If Blaise Wabo, CPA, had his way when he was younger, he might have been a mechanical engineering major. Now, he says he’s glad that his father, who grew up in poverty but later achieved success as an accountant, offered Wabo and his five siblings a deal: Major in accounting and his father would foot the bill for an international education. 

“We literally had to sign a contract that we’d major in accounting,” Wabo says. “But my father knew from his own experience that accounting was his ticket to success.”

Growing up in Cameroon, hard work was hardwired into Wabo’s DNA, which served him well when he came to the United States to begin his higher education at Grambling State University.

He was committed to majoring in accounting, but almost immediately after arriving on campus, he decided to add computer information systems (CIS) courses after learning more about them via Grambling’s student chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants.

He ultimately graduated in just three years with two undergraduate degrees from two different schools: accounting and computer information systems degrees from Grambling and Louisiana Tech University, taking 21 credit hours every semester while working as a math tutor. “That was my college experience,” he says. “Studying, tutoring, and taking extra classes.”

In the fall 2024 issue of NewsAccount, Wabo describes what he calls a bumpy road to CPA licensure. Three things kept him going throughout his extended exam journey: his faith, his young family, and how much he wanted to make his dad proud. “The day I got my final score, my first call was to my dad. I could tell he was very emotional and proud,” he says

Three years later, Wabo changed course and turned to the tech side of his degree, landing a role at A-LIGN, a CPA firm that creates custom cybersecurity and compliance solutions for its clients. It was the perfect combination to capitalize on both his CPA designation and interest in tech. He has since earned four more certifications – CISA, CITP, CCSK, and CCSFP – “but the CPA has always put me forward,” he says.

Check out the fall issue of NewsAccount for more on Wabo’s licensure journey, the unique path that his career has taken, and the encouraging advice that he’d offer to those who are struggling to find their footing on the road to CPA licensure.

Has your CPA designation taken you down an unusual career path? Do you have a unique hobby, interest, or side gig that’s become a passion? CPAs do all kinds of interesting things both professionally and personally, and we’d love to shine the spotlight on members' unique endeavors. Please email Kelli Davis to indicate your interest in being interviewed for a NewsAccount article or to let us know of a fellow COCPA member who has a story to tell.