CPA of Ohio: Joe Bernstein

What do you like to do outside of work?   

I love to run. I've found one of the ways that I'm able to deal with stress is through running or just working out in general. Running longer distances outside allows me to think through problems and relax when things get stressful. Last year, I ran the Cleveland and the Columbus Marathons and then the Pittsburgh Marathon this spring. Running and working out take up a good portion of my time outside of work, but I also love to spend time with family. Another thing I love is podcasts - anything baseball related is right down my alley. Listening to podcasts or watching baseball games at night while working is usually part of my typical weekday. 

 What is a moment in your life that you are proud of?   

I'd have to say one of my most proud moments was when I found out I had passed all the CPA exams on the first try. I was in COVID quarantine when I found out I passed the last one, so I was glad I wasn't going to have to wait for quarantine to be over to retest. I remember finding out the results of the last exam and being so happy that I had gotten through it on my first attempt because my mom, being one of my biggest role models, had also gotten through the exams on the first try. It was something that really meant a lot to me, that I was able to get through them on my first attempt, the same as she did. It also meant a lot to me because of all the hard work I had put into passing them; I was working full-time and taking classes to finish my master's at Cleveland State while I was studying. It's easily one of the things I am most proud of.