[Must Pass CPA]

Hi everyone,

I am kinda frustrated now since I am taking AUD next month, this is my first CPA test. I am trying to study hard. Let me talk a little bit about my situation. I am working in a Logistics Company with the title of Accounting Assistant. Generally, I work as an bookkeeper, stuffing envelopes, entering bills, issue invoices, etc. However, since I work so hard and fast, my company thinks they should give me more works that worth the salary they are paying me (Not high enough for an accounting), I have to work more in Customer service dept, and the worst thing is I even have to do the scanning which is very bad for an accountant. I graduated Master in Accountancy and now I am taking the CPA exam. I can’t focus while there are too much drama in my work place. There are 2 managers keep pulling me on their side. I have asked some people on A71 about if I should quit job while studying for the test. many people said I can pass all the exams even I work full time. However, they don’t know my job now is not related to accounting. Please give me some advise, I can’t focus in studying now and being so stressed

AUD-SCHEDULED 1/17/15- FIRST TEST
REG-
BEC-
FAR-

[mla1169]

If you dislike your job, then by all means look for another job. But I will tell you, even with a masters AND a CPA license we very often find ourselves doing things like scanning, which is by no means “very bad for an accountant”.

If you feel that you have the qualifications for a more accounting specific job with a higher salary go ahead and get your resume out, it can/t hurt.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Mary 2496]

Personally, I have no choice but to work full-time and be a full-time mom while working my way through the CPA exam. Yes, it is possible.

You say that you can't stay at your job due to the stress and pass the CPA exam. What are your other options? Do you have other options available to you?

@ mla – what is scanning?

[mla1169]

LOL. A lot of companies want all invoices, etc to be scanned on a scanner to PDF versions. Its a really clerical type function but I don't think its “bad” for someone with higher credentials to do it.

If my boss wants to pay me what he pays me to walk his dog, what do I care?

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Mary 2496]

Ah … I didn't relate scanning in this context to scanning documents. Thanks, couldn't figure that one out.

I agree – I'd water the plants, if they're going to pay me a decent wage to do it.

[Must Pass CPA]

I know there are so many people who are tough enough to pass the exam and work full – time at the same time.

@mla1169: are you working as an accountant in public firm? You are a non – reporting CPA so I know you have master degree and pass CPA exams. If you have a job as what I have now, do you still feel good with it? I don't look down on what I am working on because I have been working for almost 1 year. The thing is I am studying for CPA exam, I can't focus in studying so that I am wondering if it's worth to stay with a job like this. I admit that I have a little bit bad emotion so that you think I look down on the job.

@mary2496: Sometimes I have to scan the phones to receive them into the system. This is kind of warehouse job. people get paid minimum wages for this job. And yes, I have another option is that I can quit the job and study for the cpa exam, my husband and my family will support me. The reason why I am not looking for another job is I am about to move to NY next year, now I am in TX.

AUD-SCHEDULED 1/17/15- FIRST TEST
REG-
BEC-
FAR-

[mla1169]

I was an accounting manager for a manufacturing company but left in January. Now I am a finance analyst for a small landscaper close to home. I do “it all” from answering phones to letting the dog out (wasn't kidding about the dog), to taking out the trash.

I like it because I'm out at 4 every day, close to home, and don't have the stress of month end or people reporting to me.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Must Pass CPA]

It's very nice that you are comfortable with the job. As you describe, I would like that job too. Especially, you have the respect while you are working which I don't feel I am having now.My job is totally different. I have to go through security gate every time i am in and out the company (including break time, lunch time), No phone is accepted, Security guard sometimes stops us to scan our body to make sure there is no metal including checking our jackets. It's ok for doing that cuz as I said I have been doing this for almost 1 year. But honestly, do you think it's comfortable?

AUD-SCHEDULED 1/17/15- FIRST TEST
REG-
BEC-
FAR-

[taxman89]

work isnt like school. just because you have your masters and are studying for CPA doesnt mean you are the most important person there. If you are a new hire you are the low rung on the poll..ie you get to do the shit work. btw scanning is common place for anyone now that all the companies want to go to a “paperless environment”. everyone up through manager level in my (tax) dept scans all their crap in regularly…its not “un accountant” like or beneath you….its part of being a contributing employee

that being said, if you dont like your job go find another one. no reason to quit your job to study for this exam…its do-able to do while working.

AUD - 75
BEC - 77
FAR - 78
REG - 82

AUD: 61-67-75 (Thanks ninja aud)
BEC: 77
FAR: 78
REG:69-73-70-82

Aud-75 3x I knew i never liked you
Bec-77 1x being in the bubble is stressful
Reg-82 4x its not me its you...and no we cant be friends
Far-78 1x easiest section

[Herbieherb]

Don't quit until you find a new job. Its a known fact that employers discriminate against the unemployed. Don't voluntarily put yourself in that group…

NEW YORK- DONE

[Sir Study Alot]

@ Must Pass CPA

What is your experience outside your first job? I get the impression that you are not happy at your current status in life, but the reality is there are people with more experience than you who are struggling to find a job. I would not quit that job, because you have been there less than a year and my guess is you have no other exerience. If you have another accounting job on your resume that is more than two years then you might want to consider looking for another job, but your resume in the long run would look better if you kept that job for at least one year preferably two.

A masters of accounting with a CPA makes you look educated(maybe to educated). A masters with no CPA makes you another accountant without a job. You would also not be leaving a job to obtain a CPA license, but to pass the CPA exam. Do you currently have a CPA who is going to sign off on your experience? If not then you may not obtain the actual license that could allow you to apply to higher end jobs. Some of the value of a CPA license is the year of experience working under a certified professional.

I also think you need to be real with yourself. You are not happy because you are not getting paid enough. You also are not happy because the tasks you work on are mundane. To me, it sounds like you are getting paid little because you work on mundane tasks; which means you are probably getting paid the right amount. I passed all of my CPA exams and I would love to have that mundane job. I would sit on it for 2 years and go strait home each day and play video games and drink beer, and not have to worry about a demanding job. Then after 2 years of experience, and a CPA license, I would look for a more demanding staff accounting job and I would have the “stand alone” experience to obtain one. Maybe after 3 years I would be a senior accounting living the dream. Controller in 7 to 10 years. Its not CPA + masters=Controller.

Alot of people are under the misconception that a CPA plus MSA= success. I am here to tell you that its not enough! You need to be liked and you need to work in jobs that abuse you, don't challenge you, and use you like a dog. After all of that degrading work you need to look at your boss and say “Good bye and thank you for eveerything you ever did for me!”. References and length of employment are more important than your masters. Keep your job and feel free to look for another. But two jobs on your resume that are less than a year are a career killer. Paper or Plastic?, unless your in California where plastic bags are being banned.

Passed all 4 exams in 2014!

[Must Pass CPA]

@ Sir Study Alot, Thank you so much for your advice, you probably understand my situation very well. As you said, I shouldn't have 2 job in a year, therefore, I am still here, working on this boring job. Again, thank you so much for giving me some useful advises.

AUD-SCHEDULED 1/17/15- FIRST TEST
REG-
BEC-
FAR-

[Mamabear]

I would LOVE to do bank recs or scanning or filing all day while studying for the CPA. I take work stress home with me at night because of the level of responsibility. I wish I had done this back when I keyed invoices in AP. You go in, you do your work, you go home, you study for hours without worrying about what will have changed when you go in to work tomorrow. Now that would be fabulous.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[lexisavannah]

I agree with @Mamabear! I am learning so much all day as a staff accountant at a CPA firm, when I come home and have to study it's that much harder because I'm trying to remember/learn/adjust to my position and retain all of the CPA stuff. I definitely would not like to start a new job while studying, I feel like that would be so much harder, especially if you want to make a good impression at the beginning.

BEC 7/3/14 - 79
FAR 8/30/14 - 64, 85 (used Becker and Ninja MCQ)
AUD 10/3/14 - 82
REG 11/25/14 - 85

[Author]

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