[oconn142]

I graduated school in June and I am hoping to finish AUD, BEC, and REG before I start working at the Big 4 at the end of September! I’m nervous about having to study for FAR while working full time! Do the big 4 give you time to study at work? And what percentage of college new hires have already finished the CPA exam before starting full time at the Big 4?

Thanks!

[Harambe]

I'm not sure. I'm in the same position as you though. I became eligible to sit for the CPA exams in June and will have taken FAR, AUD, and BEC by the time I start working in September. Hopefully I will be able to take REG in November in order to allow for a less stressful first busy season.

[Son]

Based on my experience, a certain smaller percentage (between 10-20% usually) will pass all exams by their start date. That might also depend on your office/firm. Hardly anyone will have zero exams passed. Within a year the majority of people will be done with their exams. No, no one at Big4 reserves time on your work schedule so that you can study. But, if you have downtime at work it's ok to ask if you can use that time to study (AFTER asking around if people have work for you to do). Also, you can take time off before the exam for a final review. Might all depend on your immediate supervisor, some are more understanding that the others, but usually it's expected you'll sacrifice some of your personal time for the exams, with occasional hour or two of work time you can devote to studying.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[Just_Trying_To_Pass]

I attended a large target school and the majority of my classmates signed with a big 4. Most of them were finishing up the CPA before their start date. When I started working full-time, I would say about 40% of the new hires have their exams finished. I am lucky and have some availability (as of now) this fall so I have plenty of time to study at work. In hindsight I'm glad I enjoyed my last summer off instead of locking myself inside to study because now I actually get paid to study.

BEC: 70, 83
REG: 8/13/16
FAR:
AUD:

[Anonymous]

I am starting at Big 4 in October… Just finished my Masters in Accounting in May and I am hoping to have 3 exams done by my start date.

[Nessie]

It depends…If you start a month or two after graduation, expect most people to perhaps have only one or two exams completed. If you start in October, or January after a spring graduation, there will likely be more people finished.

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Author]

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