[Gryffindor]

Hi guys!

I’m new here. I was wondering what your thoughts are on taking FAR before starting work. How much of the tested material can be learned on the job?

I start at big 4 as an Auditor in January, so I have a month that I plan on dedicating to studying beforehand. I just took REG. Not sure whether to start FAR or BEC.

I know FAR is super hard, but if FAR is something that can be (at least partially) learned on the job, I rather focus on BEC.

Can anyone provide any insight on this?

[spikesrd]

I don't think you'll learn enough on the job in a few short months to help you out on FAR. Actually, I think that studying for FAR would help you on the job more than the other way around. It would take you at least a couple years in an audit role to pick up enough real world experience to the point where it would pay dividends on your exams. Just my opinion though.

“The reward for work well-done is more work.”

BEC - 05/26/2015 77
AUD - 07/27/2015 88
FAR - 08/31/2015 80
REG - 11/30/2015 73, 04/18/2016 80 Done!!!

[fuzyfro89]

You won't learn enough on the job to help you take the exam.

Real work (entry level) is much more basic than anything you see in school or on the CPA exams. A single management assertion (think: accuracy and completeness of Revenue) takes quite a bit of audit work and many selections in order to audit. That's just one item on the CPA exam…

Even if you test 5 full accounts in a quick busy season, it's not going to be a huge help in passing the exam. if you are just trying to choose exam order, I'd choose the order where you can spend enough time on each section while planning around work and personal life. Outside of that, it just requires efficient studying.

[Gryffindor]

Thanks for your help everyone. I really appreciate it.

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