Peanut's got a phone interview with a Big 4

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Peanut's got a phone interview with a Big 4

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Started 4 months ago by Peanut
Latest reply from yankeeaccountant

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Peanut

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Since the end of November I have been trying to get into a Big 4. I was referred by a friend, of a friend type of deal. They contacted me once in December asking me to complete my "online profile." When I didn't hear back for over a month I started to lose hope, and started to contact recruiters in my area. BUT they just contacted me for a phone interview that will take place in a couple of weeks! If I get my foot in the door, I can nail an interview---in person. I've never really done a phone interview. I'm very personable, but this is a little nerve wracking! Any advice my fellow CPA family has is much appreciated!!!

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79
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Posted 4 months ago #
mla1169

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you go peanut!!! woohoo!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

If I can do this, YOU can do this! Hang in there :)

Posted 4 months ago #
bcc624

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Few Qs if you dont mind; trying to find the appropriate position I should have a friend refer me to.

Do you have prior public accounting experience - or would this be your first?

What firm & job title is the interview for?

AUD - 92
REG - 84
BEC - 85
FAR- 90

Posted 4 months ago #
Marivy22

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Way to go!!!

My suggestions....
1. Since they usually call using the speaker phone (they will make notes during the interview) make sure that you are in a quiet place, no echo, and with good reception (if using your cell phone).
2. Relax during your interview, phone interviews can be either intense or very superficial; they are trying to get a feel of you before bringing you to the office for a half day interview process.

AUD – 8/15/11 79!!!!
FAR – 11/7/11 74 1/16/12 81!!!! Thanks GOD!!!!
BEC – 2/19/12 80!!!
REG - 4/29/12 70 :(

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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Thanks guys!

@c0llister, I only have 1 year of experience at a large company in NYC. My GPA is a 3.8. I have no public accounting experience. The firm is EY. I'm not sure of the title of the position, I was just generally applying to see where they could fit me in. Since I am so young, and have little experience I'll take anything, ya know? Although, I really wouldn't want to go into tax :( hence...my scores below.. LOL

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 4 months ago #
jenuno01

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way to go @Peanut! I had to do a phone interview for my current job as well, it was my first time having a phone interview so I was a bit nervous. One of my college professors suggested what seemed a very silly thing to do at the time: do the interview in front of a mirror...Although I thought it was dumb, I took the advice and stood in front of a full-body mirror during the phone call... and I was amazed at how much confidence that gave me.. idk why but seeing my facial expressions gave me a sense of security... I also walked around the room during the call...Oh AND I dressed up for it LOL...It just made me feel in full interview mode GOOD LUCK

FAR - Done | AUD - Done | BEC - Done | REG - ?

Posted 4 months ago #
CHEF

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STAND UP during the interview it helps project your voice better and you want to sound personable on the other line.

Be able to talk about the experiences on your resume (standard)

I'd say the easily the biggest thing that can make or break your interview are the questions you have. You'll probably be doing your interview with someone in HR so plan your questions accordingly (ie. don't ask techinical questions about the audit process or what kind of software is used for workpapers but focus more on TEAM and work environment questions your interviewer will probably love and be dying to answer).

I've been in public for a couple of months now and let me tell you its not all its cracked up to be so far! HOURS SUCK!

REG on FRIDAY for me!~ AHHH

GOOD LUCK

BEC 78
AUD 71 68 82
REG 68 71 71 79
FAR 65 77

Posted 4 months ago #
yankeeaccountant

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Woohoo Peanut!!!

Nice to get good news. Always puts a little kick in your step for sure. I agree with Chef, stand up while you are speaking, it will help project what you are saying. And Marivy had some great suggestions. I wish I could add, but I am spent, I got nothing......but congrats for ya!!

Posted 4 months ago #
RA.CPA

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I had a phone interview in September with E&Y and it was the first one for a "real" job and it didnt help that it was an audit partner that called me (as opposed to the regular bottom up style). I would recommend you have their website up in front of you and your resume to look at too. From what I remember he asked me something and whether I had seen it on their website or not. I cant remember what it was I just remember freaking out because although I scanned their web I hadn't seen it... needless to say i didnt get a second one... But I am now happily employed by a midtier accounting company so it all worked out :)

FAR - 81 (1/2012)
REG - 5/29/2012
AUD - 2012
BEC - 2012

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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These are all great tips, you guys are awesome! Okay, so I should stand-up, walk around, have a full length mirror, dress up, sound confident, awesome! Ha. I'm going to make sure I write out a ton of questions on a piece of paper, have my resume out, EY's website up. Alright, this sounds do-able. Thanks guys :)

@RA.CPA, you never heard back??

@Yankee, I'm surprised to see you on here, you're like me--we both usually hide out for a few days after an exam-lol. Hope all went well!

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 4 months ago #
misanthrope87

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Congrats Peanut!! I HATE public accounting firms and would never go into a big 4. Just wanna do my 2 years and GTFO. But if you can stand it, more power to you!

B 87
A 90
R 86
F

Posted 4 months ago #
RA.CPA

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@ Peanut - I got an email back two weeks later that I did not make it to the second round... Although I was a little sad, I mostly aimed for midtier anyways so i wasnt too bummed.

FAR - 81 (1/2012)
REG - 5/29/2012
AUD - 2012
BEC - 2012

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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Yeah I know I'm not going to love it. I'm prepared. But it looks very good on your resume. Also, when I hunt for jobs I always see in the qualifications section that they look for "Big 4 experience." If anything, the misery will be a door opener and a learning experience.

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 4 months ago #
yankeeaccountant

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@Peanut,

I know! I came out of the cave early ;)

Sims were an enigma. I am feeling worse about them today. But, going to shake it off and get on REG. I really do think the sims are the wild card. I hardly looked at sims for FAR and BEC and passed, but I have gone over them religiously for Audit and REG and haven't passed .......so here's hoping!!

Best of luck with the interview. BTW, I just got an offer from the client that I have been working with since July. I am really excited about the prospects. Start date will be 3/1, very exciting opportunity. I just have to work out the details. Let's look at the good news we've received recently as a "notice" the tides are changing. Hopefully, this is a "genesis" of sorts since we will be closing the door on these exams finally!!! keep us posted!!!

Posted 4 months ago #
xwingdingx

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@peanut Congrats! EY (NYC) actually recruited me 2 years ago via linkedin and i had a phone interview with them. The recruiter basically just asked me about my experience and what I'm looking for (including salary) so they can figure out which role I'd fit best. If they are interested, they will follow up with an in person interview- that's the one you should be heavily prepped for. Good luck!

AUD 6/24/11- 76
BEC 11/23/11 - 79
FAR 5/30/12 - TBD
REG 1/14/12 - 82

Posted 4 months ago #
pacific1

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Good luck Peanut!!! You would be an asset for any company!

FAR - 5/31

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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@yankeeaccountant, that is great news! The tides ARE changing, here we go 2012. That's a great start date for you, you'll have AUD & REG monsters out of the way.

@xwingdingx, did you except an offer?

@pacific1, Thank you =D

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 4 months ago #
xwingdingx

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@peanut - yes i did. I'm finishing my 2nd year here :)

AUD 6/24/11- 76
BEC 11/23/11 - 79
FAR 5/30/12 - TBD
REG 1/14/12 - 82

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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Give me the dirt xwingdingx !! hahah

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 4 months ago #
xwingdingx

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It's a great work place with a lot of flexibility - I think that's a big reason why ppl stay for so many years. Although the hours are a long during busy season but that also depends on your team and efficiency. I like the ppl at EY too- the culture is just great :)

Do you know what position you are interviewing for? audit or advisory?

AUD 6/24/11- 76
BEC 11/23/11 - 79
FAR 5/30/12 - TBD
REG 1/14/12 - 82

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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@xwingdingx, well thank you, that sounds very positive. I'm not scared of these busy season work hours.. My old job had a very demanding schedule that was not just during busy season, but all year round. I thinkkkk it's an audit position. I hope lol. I didn't really apply for a specific position, since someone referred me. I think the person that referred me mentioned audit to the HR person.

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 4 months ago #
xwingdingx

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@peanut. I see! Well best of luck and if you get an offer you should ask the person who referred you to share the referral bonus lol And if you accept i'd like to welcome you to busy season! wooo!

AUD 6/24/11- 76
BEC 11/23/11 - 79
FAR 5/30/12 - TBD
REG 1/14/12 - 82

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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@xwingdingx, do you think they would throw me into the season? I would be more than willing to, but I have a feeling sometimes they wait-- meaning hire me now, but I wouldn't start until summer. I have seen this before. What do you think? (Ha I mean hypothetically if I get the job)

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 4 months ago #
xwingdingx

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@ peanut nope you'd be joining right now. We are short on ppl (in certain groups). I got an offer within 2 weeks of my phone interview and started within a month.

AUD 6/24/11- 76
BEC 11/23/11 - 79
FAR 5/30/12 - TBD
REG 1/14/12 - 82

Posted 4 months ago #
Peanut

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@xwingdingx, thanks for being so prompt with answering all of my questions, I really appreciate it!

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 4 months ago #
aalkukhun

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:D Good Luck ! I got a Phone interview with a Big 4 firm ... she promised she would call me back :'( She didnt ... neither did she reply to any of my 3 emails ! Lol ! but i wish you the best of luck man ...

Was asked about what industries i had experience in ... and ... if i had any preferences ... cant really remember ... but what i know is ... Do not be Technical unless you know for sure that he or she has experience in Audit or Accounting ... coz my interviewer didn't really know anything about accounting.

Good Luck again ! and wish me the same too :)

AUD 94 (10/03/2011)
FAR 78 (10/10/2011) i Promise to give everyone hugs and support
BEC ?? Feb 13th perhaps ? I was dreaming ! maybe in may ... "Probably Not ! "
REG ?? July ? !
2 Exams Left ... Good Luck All ... Remember ... the more we suffer the better off we get out of it.

Posted 3 months ago #
Peanut

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@aalkukhun thank you!! The interview was yesterday and it went really well. She seems to really like me. She told me "I definitely want you to come in, in these next few weeks to meet with management, even though your start date isn't until August." We talked for over a half hour. I think she liked all the questions I asked. I took advice from here and kept them all HR related. But she kept repeating that I will "absolutely" or "definitely" hear from her very soon, and that if I don't in the next couple of days to not be alarmed she's just a little swamped at work. So that all sounds very promising!! We even joked around a little and laughed on the phone, but then would get right back to business. At first I was a little bummed about the August start date, but she also told me they will not let me start until I have all 150 credits as well. I still need 1 more class, and to pass two more of these exams, I guess it's for the better that I can't start until August! Thanks for all of the support everyone!

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 3 months ago #
Peanut

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@aalkukhun, when was your phone interview? I've heard sometimes you don't hear back for a couple of weeks? Good luck with the Big 4 hunt!! Are you going to try any other Big 4s?

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 3 months ago #
CashMoney10

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Sounds like it went great! Good luck!

FAR - Pass 5/10/12, next

Posted 3 months ago #
bullandre

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Hey Peanut, what type of questions did they ask? Was it all behavioral and how long did it last? My school have a big networking event coming up soon with all the major accounting and financial firms so I want to have an idea of what to expect.

Passed on the 1st try

BEC 87|FAR 86| AUD 88| REG 81

Posted 3 months ago #
Peanut

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@bullandre, the questions were pretty basic. What's your background? Why public accounting? What type of industry would you prefer to audit: Commercial or Financial services. Nothing that really threw me off.

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 3 months ago #
aalkukhun

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@Peanut Dude :D > Great ! Sounds like you did a good job! ... mine was a couple of months ago ... it was in october and she told me that she will put me on her calendar to be contacted like -first thing in January ... She didnt really get to me ... i kinda lost hope ... btw its EY ! and i worked at an international office for them for 8 months ... so ... they should hook me up man ! anyways ... I am applying to offices all over the world man ! yesterday i got 76 e-mails to another big 4 informing me that they received my applications "Lol i hope they don't ignore all my applications for spamming their system" hahaha ... most of them were for internships ! I'm graduating soon and when ur married ... you need a JOB !
:D > I still have hope ! :D > best of luck to you man ... and i should start studying too ! when we get the cpa ... we apply with confidence ...
Dont be pissed that its in august ... youll get ur CPA and work on something else man ! You have very precious time ... and I wish you get it :) .
Update us as you proceed to the big 4 club :P !

AUD 94 (10/03/2011)
FAR 78 (10/10/2011) i Promise to give everyone hugs and support
BEC ?? Feb 13th perhaps ? I was dreaming ! maybe in may ... "Probably Not ! "
REG ?? July ? !
2 Exams Left ... Good Luck All ... Remember ... the more we suffer the better off we get out of it.

Posted 3 months ago #
aalkukhun

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Mine was a Phone screening ... was yours a screening or an interview ? i'd say an interview ...

AUD 94 (10/03/2011)
FAR 78 (10/10/2011) i Promise to give everyone hugs and support
BEC ?? Feb 13th perhaps ? I was dreaming ! maybe in may ... "Probably Not ! "
REG ?? July ? !
2 Exams Left ... Good Luck All ... Remember ... the more we suffer the better off we get out of it.

Posted 3 months ago #
Peanut

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I received an email to come in for the in office interview next week! The email said the interview is to take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. I thought I've heard from some of you that the in offer interview was longer than this?? Any words of wisdom cyber family? :)

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 3 months ago #
Kayla86

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I just caught up on this whole story and wanted to say congrats on getting an in office interview!! That is so exciting!

AUD - 73, 82 7/2010
REG - 79 7/2010
BEC - 72, 74, 78 7/2011
FAR - 66, 83 1/2012 - AND I'M DONE! Best feeling ever.

MN Licensed CPA as of 5/18/12!

Posted 3 months ago #
mcwingnutz

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This was a few years ago, but maybe my interview experience can help out some. I got the impression that the initial interview was to ensure that you are qualified to work there. And the second interview is to make sure that you will fit into the culture. When I went into my final interview, it was down to 4 of us. Out of the 4, there were two that stuck out in terms of experience and education. One worked at KPMG for years, and the other had a 4.0 GPA. Those are the two that didn't get offers. The two of us that did get offers were coming right out of the same college and both had around a 3.4 GPA. But in the final interviews (went through 3-4 different employees), they were mostly concerned about finding out what type of people were were and what our interests were and if we would fit in with the rest of the employees in that office. They had already decided that we were qualified to work there, or they wouldn't have wasted their time with the interviews. This was a different firm (PwC) and was in a small market, so I don't know if this type of interview will be similar to yours or not. And concerning time, my final interview was closer to 3 hours + lunch, but the length of time might have to do with coming right out of college vs. coming out of industry. And also you are interviewing at a very busy time, so 1.5 hours might be all the time they have.

AUD - 71,81
BEC - 78
REG - 81
FAR - 69, 76 and Done!

Posted 3 months ago #
Peanut

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@Kayla86, thank you!

@mcwingnutz, thank you for sharing your experience! That sounds really nerve wracking! I'll be very bummed if I don't get it. Are you still working there?

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 3 months ago #
mcwingnutz

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@Peanut....The final interview was actually less nerve wracking due to what we were talking about. It was more of an informal conversation just about who I am. I do not still work there though. I left for a more regional firm a couple of years ago.

AUD - 71,81
BEC - 78
REG - 81
FAR - 69, 76 and Done!

Posted 3 months ago #
Ashley

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Peanut - I just wanted to say CONGRATS on moving on to an in person interview and good luck!!

P.s. I have wanted to ask, is that pic really you?! :)

FAR ~ 63
AUD ~ 05/31/12
REG ~
BEC ~

Posted 3 months ago #
Peanut

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@mcwingnutz, thanks!

@Ashley, Yes! haha it's me on Halloween with a big ol' fro

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 3 months ago #
Peanut

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Had the in office interview today. It went so well! They called me 3 hours after the interview to offer me a position! Woo hoo!

AUD 59, 72 :( 72 AGAIN :( :(
REG 59, 60, 80
FAR 67, 75
BEC 58, 79

Posted 2 months ago #

11 (katiekanton, jenuno01, AshleyCap, CPATerminator, BaseballCPA, Minimorty, Ashley, jamesblunt69, OnMyWayToCPA, yankeeaccountant, 75)
katiekanton

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YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!

AUD - 88 - using Bisk, and btw, Bob Monette ROCKS
FAR - 90
REG - 85
BEC -
Ethics - 100

Posted 2 months ago #
candothis

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Congrats Peanut!!

Posted 2 months ago #
Jeff - another71.com

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kab00m! Congrats!!!

Become a NINJA:
NINJA Notes
NINJA Audio
Wiley Test Bank

Posted 2 months ago #
jenuno01

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WOW that's awesome!!! And now to find out a passing score on AUD next week and you should the happiest girl alive!! Soo proud of you Peanut!!

FAR - Done | AUD - Done | BEC - Done | REG - ?

Posted 2 months ago #
AshleyCap

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Congrats!!!! : ) :) :)

FAR - 80 (YES!) 10/29/2011
AUD-68 (1/19/2012) time to schedule a retake.... Aug 2012
BEC- 79 halfway there! (4/2/2012)
REG- July 2012

Posted 2 months ago #
CPATerminator

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Oh!! Peanut!! Peanut!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :).....I wish you the best.........I have an interview with PwC 2morrow, but I doubt I will be able to concentrate because the recruiter is so hot...anyways...You rock my friend!!!!!

FAR|2/27/12|PASS
AUD|4/16/12|PASS
BEC|5/31/12|I PROMISE I WILL PASS!!!!

Posted 2 months ago #
CPA Genie

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Bravo!! Good job Peanut! I am proud of you!

AUD - Feb 25, 2012 => Really!! I got 82!! I still can't believe it. I am done!
BEC - Passed
REG - Passed
FAR - Passed
Ethics - Passed with 90% with 2 attempts

I feel like a genie in a bottle, and I can't wait to finish CPA exam so I can get out of the bottle!

Posted 2 months ago #
CPAhopefulTX

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YayPeanut! That's so exciting. You should be very proud of yourself.

AUD(7/7/11)- 82
BEC(8/31/11)- 76
FAR(10/19/11)- 66, (2/11/12)-73, (4/7/12)83
REG(11/30/11)- 78

ALL DONE!

Posted 2 months ago #
BaseballCPA

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YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY PEANUT!!!!! For the record, that's a BIG "yay"...sooo...it's kind of a big deal ;)

REG - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
FAR - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
AUD - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
BEC - PASSED -- 1st Attempt
Ethics - PASSED -- 1st Attempt

Posted 2 months ago #

Peanut's got a phone interview with a Big 4

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