[Anonymous]

Has anyone here responded to this interview question by mentioning passing CPA exam as greatest achievement? Or should the achievement be work related?

[Anonymous]

I can't think of anything I'd be more proud of than passing the CPA exam. It shows dedication to the profession and extreme discipline. Just word it as such.

[jbarwick]

If you are early in your career, the CPA is a good answer. If you are mid-level and have been at it 10+ years, you need something work related.

Journey Started - January 2015
FAR - 4/2015 - Passed
AUD - 7/2015 - Passed
BEC - 8/2015 - Passed
REG - 11/12/2015 - Passed

[ruggercpa2b]

I have been asked this question before and it was when the interviewer had asked me to talk about my current job and so I just talked about something I had done at work.

Jbarwick is right. if you are applying for entry level then the CPA exam would be great. But even with years of experience I would say something work related and then also add having passed the CPA exam.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Anonymous]

I would stay away from the CPA as your biggest accomplishment if the CPA is a requirement of the job. If this is the case, saying the greatest thing in your life is the bare bones minimum that your job requires for you to get an interview. It is the quickest way to tell your employer you are the same as every other CPA that is applying. Get creative and find a way to stick out.

[Missy]

Remember, they're not REALLY asking what you're the most proud of, they're trying to piece together what unique qualities about you fit with the job they're trying to fill and if your values (i.e. what you're proud of) are consistent with their values.

So I say I am the most proud of my flawless attendance record working full time while finishing my masters at night AND studying for the CPA exam. This tells them I am dependable, driven, a multi tasker, and follow through on goals that I set for myself.

Always assume behavioral questions have an ulterior motive, and try to play into that motive as best you can.

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

[Anonymous]

These topics always remind me of:

https://theoatmeal.com/comics/interview_questions

Some adult language contained within.

[zombiecpa]

If it's an interview for the public accounting firm you can say:

Making clients happy, meeting their needs and so on.

FAR 85
AUD 83
BEC 76
REG 90

[Anonymous]

I had an interview recently where we had already talked about the CPA exam and how hard it was, and they had talked about how they wanted somebody that could think outside the box, so I answered a similar question with “driving a Zamboni.” I explained that it was a goal since I was a kid, and that I never gave up on it. They really liked the answer. I still didn't get the job though… they felt I was “overqualified and would get bored in the position”

[Tscape16]

I would answer with something personal. CPA firms are typically looking for well-rounded individuals. Stand apart from the crowd and make them remember you. “Driving a Zamboni” will make you stand out and separate you from the rest of your candidate pool. Not everyone has military experience, but if that applies, I'd like to think serving your country would be something to be pretty darn proud of.

FAR - 90 ✔
BEC - 86 ✔
REG - 82 ✔
AUD - 92 ✔
ETHICS - Passed

*Licensed CPA

[Sleep Optional]

“My parents were hard working blue collar immigrants who came to this country with nothing but the shirt on their backs. I was the first in my family to ever go to college. So for me, the achievement that I am most proud of was getting my MBA (I got my BBA and MBA at the same time via a dual degree). While I was happy to pass the CPA Exam, it is not what I am most proud of. Walking down the stage and seeing my parents in the audience made me realize their hard work and sacrifice was not wasted.”

Most of that is true with the exception of the “shirt on their backs” comment but they were blue collar immigrants. Oh and I never saw them in the audience. There were 5000+ people at graduation. I didn't have a clue where they were sitting. All I was thinking while walking down the stage was “don't trip, don't trip, don't trip.”

BEC: ☑ x1 attempt(s)
REG: ☑ x2 ''
AUD: ☑ x1 ''
FAR: ☑ x2 ''

Done!

[Gabe]

I run ultras, so I usually go with that. “I ran a 50 mile race last September.” It shows dedication, perseverance, time management, and committment. Also, that I am a bit crazy and I could probably deal with some pretty unusual stuff before I hit a “breaking point.” 🙂

AUD: 84
BEC: 76
FAR: 81
REG: 4/3/15

OK Candidate

[Anonymous]

If it's the CPA exam, pick that.

If you helped deliver a baby while stuck in an elevator, go with that.

If you went big wave surfing in Hawaii, pick that.

Just be honest. Partners aren't professional psychologists that can glean critical information from the nuances in your answers. They are merely trying to make sure you're not an ass and that you'll fit in.

I say be honest, because you'll genuinely be excited when you answer this question properly and it will show. Some scripted answer involving work BS will come across as inauthentic and boring.

[san4596]

This would really be a hard question for me. I am the only person in my family to have a degree. I also have my MBA and am now a CPA. I personally made the decision to change my life from how it was to what it is today. My father abandoned me when I was 11 yrs old, and my mother married an alcoholic who would berate me on a daily basis. I did not have the worst childhood, but it was not easy. I would always look at my life then, and say that I will do better.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[Author]

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