Brat hit it right on, and soupcxan makes a valid point ... if you haven't come across Sarbanes yet, I assume you are early in your investigation.
Note the salary figures I posted before are after many years of experience ... I've see "CFO's" (i.e. lite) at less than $100K, with the same hours.
Yes, it is tough to become a CPA, as it is tough to become an attorney, doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, etc. ... any "job" paying significant money comes with high expense for education (formal or "street" time), lots of hours, and plenty of risk. That's OK ... the gambles are worth it if you want high returns. It is like, and is investing.
Just be sure there is "enough juice for the squeeze" ...
Thus my recommendation that you investigate PEG's as well. A very smart Board member in my current company said he considered being an investment banker. He saw an article in the WSJ, and noted that investment professionals in PEG's / VC's made more than investment bankers, and worked roughly the same hours. Voila ... if it's the same hours anyway, might as well make more money, no?
Same with CPA's / CFO's ... most work tons of hours, but I seriously question whether there is "enough juice for the squeeze" anymore.
Yes, the CPA route gives you lots of options. But you don't need that if you want to become an investment professional, and the time might ... might ... be better spent getting an MBA from a great school (don't assume you can't afford it ... check on scholarships).
I've been CFO for many companies now, and been a partner in a CFO firm ... I have had stock options pay off on one gig only ... all the others produced no return. And, the one that did pay off didn't generate significant wealth.
But a partner in a PEG gets into many, many deals, buys and sells many companies, and has many swings at bat. Lots of great experience, seeing many different industries, and great upside potential. You are an investment professional, dealing with pre-IPO companies, some of which will become household names.
Sorry to run on, but just wanted you to consider alternatives. You should have time to study, plan and adjust ... you're in a time of R&D, as well as education. Consider your future path as best you can, spend the time and effort to investigate, don't be shy about calling some PEG professionals to discuss that career, and keep your educational choices broad enough to give you the flexibility of different career paths. Your life will take many twists and turns ... ask anyone here, and I suspect they will tell you they encountered quite a few surprises. Makes it exciting.
Best of luck.