Okay, let’s tackle this. So Sarah has 19 years of experience in accounting, which is a significant amount of time. Her certifications, including CPA and CCIFP, also add to her credibility. She’s based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is a mid-sized city. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants in the Des Moines-Waterloo-Cedar Rapids IA-IL metropolitan area have a median salary of around $70,000. However, considering her experience and certifications, she might be able to command a higher rate. Let’s look at some national averages. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the average hourly rate for a CPA is around $100-$150. However, this can vary depending on the location, industry, and level of experience. Given her experience and certifications, I would estimate her rate to be around $125 per hour.