[snoop146290]

I am a 31 yo CMA in nyc looking to jump into public.

After I take a shot at REG this month, I will just have two retakes left.

Originally, I was planning on having all four parts done before interviewing. Part of which having to do with the fact I want to maintain my salary (appears to be in line with entry level at big 4, but I am not certain yet if that’s the route I want to go).

Then I was starting to wonder, do CPA firms even care about first years or experienced hires having all exams done? Am I really hurting myself by dragging the date in 2014 that I get my license out further?

[mangos]

From my experience, they don't really care if first years have the CPA exam done, but it's certainly a leg up. At my firm they have some incentive programs which pays out a bonus if you pass it within your first year of employment, so they do care a little.

I think they only start caring once you reach senior level, and that's where most firms will not allow you to get promotions without having passed the CPA exam.

I believe its PwC that doesn't promote people to senior unless you have the CPA exam done.

FAR (5/07/13): 96

[snoop146290]

That's interesting. Are first years just so useless that normally it wouldn't matter if they are done with the exam or not?

[mangos]

Yeah, pretty much. First years and even second years are pretty useless when you compare them to seniors and above. Still too fresh and green. Most firms won't promote you to Manager without the CPA exam being done, but now we're seeing firms like PwC dropping that down to senior, so the CPA is becoming more important.

But having the CPA exam out of the way is a serious resume builder, though. In the eyes of the firm they won't have to pay for your review material, or bother giving you a bonus. Plus, there's less of a risk for them too I guess.

FAR (5/07/13): 96

[Whatdidyou]

“Are first years just so useless that normally it wouldn't matter if they are done with the exam or not?”

This is a wierd attitude. They hire everyone with the expectation that they will pass (based on grades and other accomplishments). I think it's mainly for liability reasons as well as keeping up with standards, that they restrict certain promotions (mainly the promotion to manager) to CPAs only. It has nothing to do with being useless – even if you have your exams complete as a first year, it doesn't mean you're any less “useless” than the rest of your class.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[FlipACoin]

Well while on the surface they are not quite useless, first years definitely provide significantly less value just from lack of experience. From an overall value add perspective, take into account the time and resources taken for training along with time to fix errors and just overall slower pace, one could probably consider them negative value. The company provides the investment knowing full well that only a fraction will eventually move up to the manager level. Still, next time you question why experienced seniors and even some managers are so underpaid in big 4, this employment model is a good reason. They invest in the many so the few to make it out can enjoy whatever moneys are left :)…..

[snoop146290]

I think saying useless is just a way to admit I am guilty to some extent of micromanaging how well my first year could go.

If you were still having to study, were you all having to pass up happy hours and other extras?

[Author]

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