[esyc]

Hi,

I’ve worked for a small public accounting firm for 1.5 years. I’m a noncitizen with a work permit and I started working full time right out of college. Our firm doesn’t really have positions. I guess I’m in the middle of staff and senior staff.

I did not study for the CPA exam (though I tried) in my first year, having no motivation at all. I did not have my work permit and there was a high (+60%) chance that I had to leave the states in 2017. I fortunately got a work permit in mid 2017 and started studying FAR. I took it in Dec and got 64, planning to retake in Feb-March

My boss wants me to pass FAR this time. I am so afraid of being fired for not passing this time or for not passing all in a year ish. I literally teared every night studying FAR in the past 6 months.

I have no family or significant other here. All my good friends in college moved to different location and so did I. I feel so empty and lonely every day and now with the pressure from my employer I don’t know how to handle my emotions/situation.

I will appreciate any advice/comments. Thank you.

[Broken Toy]

Keep your head up if you keep working hard I am sure you will pass FAR and all other sections of the CPA exam. Also if you are performing well at work I doubt your employer is going to fire you for not passing a section of the CPA exam.

[turo9992000]

Hope all goes well for you. They know how hard the exam is. Let them know that you are studying and you'll pass eventually.

[CPAfit]

I think you're reading too much into your boss's expectation. I am not denying that it might be a possibility, but I would not stress about it until I have been given an ultimatum explicitly. Until then, you should focus your energy on passing the exams rather than thinking about what might happen in case you don't.

I think you need a solid plan and you can definitely pass the exam. It's very doable even with a full time job and a significant other, as most of the Ninja Alumni would vouch for that.

Personally I followed the Ninja method and it worked best for me. In case you don't have the ELL plan, just send an email to Jeff and he'll send it over to you with some additional goodies.

To begin with, you need find out what type of study method works best for you. Although it sounds like a cliche, but it is a fact. Based upon your study requirements, you should be able to choose a suitable review course. Personally, I started with Becker without doing much research about it and giving into their marketing strategy and alumni approach. I bought the complete package falling for their Becker promise and I regretted it right away, even though I did manage to pass two out of the four exams. I switched to Ninja halfway through and never looked back. I used the Ninja material extensively, from books, to notes, to audio book, to Blitz to even the podcast. This forum has also been crucial in allowing me to stay diligent with my study approach and reassuring that I am not alone.

I hope you find this helpful. In case you ever feel lost, just post on the forum and the Ninjas will guide you through.

[aaronmo]

I guess I feel a bit differently…usually when people sense things are not going well, they're right. I can tell you that in my (very) small firm, we'd eventually dump you if you couldn't pass the exam UNLESS we thought you added value in another way. That other way would be hard work…being good with clients…bringing in business. Regardless of the situation, and especially with smaller businesses, look at things from your employer's perspective. What you do determines how many times he/she may eat out next year, and he/she knows it. What would you think if you were him/her? How can you add value? Always be employer focused.

I'd either start looking for a new home after tax season or really dedicate yourself to the exam. Either way…I'd wait until after tax season and have a frank conversation about expectations. If you want to stay in public, I do think it helps to be licensed (you are capped otherwise). Regardless…your first priority during tax season is adding value anyway you can. MAKE THEM MONEY. Worry about the exam situation post-tax season.

I do think, especially for a non-citizen (and it's not fair, but it's true) the standards are higher and the exam becomes even more important. As an outsider, having the license shows compliance with a standard and competency. Again…it's not fair, but, in my experience, it's true. Keep in mind that in many situations a non-native, especially a non-english speaking native, is going to have certain situations that, usually unfairly, there's a bias against them. It can be harder with some clients. We have a Chinese accountant who is senior to me. He's frankly a better accountant than me. He's a bit lazier, but he's VERY bright. I mean to me, if you can pass the CPA in another language…you're BRIGHT and impressive…but, his English ability limits him. It's just harder for him to add value. I'll always have more clients than him…because it's easier for me to speak to them. I'm no better, or brighter. It is what it is.

Generally, in the US, unless you're contract or union, you're at will and can be fired at any point. Best practices are different and some states are different…

I do not mean this as an insult…but you're obviously in pain and experiencing depression and anxiety. I get it myself. I don't know what resources you have available to you, but I'd really look at some sort of therapy. Again…not an insult…I do it myself and a lot of us have issues (especially around tax season). One thing I've noticed helps me is just taking 10 minute walks several times a day.

[Missy]

Long story short your employer “can” fire you for anything unless it's evident its discrimination based on a protected class (for example they fire women who fail 2 or more exams but not men).

That said just focus on the exam and give it your best effort. Your boss is much more likely to understand if your score goes from a 64 to a 74 than if you get another 64.

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

[esyc]

Thank everyone for your comments I really appreciate it!

My performance at work is perfectly fine for now. My boss has been satisfied with the quality of work and he thinks I can pass all four if I'm given more time to study (we've been super busy even after the 10/15 tax season).

I'll try not to freak too much with a “chance” of adding a negativity to my reputation. You're right – I can always be fired – but it has not happened yet. I'll try my best to boost up my score. ELL plan will definitely help me out so thank you very much.

[aaronmo]

Best luck DK…

The exams are hard, and require prep…but almost half of the people taking them are passing them. It's a question of determination and sacrifice.

[Author]

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