[thechapman]

From what I have seen so far at work, the big 4 (or at least mine) only care about you passing the exams. If you are in public and not signing audit opinions, is there any real advantage to applying for your license just yet? As an associate, it seems like applying as soon as you have your 1 year of work experience just means you have to start CPE and paying fees earlier than necessary. Any thoughts on this? I have passed the exam and will have the year of work experience in the next six months, but I don’t really see the point in rushing into it if all it’s going to get me is an extra year of paying fees and doing CPE. Any opinions are appreciated.

Passed - 2014

[Anonymous]

Your firm doesn't pay for/reimburse CPE and membership fees?

[thechapman]

Yes they do. I guess my real question is there any advantage to doing it as soon as I have my year of experience even if I'm still in public? Seems like there's no benefit until you leave

Passed - 2014

[Anonymous]

Silly question. Get it now. It DOES make a difference when u leave – never know when you'll need it.

[hunter32]

Get it. Just wait until someone who's not really good at their job gets promoted over you because they have it and you don't…

BEC - 80 (Becker)
AUD - 92 (Becker+NINJA MCQ)
FAR - 87 (Becker+NINJA MCQ)
REG - 90 (Becker+NINJA MCQ and Audio)

[Anonymous]

Your job opportunities and your asking price will increase if you have the license.

[MydnightDarkfyre]

Consider how tragic it would be if something happens and you are laid off and then you have no one to sign off on your experience…

Get it now. In my public firm you are spoon-fed CPE credits in the form of a new training class every few weeks and they pay for licensure. You would actually really have to *try* not to be able to keep your licensing requirements up to date…

FAR: 82 (Becker) 07/09/2014
AUD: 80 (Becker) 10/01/2014
BEC: 76 (Becker) 11/26/2014
REG: 82 (Becker) 02/16/2015

GA Licensed CPA 8/7/2015

CISA: 564 (PASSED) 6/11/2016 - Certification pending

[acamp]

Get it done. As mentioned, you never know what might happen in the future, say you get laid off or some awesome opportunity presents itself and you leave, while they should still sign your experience even if you were no longer with the firm, it will be easier while you are still employed.

As for CPE, my regular firm required CPE satisfied all the hours, so really, maintaining the license is not difficult.

And wouldn't you rather have CPA since 2015 instead of CPA since 2017? LOL

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[y_u_no_pass]

Seriously don't you want your license? It has been a goal of mine for years and I was so excited to be licensed. And public is where you need your license, at least in audit. Anyway congrats on passing, and get it asap!

Florida CPA!
Took final exam 2/25/15.
Sent in Application 3/12/15.
Issued License 3/20/15.
Used CPA Excel solely for all exams.

[Author]

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