@Roach...here is my take for what it is worth. I have 7 years of experience, Big 4 and industry (large, public companies), Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance and my MBA but no CPA. I tried the CPA when I was in Big 4, failed miserably, quit, and went for the MBA. Even after I had my MBA I could tell I needed my CPA as well to advance. I have always worked in the accounting department in industry (Financial Reporting, FP&A, or General Accounting). My current role is a manager role of reporting and budgeting and I was only able to obtain that with my MBA since I did not have my CPA. I was also only able to advance at each company due to my work ethic, not giving up, seeking out the knowledge on my own, etc. I think it is natural to get stuck on reconciliations, even the easy one's so don't be too hard on yourself. I always hate it when people say that reconciliation is supposed to be easy but can't offer any guidance on how to resolve it...really just their way of covering up their own lack of knowledge. Again just my experience from what I have seen the last 7 years. Have you looked at previous rec's to see what sort of support was there to offer any guidance on resolving your current issue? Also is there any written procedures on anything you do? If not, write them yourself. You'll be surprised by what you will learn when you have to document how to do a process.
Also as far as training, Big 4 did a lot of hand holding. At least that was my experience...formal training, this is how you do this, this how you do that type stuff. NO TRAINING in industry...ever...I have yet to work or know anyone that works in industry that has had any sort of formal training. I still network with quite a few former managers/senior managers from Big 4 that have gone industry in the last few years and they are all struggling because of the lack of training. It is all figure it out on your own. Don't let it get you down if there is no training. Just be confident and know you can do this. Take notes, organize them, when you do something wrong or learn something new for the day, add it to your notes and take that knowledge with you to the next place. Usually when people are discouraging or offer no insight to how to resolve anything it is not attempt to "stop hand holding" but an attempt to put you down and cover up for their own lack of accomplishments. I have worked with a few AR/AP departments and they are all clerk level and very stand offish against anyone with a bachelor's or trying to achieve more, ex. going for their CPA. No offense to any true AR/AP people on here, just my experience. So I wouldn't take any of it personal. Learn as much as you can there, finish your CPA, and move on. Life is too short to have a really stressful job and only you can decide how you want to react to a situation. Either let it stress you out or be confident, know you can do this, accomplish that task for the day, be proud of what you have accomplished and go home with peace in your heart.
Good luck with your exam!! Here's to hoping we both pass this year and take our careers to the next level we are hoping for!
B: 74, Feb 2012, retake May
A: 76, Passed! Nov 2011
R: 86, Passed! Feb 2012
F: 64, April 2011, retake August
