Father of Four Pursues CPA Through DCE's Applied Accounting Certificate Program

By the DCE Content Team

Alex Amed has a lot of real-world experience to share. As a self-employed business owner and father of four, he has managed his own accounting firm for years. Now he’s earning a credential to match his skills. Alex is a nontraditional learner in the best sense—a working professional who chose UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education's (DCE) Applied Accounting Certificate Program because it fits the life he’s already built. His story is a great example of what’s possible when a dedicated, motivated learner finds a program built to support them.

Tell us a little about yourself. What was life and work looking like before you enrolled, and what goals were you hoping to achieve?

My name is Alex Amed. I'm 54 years old and self-employed. I'm married with four children—three sons, ages 25, 19, and 13, and a daughter, 23, who is married with one child. In 2014, I moved from Michigan to Orange County, California, seeking a better quality of life and education for my children, and, admittedly, a break from the harsh Michigan winters after more than 20 years there.

I own multiple businesses, including an exporting company that has been operating since 1995, through which I export recycled merchandise to various countries. I originally studied International Business Relations in college before switching to accounting and earning an associate degree. When my exporting business hit some difficulties, I decided to explore accounting more seriously. I took a taxation course with H&R Block and worked with them for two tax seasons, in 2003 and 2004, while studying more advanced coursework. In 2005, I opened my own accounting firm and built it from the ground up.

My biggest challenge was that I wasn't yet a CPA. Between my demanding work and travel schedule and caring for my family, I couldn't pursue the certification, so I kept the firm at a manageable scale, around 200 individual clients and 15 businesses I maintain year-round. Staying current is essential in this field, since tax laws and regulations are always changing. When I moved to California in 2014, I kept my firm's office in Michigan, where my client base was, and continued traveling back and forth each tax season. I didn't expand the business further for two reasons: I wasn't a CPA, so I didn't feel confident scaling up, and my exporting company was thriving and kept me busy.

What was happening in your career that made you realize something needed to change, and was there a specific moment that pushed you to take action?

Starting in 2019, my exporting business began facing serious challenges. I initially assumed the downturn was temporary and that the market would recover, but it didn't. That's when I started seriously considering expanding my accounting business, a field I genuinely love and feel passionate about, both for the work itself and for the financial stability it could offer my family. I explored courses at other institutions, but the formats weren't the right fit—one required in-person attendance that was difficult to manage consistently given my travel schedule, and another used an accelerated four-week course cycle that was more intensive than I could handle at the time. Still, I kept coming back to the same realization: with my business facing real challenges, it was time to pursue greater financial independence.

With so many learning options available, what made you choose this program?

I had always hoped to take classes at UCI. I'd heard so much about the university and hoped to one day study there or explore a degree program. Then, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across the Applied Accounting Certificate Program, fully online, with a pathway to sit for the CPA exam upon completion. I knew immediately that this was my moment to seize. The program follows a traditional quarter-based schedule rather than an accelerated one, and being fully online gave me the flexibility to work it around my career. I started with one course per semester to see how it would feel, and the program has been so well designed for working professionals with families that I've now registered for two courses in fall 2026, putting me on track to finish within the next two years.

Was there a course, instructor, or lesson that had a particularly meaningful impact on you, and can you share an example of something you learned that you were able to apply right away?

My academic advisor has been fantastic throughout this journey, offering excellent guidance in choosing the right courses. I've already completed Financial Accounting and Management Accounting, and I'm currently taking Accounting in Business and Individual Federal Income Taxation. I've been impressed with all of my courses and instructors. Even just two weeks into Federal Taxation, it's already serving as a valuable refresher for my tax preparation work. I'm gaining a deeper understanding of the laws and regulations, how our tax system originated, and how it has evolved over time—insights I know will directly benefit me during the upcoming tax season.

Many learners are balancing work, family, and other commitments. How did you make time for your studies, and what kept you motivated?

I originally hoped my children would pursue medical school, but after a few years of college, my oldest son decided to switch to accounting and pursue a Master's in Accountancy on his way to becoming a CPA. My younger son, 19, is currently attending college and also hopes to build a career in accounting alongside his brother. Seeing that gave me both a wonderful opportunity and a strong motivation to become a CPA myself, so that one day we can grow the firm together as a family. That's been my driving force. The program's structure has made it possible to balance everything: I focus on my business during weekdays, and I reserve my evenings and weekends for studying. So far, it's worked well. Being self-employed also helps, since I have employees I can rely on to manage tasks for my other business, which frees up time for my education.

Since starting the program, what has changed for you professionally, such as a new role, responsibilities, confidence, or opportunities?

The biggest change has been a real boost in confidence. Realizing that my long-held goal of becoming a CPA is finally within reach has been incredibly exciting.

How has this experience shaped where you want to go next in your career?

This experience has opened doors I've always wanted to walk through. I'm grateful to the program for giving me the chance to pursue this goal while balancing my professional and personal responsibilities.

Why do you think continuing to learn is so important?

Education, and the drive to keep learning, has always been an integral part of my life, and that hasn't changed. I believe that no matter our age or how many responsibilities we carry, we should always be learning new things and building new skills, especially in today’s fast-moving world. Knowledge is advancing so quickly that if we don't keep pace, we risk being left behind. We have to seize every opportunity available to us. My goal is to go beyond this certificate and continue toward higher studies. Completing this program is my short-term goal, and I hope it will lead to an even bigger one.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Goals

Alex's story is still unfolding. Yours is, too. He began this program with 30 years of real-world experience, and DCE helped turn that experience into a credential, which he’s still pursuing.

We are here to help you where you are, build on the foundation you have, and help take you where you want to go. Your life experience is part of your education. Connect with one of our enrollment coaches today and take the first step toward your next goal.