[jeff]

Other thread was getting hung up – as usually happens with score threads.

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[Anonymous]

Are the NINJA NOTES for BEC good? I read someone said they are good for IT (I am always weak in IT) ?? what about for the other topics? can I print them?

[Anonymous]

@ Certified Public Accountant

I'd say you probably weren't lucky for the most part. I passed BEC way back when after very little studying. I just retook for the 3rd/4th time since and this time around I studied IT much more along with Strategic Planning. I truly believe it is not the best use of your study time to keep rehearsing all that mumbo jumbo variance analysis, budget vs actual in too much detail.. and even a lot of cost.. because on the exam problems covering those topics ALWAYS look different than anything you've seen in study guides. Not sure if anyone has experienced a biased approach when encountering some questions.. unfortunately, I tend to try to find the same patterns/points that were emphasized in the study guides and this usually makes things even more complicated during the exam. Btw, for BEC I once passed using only Becker, last year I focused on Wiley more and this time I read through Bisk as well. Becker has more comprehensive examples but the material always seems to lack structure or organization.

REG –75 in 2Q’11 (failed twice before)

AUD – 81 in 3Q’11 (scored 98 in 2008 – expired, failed in 2010)

FAR – 81 in 4Q’11 (failed twice before)

BEC – waiting for score (scored 75 in 2009 after a 74 in 2008 – but expired; failed in 2Q’11 w/ a 69, 3Q’11 w/ a 74 and again in 4Q’11 w/ another 74)

[Anonymous]

@ Click_of_Death, I must find a way to pass with of without luck or I will lose FAR. I will study and study and study until I drop. I will study those weak areas from text books if necessary and for IT memorize the two books IT sections if I have to.

[Anonymous]

@ Certified Public Accountant

That's the spirit.. not that this will motivate you, but thought it was interesting anyway. Just think about having your life back!!!

https://www.nccpaboard.gov/clients/ncboa/public/static/how_the_cpa_exam_is_scored.pdf

[Anonymous]

Can't wait to see a passing score from AUD.

[Anonymous]

I just had a dream last night that I got a 46 on REG. It was awful!! I was relieved when I woke up and found out it was only a dream.

[victorliu]

Hi, guys, what is your purpose of taking the CPA exam? If my dream is to become a CFO rather than a partner with Big 4, do I have to be licenced? Most companies require CPA. I think they are only hiring someone who has passed the CPA exam, not neccessarily someone with a CPA licence. Pls share your thoughts.

[KS-FLA]

@victorliu – why would you pass the CPA exam and not get the license?

FAR - 77 (Feb 2012)
REG - 88 (Aug 2011)
AUD - 79 (Nov 2011)
BEC - 80 (May 2012)

[victorliu]

HI, KS-FLA, thank you for responding. At least for now, I'm not interested in public accounting/auditing, but only interested in corporate accounting/financial management. However, most companies hiring finanical executives require CPA so I have to pass the exam. These companies may only need the evidence that the candidate has passed the CPA exam, not neccessarily licenced, I reckon.

I'm already a CMA, but more companies require CPA rather than CMA.

[Anonymous]

@ victorliu

Not sure what your experience level is or your your career background/track, but due to how rare it is for anyone to become a CFO, there is no right path.. one thing is for sure, your chances of getting ahead in the general corporate setting can only improve with the CPA license. I work on the corporate side of a major investment bank and the top accounting/reporting heads here all seem to have different backgrounds, although what they most have in common are the CPA and at least some public accounting experience. What you do beyond that is much more important I think.. meeting the right people, getting into roles that allow you to develop and learn, exposure to a changing environment, and a lot of luck with opportunities. You will never be hired as a financial executive (I'm taking that to mean above a middle management role at a company) solely because you are a licensed accountant, in other words, very little weight will be placed on that (whether it's because it is assumed you already have it or because in reality it may not be crucial to your function).. at that level, you'll be hired mostly because of your work experience and successful track record.

[Anonymous]

@ victorliu now-days even senior accountants must be CPA. My experience (I have been in USA about 6 years now) is that companies take this exam very serious. I am a CPA in my country which is worthless here but … anyway my extensive experience in audit helped me BUT when my boss knew I passed AUD I was promoted to Manager.. so it does help. CPA will help you along the way IMO whether you go for public, private or just decide one day to do “accounting work” from your house and never have a “job” again. I have seen VPs and CFOs that are NOT CPA in the finance/accounting/Sox area. Auditors are usually CPA or they fall behind.

If I were you I will Pass the exam and get a certificate/ limited licence from MA or CO. then the word “exam” will never have to be used 🙂 ….

[victorliu]

Thank you very much, Click, for sharing your wonderful thoughts. A CPA may not be essential but seems to make a big difference as most companies require CPA on top of experience.

[victorliu]

HI, Certified Public Accountant, thank you so much for your great suggestions. I will explore what i can do to get a limited licence from MA or CO ( do you know where else).

By the way, I'm visiting to take the exam and have passed FAR, AUD and BEC, waiting for my REG score.

[Anonymous]

IL but it is going away sometime in July I heard.

[victorliu]

Thank you so much, Certified Public Accountant.

[Author]

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