Okay, let’s tackle this. So John Grogan has a CPA certification from New York State, which is a standard credential for accountants. He also attended Columbia University’s Columbia Business School, which suggests a strong educational background in finance and business. Location is New York, which is a hub for finance and accounting professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors in New York can earn around $80,000-$120,000 per year. Considering his certification and education, I would estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is on the lower end of the scale for experienced accountants in this location.