[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I saw something posted similar to my situation but can’t find the thread so if someone can find it please let me know. I quit my job on 7/4/14 to study for the cpa exam and they cut a teller from branch so I was chosen to transfer. I didn’t want to be transferred to that other location so I opted to quit. However, I was debating on quitting before this happened so it just happened to be perfect timing. My boss and I both agree- I quit to study for the cpa exam 🙂

I took AUD on 7/7 and got a 72 I’m scheduled to take FAR on 8/28 and I don’t feel that prepared about it. Recruiting season is starting in sept/oct. and I’m looking to return to work starting in January- regardless of exam outcomes!

My question is when I’m sitting there and interviewing they will look at my resume and say, so why did you leave your job? My response, currently studying for the cpa exam I’m studying for X section right now. What do I say if they ask what section have you passed? Have you had any success? Is this the first section your studying for? What else did you do over the summer? What can I say to make this conversation go smoothly and possibly not kill my chances of getting a job!!

[Anonymous]

If they ask you why you left your last job, just tell them to study for the CPA exam. I don't think you need to specify which section your're currently studying at that point. If they ask you follow-up questions about the exam, which if it's an interview for an accounting position I'm sure they will, just answer them honestly.

[TNCPA16]

I'd probably say that they asked me to transfer locations, and that wasn't feasible for me, so I decided to take the opportunity to take some time off and focus on the CPA exam. I agree with k917 – don't bring up what section you are studying for or what sections you have already taken, unless they ask (in which case, definitely be honest about it!)

[klink24]

I'd only bring up the fact that I've already taken one if they specifically ask whether you've taken any yet. Otherwise, I'd just say I'm taking FAR 8/28 and plan on taking AUD, REG, then BEC afterward (or whatever order you're planning on taking them). No need for disclosure of facts unnecessarily.

FAR: 4/19/2014 - 85!
AUD: 5/27/2014 - 90!
REG: 7/18/2014 - 81!
BEC: 8/13/2014 - 84!

4 up, 4 down, in 4 months.

Licensed 9/22 in NC.

[Anonymous]

I'd say that you're trying for the CPA is going to be a plus that outweighs the fact that you failed one exam.

And seriously…I'm surrounded by CPAs (work at a firm). Failing at least one exam is par for the course. I know very few people who passed all the first time around. So don't stress the fail. Even better, if you can pass one or two before you start interviewing…then the one fail is pretty much inconsequential.

[Author]

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