[katiekanton]

I want to get the bonus for passing and get reimbursed for my materials by my employer if at all possible. I’m thinking of getting the three sections done before I go back to work in February (hopefully), and going ahead and studying for BEC, but not taking it until I’ve been working about a month. I know that it’s possible that if I went ahead and passed all sections that might be reflected in my starting salary, but I have a feeling it wouldn’t be dollar for dollar the same as if I got a bonus. I also understand I’m not guaranteed to get on at a firm that pays this bonus.

Does anyone have any experience with this or advice about whether or not this would be a good idea?

AUD - 88
FAR - 90
REG - 85
BEC - 88

[NJCPA4ME]

It is tough to say with the limited information you provided, but I will through my 2 cents in…

If you are coming into an entry level position, I think a firm will most likely still give you the bonus and (I work for a Big 4, and mine does). Most firms have pre-set compensation levels for new employees, and also assume they will be paying that bonus. If you have the exam passed before you start, the firm should still give you a bonus (and be impressed/thankful that you got this major hurdle with before starting).

My advice is to get it done before you start work.

FAR 93
REG 87
AUD 92
BEC 91

[Anonymous]

Get it done before work. You may not have time to study during busy season.

[spineshank77]

Having the 4 exams completed will give you the edge over other candidates, that is if you dont have a job offer yet, but as NJCPA said should you join the big 4, the bonus will be reflected in your salary whether you join with a CPA or get it post joining. I would def. get the exams out of the way if I were you

FAR: 79, what im done??
REG: 75
AUD: 75
BEC: 77

I would rather score four 75's than three 99's and a 74

[mla1169]

The job market is absolutely awful right now, if you intentionally save a part for after you have one, you will run the risk of your first section expiring (nobody wants to believe it could take them over a year to find a job but it is entirely possible). Be looking for work now while you are studying, and maybe it will work out the way you are hoping. But be prepared that life won't follow your grand plan.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[katiekanton]

@mla1169

Right. Obviously if I didn't get a job by say April, I'd go ahead and sit for BEC. I'm thinking I would go ahead and do all the study, just not actually sitting. With my study system, the longest and most tedious part happens when I go through the material the first time. I take tons of notes, arrange them logically, and then memorize them before I move on. Then I don't have to spend so much time on review.

AUD - 88
FAR - 90
REG - 85
BEC - 88

[Author]

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