From CPA to Detective: Ex-Accountant Troy Hillman on Pivoting to Law Enforcement

The Career Pivot

• 💡 Troy Hillman describes his career change from Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to law enforcement as one of the toughest decisions he's ever made.
• 🎯 Despite a successful accounting career, including winning a silver medal on the CPA exam and a great opportunity with an international firm, he felt it was not his calling.
• 🚀 Hillman had a passion for following clues and aspired to become a detective.

Transferable CPA Skills

• 🧠 Hillman notes that CPA skills like being highly organized and having attention to detail are essential for detective work, especially in cold cases.
• 🔍 Cold case investigations often involve reviewing decades-old files worked on by multiple previous investigators, requiring a fresh set of eyes and the ability to identify what might have been missed.
• 🛠️ His organizational skills were also crucial when he served as a team leader and sergeant, helping to manage and guide his detective team.