[Future_CPA?]

Hello everyone,

I need your help. My boss has approached me with a very lucrative offer. He said that he would reimburse me for the sections of the CPA exam that I pass. I don’t really know if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

I’m about to be a dad (due in Jan.) and I have accepted a position as a Youth Minister for a local church. I’ve talked to my family about this and something that they said made sense. They said, “Invest in where you are regardless of how long you’re there.”

If I don’t want to accounting for the rest of my life, is it really necessary to get my CPA? I know that it could open doors for me outside of accounting, but I just don’t know what I want. I think that’s my first step, but does anybody have any advice?

Thanks!

[Missy]

If you don't want it as badly as you want air in your lungs, don't start down this path. It's not rocket science and you don't have to even be particularly smart to pass, but you DO have to make a substantial time commitment and be mentally prepared for many setbacks along the way.

It can be done with jobs even more than one and with children, many of us have been down this road with far more on our plate but we were 150% committed to the process.

Good luck.

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

[Mike J]

Agree wholeheartedly with @mla11692 re time commitment.

Although you do have to be somewhat intelligent, studying for these exams are a MARATHON. You've gotta be mentally ready.

Granted, this is a highly respected industry qualification.

But, to become a CPA (take the exams) is a time and energy commitment you need to be ready for.

At the same time, it isn't as though you won't get credit towards the exam for the classes you took to get this far if you decide to try again later in life.

So, if you're not ready don't pursue it. Don't let yourself feel like delaying or quitting all together is a character flaw. It's not.

Good luck in what you decide to do.

[KaliKingz]

First, congratulation! My first was just born, recently.

I finished the exam in the testing window before my baby was born… so I have recent experience in this subject.

First, it will be really difficult to pass the exam once your baby is born. However, I think you can pass the exam in the time you have.

I say go for it, if your employer is willing to pay for it. You may not want the CPA license now, but what about in a year, or two?

if you have the time take the exam, if you don't, then don't take it. Good luck with you decision and your new baby!

[Anonymous]

I would never want to discourage someone from pursuing their CPA, but the idea of studying for the CPA exams, taking a job (I'm assuming the Youth Minister job is an additional job), becoming a dad in 7 months, and the fact you're hesitant on your career aspirations, I would recommend putting the CPA on hold.

I have an 18 month old and there is no way I would have the time to commit to the CPA exam with a newborn. I was fortunate enough to knock the exams out prior.

Most places, if they value your dedication to your career in accounting, should reimburse the charges for your passed exams and/or help out with cost of a review course. Just be careful what you agree to if they offer to pay for a review course.

Reassess what you want to do in a couple years when your kid is a little more self sufficient and you have a better idea what you want to do.

[ultrarunner]

Hey @Mike030882, I've done marathons and even ultras (50K+). CPA exams are more than running a MARATHON. People do marathons because they really enjoy doing it although it could be painful somehow. When I finished my first ultra, I almost passed out. But I will do it again.

There was absolutely nothing I enjoyed about when I studied the CPA exams. 🙁

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[Author]

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