When you think of cybersecurity, you might picture someone in a dark room tracking down hackers. But Jake Nix, CPA, founder and CEO of RISCPoint, a cybersecurity and compliance company, laughed at that stereotype.

“That’s the persona — hoodie, hacker, and a little bit of angst," he joked. “But most of our time is actually spent in boardrooms helping companies understand the risks and return on investment of cybersecurity.”

Cybersecurity professionals like Nix aren't just technical — they’re strategic business partners who ensure companies are protected and positioned for growth.

As part of our webinar series for aspiring CPAs, Nix spoke with Hunter Richardson, an accounting and computer science student at Georgia Institute of Technology, to discuss a day in the life of a cybersecurity entrepreneur. Here are a few takeaways from their conversation.

CPA licensure paves the way to entrepreneurship

Nix credits much of his success to the foundation built by his CPA license. Starting his career at Ernst & Young and PwC, his CPA license opened unexpected and exciting doors.

“Without the CPA [license], there would be no RISCPoint,” he explained. “It not only got me started, but it’s how we run our business. That rigor and structure [of the accounting profession] put us in a position of strength.”

At RISCPoint, a CPA mindset of precision and critical thinking translates into operational excellence, especially when compared to competitors who may lack the same financial discipline.

Nix is passionate about the credibility and flexibility that a CPA license brings. For students unsure about whether to pursue it, he offers this advice:

“ [The CPA license] is one of the most universally translatable credentials you can have,” he said. “It gives you immediate credibility in any room.”

And while cyber may feel far from debits and credits, the qualities that make someone a great accountant or auditor — curiosity, analytical thinking, trustworthiness — are just as critical in cyber.

Communication is your secret weapon

One surprising takeaway from Nix is that he spends a huge portion of his day writing and presenting.

“People don’t expect it, but writing and clear communication are a big part of the job — especially when you're explaining technical issues to nontechnical audiences.”

Whether it’s a client report, a board presentation, or a team memo, your ability to articulate complex topics can be a career superpower.

Get started in cybersecurity through hands-on learning

Nix recommends hands-on learning, whether through formal education or self-study. Doing any of the following can give you a leg up:

• Getting a minor or dual major in information systems or IT audit
• Earning industry certifications like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CISA, or SOC-related certs
• Learning practical tools like Burp Suite, Kali Linux, and Terraform

And while he said you don’t need to know any coding languages to work in cybersecurity, that knowledge can be incredibly useful for automation and analysis.

If you’re unsure whether cybersecurity is right for you, Nix suggests internships.

“There’s no substitute for real-world experience,” he said. “It shows you what you enjoy and where your strengths lie.”

And for those interested in combining accounting and tech, he recommends diving into cloud tools, scripting, and AI experimentation.

“Get into the technology itself and build something,” he said. “Being hands-on is going to put you light-years ahead of someone who's just reading textbooks.”

You can unlock additional career tips by joining the AICPA as a Student Affiliate Member, which is completely free.

Hear the full conversation between Nix and Richardson by watching the June 25 webinar on a day in the life of a cybersecurity entrepreneur.

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