[Pray4theCPA]

Hello there,

Currently I am working in corporate accounting in an AP position. I am not challenged at all and sometimes I have idle time which I utilize to do a few MC questions. I would like to move to public accounting in the long run and am currently pursing my CPA.

Should I focus on the CPA exam and wait until I pass all four parts to begin my search? Or should I start the search now?

Thanks all!

FAR - 83
BEC - 81
AUD - 74,93
REG - 75

Becker Self Study & Becker Final Review

[Key522]

Use the idle time to pass CPA before you get a more challenging job. Keep job searching but not aggressively. How did you pass FAR?

BEC Feb 2015 68 - rematch Apr 2015 - 84
FAR July 2015 77
AUD Oct 2015 74 Feb 2016 71 April 2016 85
REG Jan 2016 67 July 2016

[acamp]

Aggressively search is what I would do; from this standpoint:

Broad possible outcomes – would you rather:

Get a job in public sooner and still have to pass some sections (not fun, but lots of people do it)

or

Have the entire exam passed and still be doing your AP job?

Given that many public firms hire on a cycle, they often have long lead times, so you might not be starting in 2-weeks should you get hired, it could be several months! Further, in my opinion, for career progression getting public experience trumps finishing the exam; all other things being equal.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Anonymous]

If you start searching now, you might find a firm that will pay for your exams or pay a bonus for passing or something like that.

[Pray4theCPA]

Thank you all for the replies.

@key522 I used Becker self study as well as Becker final review.

I think I will start looking now slowly and be more aggressive after I take BEC since I will be taking a small break from studying.

FAR - 83
BEC - 81
AUD - 74,93
REG - 75

Becker Self Study & Becker Final Review

[Mayo]

“Should I focus on the CPA exam and wait until I pass all four parts to begin my search? Or should I start the search now?”

Pass the exams and you'll be in a better position come job search time. I can speak from personal experience. I'm currently on a job search and not passing the CPA has cost me about 5-10k in compensation when negotiating on salary. Also, probably cost me a couple interviews.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Pray4theCPA]

Thanks @mayo.

I am not too concerned with salary. Only concerned that I am not gaining critical public experience and afraid I will be stuck in industry.

FAR - 83
BEC - 81
AUD - 74,93
REG - 75

Becker Self Study & Becker Final Review

[Author]

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