[cantpassagain1]

I appreciate that insight. I wouldnt imagine failing students is easy. Ive thought about governmental, and I actually really want to get into non profits such as hospitals. I could see it being a little more easy going.

But one more question – should I tell my coach or someone within my firm about my Asperger's? How do you think they will react?

[cantpassagain1]

Hey guys, yes most people in my program completed in a year and a half or 2 depending on their goals and undergrad degree. However, there were a few that just studied and took the exam and knocked everything out in a year.

My logic goes like this. I am 24 and was recently diagnosed with mild to moderate Asperger's. Looking back, I struggled with it for the past decade but never thought it affected anything serious until I got into the workforce. Thus, my current compromise is dealing with ‘real world' realities such as office politics and keeping within budgeted hours (I suppose I don't like ticking things immaterial). I even hear partners laughing about me in their offices on a regular basis.

So the question becomes, is this something I can compromise with? Well, I love what I do and make a decent wage. However, it is hard for me to believe that people think I am even good at what I do. Just one example: I find work papers from prior years that have entire tick marks and recalculations, labeling an account as expense when it is actually revenue (signed off on at two levels). I bring it to my managers attention because I am doing the current year, and I get, “I wonder who did that”. However, I still don't get assigned to full scope audits because my first work paper I ever did took me longer than the budgeted hours (I have ‘ate hours' ever since).

Since I am starting to believe that the crux of these issues I will have to compromise with are somewhat evident in every facet of non-academia, and that it is clear that I am the issue, I am just trying to seek another path.

Can you guys elaborate on the “politics” of academia?

Note: sorry for the forwardness and detail but I just wanted to explain the reality of the situation.

[cantpassagain1]

So I looked into a lot of programs and it seems to be quite the process in applying and getting into most all programs.

Anyone think I am giving up on accounting by trying to get into academia?

[cantpassagain1]

@aaronmo Thats interesting you say that. I could definitely see there being some stuck up professors in academia. The pressure to publish research and everything else they do for endowments must feel overwhelming to some people. Completely disagree with his statement on CPA not being valuable in academia or real world. This is what students pursue, as a professor adding value to their careers, I feel like you have got to be able to help them in this area.

Ive looked at a few of the programs in the south (from NC), and all of the ones I looked at offer fellowships. Which, like mentioned, is a small stipend plus tuition waiver. For the most part, this is enough for rent and PB&J's.

I hope I can get in to a program. My average GPA in undergrad was a 3.56 overall, ~3.75 concentration, and finished with a 3.7 in grad school. Do you guys think this will be enough? I understand it is a mix of experience and grades at the PHD level but as mentioned, my experience is slim.

Anybody know of someone that actually did a PHD program? What have they said about it?

[cantpassagain1]

Hey bud, so it sounds like you are doing well! Remember that the Becker exams are always harder for most people. You are on the right track. What I would recommend is that you keep doing what you are doing to the 10th degree. Beat the MCQ's to death, beat the sims to death, look back over the text book, recite the code that you struggle with, make it happen.

You are going to do well based on your description, just solidify everything you have mastered. I have faith, do well!

[cantpassagain1]

You should know what works best for you by this time. Stick to it, dont question it, and just go for it. You got this.

BEC has a broad umbrella of material, try to isolate and master each section, realize that they are not all connected together like all of the other sections and you will do well. I have faith, do well!

[cantpassagain1]

@Son thank you so much for your insight, it is really helpful in navigating my first year.

I have a awfully stupid question for you though, how would I know if I am a terrible cultural fit?

Any further help on this would be greatly appreciated.

[cantpassagain1]

I would take the finance job and keep looking for something in public. I completely agree with misconnie that it is harder to get an internship then an experienced hire at those career fairs/meet the firms events. In fact all the experienced hires at my school had more offers on the table than everyone else. Absolutely try to leverage your professors. Youd be surprised to see how easy and willing they are to get you something.

[cantpassagain1]

I would try and focus on the exam. I am at a B4 and have a really sour taste in my mouth from my whole situation because of the group I got stuck in. Long story short, its my first real job out of grad school but I just got word that I passed the exam on the last release date. I started looking around in industry (switching from B4 tax to internal audit) and already have 2 interviews set up. I only have 3 months of experience in my group. Also, I am in the works of switching departments within my firm. It looks like it will pan out because the new department knows I passed the exam and they value that a lot, whereas my group now could care less. Youd be surprised how many opportunities just passing the exam can bring.

[cantpassagain1]

Thanks I appreciate the insight.

My reviews just came back (1-5, 5 being the best):

Manager- 4,4,4,4,4,3
Senior Manager- 3,3,4,4,5,4

The comments are all positive with no suggestions on how to improve. I am in the works of switching departments because the one I am in doesn't have any CPA's (I know it sounds ridiculous) and I don't want all the work i've done to pass the exam go to waste.

Could someone shed some insight on what the process of coaching someone out looks like?

[cantpassagain1]

About 97% of my work is in banking and capital markets and I love it. However, I am in tax. I would imagine audit would be even more interesting and challenging though.

[cantpassagain1]

Also another point, I have yet to be critiqued on anything. Like not given any suggestion on anything. I even slipped in “adjusting to firm culture” question when my manager followed up with me about the review she gave me. She had no suggestions. So I am really confused.

[cantpassagain1]

@Radez No, I did an accounting internship in industry before grad school and have had multiple other jobs through high school and college. Thanks for the insight though, I appreciate it.

@son Thats all understandable, I am cognizant of how and when I should ask for work. No the other staff dont because part of some engagements have parts that are very low level (meaning anyone can do it). We have a specific admin come in during busy season.

[cantpassagain1]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. It seems like every day gets better. To clarify, our busy season is typical but just more drawn out so we dont slow down until June-July.

How can I show a good attitude? I know this sounds stupid but I know I already have a pretty ugly thinking face and I try to be cognizant of it but I cant help it. I have conversations with my senior manager and manager a lot about higher level things that I know staff from other offices around the country are assigned on this time of year. The staff from my office dont have college degrees so its hard to go from passing all 4 sections of the CPA exam in 6 months to putting documents in order…

[cantpassagain1]

Hey guys I have another question because I am kind of worried and already have pretty bad anxiety as is. Ive been on the job for a little less than a month and have to ask for work everyday. I have “training” set up with another staff at the end of the month. However, I know that management talks about me on the phone with other management (we sit close to one another) and I am nervous that its not highly.

I work hard, I have not messed up once (literally), ask for work and ask questions constantly. However, I have not been given a definitive role or set of responsibilities. I am polite and talk to everyone about friendly things when it seems appropriate. However, I feel like something isnt clicking and am afraid I am going to get fired randomly. Does this happen or will I see more definitive signs? I know we need the help because the group has been short staffed for years.

Please, I need advice or insight, good or bad.

[Author]

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