1992, I prepared for the second-round exam in July 1992. I was not aware that there were any questions in the section on tax law on the last page, so I submitted an incomplete exam paper. As a result, I failed the second-round exam with a 0.6-point shortage.
  At that time, I was really upset and sad because I knew the failure was because of my terrible mistake. However, as time passed, I thought more positively that the failure was also lucky for me. I decided that I was going to pass the next second-around exam with the highest exam score and to make my mother, who raised one daughter and four sons under hard circumstances, happy. I studied for one more year to pass the second-round exam and passed it with the highest score.

3. For the CBT readers, would you explain in simple terms what a CPA does?

  First of all, there are various things that a CPA works on. In my opinion, work variety among CPAs is the best among specialized jobs. Korea CPAs do a lot of things related to the activities of individuals, corporations, and companies, such as auditing, tax affairs, consultation, calculating public prices like transportation fees and gas fees, and consulting for both M&As and IPOs.

4. Would you tell me your most impressive memory of working as a CPA?

  When one dishonored company applied for recertification to a court, as a CPA, I consulted on every kind of thing for the company. As a result, the court approved the application of recertification, and then the company was able to act as a normal enterprise. It was the most impressive moment for me to feel the satisfaction of helping the company.

5. Many people have selected a CPA as one of the jobs that ensures a high sal  ary and a good work-life balance. As a CPA, what do you think about that?

  I am satisfied with my job. First of all, most of my customers run businesses; therefore, I have enjoyed helping their businesses settle and grow. Also, CPAs can control their work schedule. I used to manage my yearly work schedule and take long trips in certain seasons. The high salary is also a good advantage at this time. However, I think that a CPA license alone won’t ensure a high income for the future generations. When students pass the CPA examination and also have their own expertise, they will get a higher income as compensation. Thus, their effort will be crucial even after passing the examination in the future.

6. Many people have guessed accountants will disappear owing to the Fourth Industrial Revolution in which all processes will be automated. What do you think about this? Also, what do you think about the CPA’s prospects?

  I have heard that certified public accountants and tax accountants will disappear in the future. However, I don’t worry about that so much. Students need to realize that certified public accountants and tax accountants are needed now and that demand for them has been growing. Therefore, if CPAs work their own job now and develop their abilities to cope with the changing job environment, they can take proper action if the occupation disappears or is displaced in the future.

7. Do you have any advice for students who have prepared for a job in accounting or taxation services as a senior at Chungbuk National University?

  I think students should contemplate whether the work fits their aptitudes. If students set   CPA or tax accountant as their goal, then they should focus on the present. Planning too far into the future is difficult for students. Therefore, after setting a long-term objective, students need to plan only short-term goals for a week or a month. Also, I hope they aren’t impatient when they study hard for the examination. The preparations for the examination take a lot of time. I recommend they take care of themselves by taking rests and exercising while preparing for the examination.

8. What is your plan in the future?

  Firstly, as a representative who has a Chungju-based accounting firm, I will provide solutions for small businesses in Chungju and help them to cope with the rapidly changing business environment. Secondly, for developing the local community, I aim to carry out my civic responsibility by donating my talents and a percentage of my income. I have wanted to contribute to society since I was a university student. Now, all members of my firm have participated in various volunteer activities. Finally, if I have a chance, I want to help teenagers in various ways, like lectures or discussions based on my occupational experiences, providing useful information or passing on the wisdom of some of the books I have read.

By Yoo Seong-woo l sw38@cbnu.ac.kr
By Lee So-yoon l sy39@cbnu.ac.kr