[payaza2000]

So I have taken and passed two sections of the CPA exam, and unfortunately failed one {AUD}. What I needed advice on is if I should get up and move to the East Coast (DC) for a Job opportunity with a great nonprofit as a Project Accountant; I am 85% sure I will be getting an offer. I am currently located in Boise, Idaho working for a nonprofit; and had initially planed on moving after I passed the entire exam. The reason I ask is because at my current job I really do not enjoy what I do. I was hired as an AP clerk, and than picked up Job Cost Accounting but they hired (for some reason) someone to do AP; and they are planning to hire someone to do the Cost Accounting. They want me to do a sort of data entry, and other “busy work.” I want to be intellectually stimulated; and challenged at my work.

My only hesitation with moving in the middle of my exam studies (my first credits expire in November) is that I do not want it to interfere with my studies, and I fear that the 3-4 weeks I lose will cause me to fail AUD again or BEC and I do not want to lose credit. Another thing is I don’t really know or have many friends here, so I am able to study without distraction. I’m not sure that would be the case in DC since i’m originally from there. Also since I’m not being challenged at work, I sometimes use my work time when my workflow is slow to study, I have found this beneficial. But like I stated before I am not being intellectually stimulated, and really do feel miserable at my job. But I want to pass this EXAM, and will be willing to be miserable if it means I pass it.

Other relevant information I am originally from the DC area, my brother still lives there. So getting rid of my apartment in Idaho may be a pain, but I have a place (temporary) to stay in the DC area.

Another question I have is that if I did move; I will live in MD (PG County) and work in DC. What state do I need to be initially licensed in, I would probably meet all the education and experience requirements for both.

Thanks

FAR 5/6/2015- 84
REG 8/3/2015 - 87
AUD 10/25/2015- 69 1/20/2016 -75
BEC 2/26/2016- 80

Thank you God

[Anonymous]

Hello from Anne Arundel County MD. 🙂 Right next door to PG and DC.

My understanding is the CPA license works across all state borders. I'm pretty sure that's right, but – if not – then I'd like to see what others have to say about it.

[Skynet]

The only real revlevant question you need to ask yourself is whether you are going to miss those Idaho potatoes in determining whether to move.

[Jdn9201]

You say your first credits expire in Nov 2016? Normally, I'd say wait until you pass all of the parts of the exam, but if you are miserable at your job and you get a good opportunity, you should go for it. You've already knocked out 2 of the hardest exams and you're close in AUD. Even if you took a month or 2 off from studying, that still leaves you at Feb/Mar, which gives you 2 windows to pass your last 2 parts.

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[nm1983]

If you are unhappy with your current job or feel you are not challenged, you should definitely start looking elsewhere in the near future. I currently live in DC, and I'm sure you know this from living in this area in the past that cost of living is ridiculously high compared to Idaho. PGC might be affordable but it is not a desirable neighborhood, I used to live in MD and NOVA now so speaking from experience as well. So I would make sure they are compensating you accordingly.

I am assuming you would be project manager for a GOVCON more than likely. The going rate 80 to 90K for level 1, plus you would be living paycheck to paycheck if you make less than that and want to truly enjoy DMV. In summation, If I was you I would take the job if compensation is right and you feel the work will be challenging and allow you to grow in the field. Even if that means you lose a credit for one of the parts you have taken. Because losing a credit will set you back three months or maybe six at most, but losing out on advancing your career and actually enjoying what you do is priceless IMO.

[payaza2000]

Thanks everyone for the advice; everyone.

FAR 5/6/2015- 84
REG 8/3/2015 - 87
AUD 10/25/2015- 69 1/20/2016 -75
BEC 2/26/2016- 80

Thank you God

[Author]

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