Should I take the CPA exam?

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    Topic
  • #166105
    lion_cpa
    Member

    I graduate back in 2008 with accounting degree. Since then I am working on different jobs that are not related to accounting, because no body was willing to hire me on accounting jobs (lack of experience). Currently, I have a job and its not related to accounting and decided to study for the CPA exam. Hope to pass all the section and then someone will hire me.

    Should I pursue the CPA exam or should I look into something different (Career Change)?

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 23 total)
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  • #323460
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Just because you don't have experience, doesn't mean you should stop looking into accounting. I graduated in Dec 2011 and I have been looking for a job! A lot less time then you, but I feel this may be a long process. I was told by an interviewer to do their internship program (where I applied) to gain experience. She wanted more technical experience for the entry level position I applied to. So even if you can't find a job, you may look into an internship? They told me I needed to be taking at least 1 class to qualify as a student, so I may do that and take p.e. or something :). Don't give up! I think employers should (I am hoping) be more understanding than ever for people who couldn't find a job right away with the economy. If you pass the exam, that can show employers that you are trying and that you won't even need to worry about that while on the job. I am hoping for that anyways. I definitely wouldn't just give up the profession though. Keep on trying!

    #323461
    Minimorty
    Participant

    @lion – You have started 11 threads now and you have only responded on one of them. What exactly are you hoping to hear? Yes, you should take the exam for this reason and that reason? No, why don't you just move on and do something else?

    You were scheduled to take REG in February. Are you still taking it?

    #323462
    mla1169
    Participant

    Only you can answer that question. If the kind of job you WANT requires you to be a CPA then yes, you should take it. If you're thinking it will make your job search any easier, then no. The job market is TOUGH right now, with or without a CPA. But if you're willing to put in the blood, sweat and tears (the tears are literal) and go above and beyond to find a job its well worth your while.

    Right now you just sound desperate for an accounting job. This alone won't work magic. Get your resume reviewed by a professional and/or get some interview coaching if this is about finding a job.

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

    Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

    #323463
    lion_cpa
    Member

    @ Minimorty- I have started 11 threads it might go up to 100. You might want to speak with Jeff about it. To my knowledge this site is for people who have concern regarding career, test question..etc. And yes I am taking the test end of Feb, and thanks for reading my previous threads. Good Luck with your exam, if you haven't passed yet!

    @ Ashley- Thank you very much and I will keep on trying.

    #323464
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @Minimorty…Good luck on your exams^…. 😉 lol..I bet my life you will pass

    #323465
    jamesblunt69
    Member

    Mini did pass, like a baus.

    #323466
    lion_cpa
    Member

    Thank you everyone for showing positive attitude. What a encouragement…..

    #323467
    mla1169
    Participant

    but is it what you WANT to do? Money aside.

    You have to want this like you want oxygen. This will beat you down and you have to be able to walk away from it saying “yeah, I proved it to myself”.

    I've worked in accounting for 20 years. I am darn close to being a senior citizen (ok I'm 42). I did this with a family and a full time job. Yeah more than anything I want a better job than I have now, and I am looking but nothing in sight.

    But even if I get nothing else out of it, I am so pumped that I pulled this off!

    You need to be able to feel that way, or this isn't worth the trip.

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

    Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

    #323468
    jeff
    Keymaster

    lion – I think all mini was saying was that you maybe asked a question in previous threads that you started where you asked a question and then people took their time to answer – but you didn't follow up or anything…that was all.

    Glad to have you on the forum.

    -Jeff

    AUD - 79
    BEC - 80
    FAR - 76
    REG - 92
    Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
    NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE | Another71
    #323469
    Minimorty
    Participant

    @Terminator – lol. That's a bet you can take to the bank. Better do it soon though, who knows how much longer our banks will be solvent.

    @James – It took me a couple seconds to figure out what you were saying. I couldnt get “bus” out of my mind. Then it clicked and I felt a little slow. lol.

    @lion – I was just pointing out that you have a habit of creating threads, but not sticking around to respond to them. Glad you are sticking it out on this one a little bit. I have one bit of constructive criticism and I hope you dont take this the wrong way. If you are living and working in the United States, you may want to consider some English classes or tutoring. Being able to write and speak clearly and concisely will go a long way. Good luck with REG later this month.

    #323470
    lion_cpa
    Member

    @ Minimorty- I will take that into consideration. Thank you for being positive about everything.

    #323471
    Minimorty
    Participant

    That's my nickname on this site! “Mr. Positive.”

    #323472
    jenuno01
    Member

    LOL @Mini

    Class of 2012

    #323473
    lion_cpa
    Member

    @ Minimorty- English is my fourth language and I am working on improving it. I am very sorry for not understanding your reply correctly in first place.

    Once again, I am very sorry to all of you for saying stuff that I shouldn't be saying. And I do really want to become a CPA and I am work hard on improving my skills. Keep checking on me. Thank You.

    #323474
    katiekanton
    Member

    @lion_cpa

    You haven't said anything you shouldn't have said. I apologize if anyone has made you feel unwelcome.

    If you really do want to become a CPA, then go for it.

    If you don't care what you do, you just want to make more money (there are some people like that), then go for it.

    If you secretly dream of being a fashion designer, drop this right now and go to fashion school.

    If you have no idea what you want to do and you have money and time to burn, pursue the CPA. It will ultimately make you more marketable. Just be prepared that after five years of busy season or corporate accounting you may find yourself deciding architecture or law or nursing or opening a bed-and-breakfast or “anything but accounting” is where your heart really is.

    If you don't know what you really want to do, and money is an issue or your quality of life for the next 6-12 months is important to you, spend some time really thinking about what you want to do. It's a question only you can answer.

    Pursuing the CPA is a huge commitment of time, money, and effort, and you will almost definitely sacrifice for it, whether it be relationships, hobbies, health, or sanity. If you DO decide to do it, do yourself a favor and commit to it. Minimorty said in another thread that it's like ripping off a bandaid. That's an excellent analogy. Go as hard as you can, and get it done as fast as you can.

    AUD - 88
    FAR - 90
    REG - 85
    BEC - 88

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