[Over50]

Hi Everyone,

I’m 51 years old, I have an MBA, I have been a financial Controller for over 15 years. I’m currently working but for the company from hell (actually even worse than that).

I can’t find a new position because I don’t have a CPA license. I have been doing this work for years, successfully passed numerous Big $ audits for company’s. Managing staff and operations, but without the little CPA designation recruiters and companies file my resume in the shredder.

So…I am thinking about starting to study for the CPA exam. Do I have any advantage because of my experience? What is the success rate for candidates over 50?

[happygal]

Yes! Go for it! If you really want to do it and are willing to put in the time then go for it!!!! Your years of experience can only help you. I would suggest getting a review course that works for you by first trying the demos available for the different review courses (most allow you to demo them on their websites Roger, Wiley, Becker, Gleim and of course theres NINJA too, etc.), there are lots of videos on youtube as well regarding courses and advice so you can get a taste of whether you want to take the CPA exams and in what direction you want to take your CPA exam journey.
Here's an inspirational story of a professor who decided later on in life to get his CPA designation. This story is only for inspiring purposes, not pressuring 🙂 One is never too old to grow and learn something new!
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2016/feb/cpa-exam-for-accounting-educators.html
Best of luck to you going forward!

[fivehurdles]

Hi Over50,

I'm 51. I'm studying for the exam for many of the same reasons you mention. My company failed back in 2010 and I ended up taking Controller positions at two pretty awful companies. I knew they were bad going in, but I didn't really have any other options. I've also had two stints as a contractor just barely “keeping the lights on” at home.

I've got about six years where I have been severely impacted by my lack of a CPA. Things are better now jobwise, but I (and my family) went through some difficulties that we probably wouldn't have had to if I had just completed this years earlier. I've got a nice chunk of credit card debt as a reminder.

I have three parts completed and only FAR remains for me. It's taken every night and every weekend for a year to get here. My advice — start now. The primary reason I have the job I have now is because I was heavily recommended by a former co-worker who I now work with once again. I wouldn't have gotten the job if I wasn't in the process of getting the CPA.

I'm not sure what the success rate is but I've seen a number of “Over 50s” on these boards. I don't know if my experience helped me, but every exam is time consuming and generally awful. You'll need the support of your family and the NINJA MCQs (2000-3000 questions per section and reading the explanations is what is working for me). Good luck ! Back to studying…..

2011 Results:
BEC 65 83
AUD 57
FAR 30 (Can you get any worse) (11/10)
REG 70

2015-16 Results:
BEC 78
AUD 77
REG 76
FAR June 10

[CPA50]

I'll be 52 tomorrow 🙂 I'll be 52 whether or not I become a CPA 🙂 I found my memory isn't as good as it was, but I'm more patient. I find that studying for the understanding of a concept works best for me. Best wishes!! You can do this!

AUD - 80
BEC - 77
FAR - 80
REG - 80

3 years

+ 16 tests

+ 2 expired sections

= DONE FOREVER!

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Tncincy]

@happygal, outstanding article….I am going to print it so I can read it over and over when I start to lose momentum. (which I did because of the Mother's day), but I can appreciate the information in this article.
To add to the topic though, I am 51, I have run my own business for 20 years, the tax industry has changed and will change even more next year. I can agree with what was said about not having to suffer tough times if I only had this done a few years ago. My thoughts exactly. Well, I am currently encountering tough times , another very rough tax season this year is why I am on the MUST pass end of the cpa. As I thought about my life, and how my children are really grown, if I don't stop living for them I won't live. It's time for me to move forward with my dreams and desires and I am not taking no for an answer. Yes, I want to make more money, I want to experience being a CPA and I want the respect of a CPA. Tough times has definitely been a career game changer for me. So go for it, this is your chance to do what you want and you have A71 to cheer you on.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

NO KIDDING YOU'RE OVER 50, WHY DO YOU FEEL THE NEED TO YELL AT US WITH YOUR THREAD TITLE?

[Missy]

The success rate for those over 50 is the same as any other demographic. If you stick with it you will pass. I think in some ways its easier with years of experience and in some ways its harder, but still completely manageable if you're committed to it.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Mayo]

I'm probably in the minority, but I wholeheartedly recommend against it. With an MBA and all the years of experience you have….what makes you think a CPA will give you an edge? It won't and you'll just waste time and money.

But you'll probably take it, so I guess all I can say is good luck because you'll need it.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[ScarletKnightCPA]

Going for an external position, I think it would definitely help. Recruiters identify key terms on a resume when gathering potential candidates. CPA is one of them.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[Missy]

In industry generally the first few people to see and screen a resume are not accounting people at all and on paper to those HR people there are very few nuances when deciding whether to pass along or file a resume. So for the OP, they see a great job as a controller they'd like to apply to. Many other resumes are put to the bottom of the pile (recent grads, different industries,etc.) and that person is left with a pool of candidates who (a) have 10+ years experience, (b) have a grad degree and (c) list certain skills that are critical for that particular company like fixed assets or cost accounting. Lets say that leaves our HR person with 6 potential candidates.

Of those 6, only two list that they have a CPA. Does it guarantee an offer? Not a chance. Could it put them higher priority on the prescreen list? Absolutely.

Job searches are not conducted in a vacuum but hiring companies have very limited information to make interview decisions. I'm hiring a controller, I know 5 things about you. One of them is that you are a licensed CPA. I don't particularly NEED a CPA. However of the 5 other potential candidates the resume qualifications aside from that are fairly homogenous so I suddenly find you a bit interesting.

Telling a highly educated and experienced professional they don't need a CPA is like telling a charming successful man they don't need to iron their shirt for a first date. It certainly can be the polishing touch that makes the impression that seals the deal.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Ib]

@mla11692. I can see from your signature that you are CPA in MA. I am CPA exam candidate in MA. What are job prospects for CPA in MA?

AUD - 87
BEC - 78
FAR - 79
REG - 81

Licensed CPA in MA, OCT 2016

FAR 79
AUD 87
BEC 78
REG 08/31/2016

[Mayo]

“Job searches are not conducted in a vacuum but hiring companies have very limited information to make interview decisions. I'm hiring a controller, I know 5 things about you. One of them is that you are a licensed CPA. I don't particularly NEED a CPA. However of the 5 other potential candidates the resume qualifications aside from that are fairly homogenous so I suddenly find you a bit interesting.

Telling a highly educated and experienced professional they don't need a CPA is like telling a charming successful man they don't need to iron their shirt for a first date. It certainly can be the polishing touch that makes the impression that seals the deal.”

I agree with what you are saying, but I just think it's a really weird way to approach things. This person has over 15 years of experience. Surely, using their network is a better bet than applying in a massive job board or on the company website? Shouldn't that be the extreme last resort?

The OP mentions recruiters, but how many has he/she talked to? Have they tapped their network? Checked on linkedin to see if any contacts have become recruiters or are working for a company looking to hire? I have a feeling that we're not really getting the whole story here, but I may be wrong. Still, getting a CPA in this situation reads to me like tearing down your door by hand because you accidentally locked yourself out. Why not try the back door? Maybe there's a key under the floor mat that you forgot about? Calling a locksmith?

But I get it. We're on a CPA exam board. The advice makes sense I suppose. OP, I would really take what we all have to say with a grain of salt. With the exception of mla11692 and a few other posters, the general attitude here is always positive and encouraging even when it might not be the most honest feedback.

I think you should really step back and think how much time and effort it would entail and if you've successfully exhausted all your options. Then, if you feel still like you need a CPA and that'd it be worth it then the best of luck to you. Not trying to be discouraging, but this board is littered with old threads of “I passed the CPA and stlll can't get a job”. Like I said earlier, Good Luck!

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Missy]

Mayo I'm only speaking from personal experience as someone who also has 20+ years experience, a grad degree and now a cpa license, it made a difference in my own job search.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Mayo]

Oh no. Not at all. Was just disagreeing is all. Your posts are always very informative.

EDIT: I tend to be anti-certifications anyhow. I don't really feel they add as much value as some people tend to think. Type of experience and a strong network is always more important IMO. But the CPA can definitely be the clincher for specific situations. This one might be one as you've implied.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Missy]

Ib553- I think it depends. Was hard for me because of my age and no public experience. Just meant I had to work a bit harder at it but landed something great. I can tell you it's all about how much work you put into a search. I think it's likely stronger than in other regions.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Missy]

You know I'm with you there mayo on the certifications in general, people thinking they can compensate for limited experience by studying for another exam don't get it. But certs and experience each only go so far on their own and if you're in a candidate pool comprised mostly of CPA's you can be overlooked in some cases. Not sure I'd say most but a good number of management level candidates are going to be licensed nowadays even if it's not required.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

Replies