[Mmilito]

Hey I know this is gonna sound like a self centered question but I’ll ask it anyways

I have no relevant experience in accounting and I’m looking for a job in public accounting, I understand that your suppose to put that you put what sections you passed as a highlight of your resume, but should you include your score too if your proud of it (92)? I know this isn’t a great question to ask but I need an opinion

FAR 92
AUD 91
BEC 11/06/2011
REG 02/01/2012

[Minimorty]

Your score doesnt really set you apart though. Come back with a 99 and I'll be impressed.

[Mmilito]

Ok, let me ask you the dumb but obvious question, why are you looking at hundreds of resumes instead of doing accounting work?

FAR 92
AUD 91
BEC 11/06/2011
REG 02/01/2012

[Mmilito]

Ok, let me ask you the dumb but obvious question, why are you looking at hundreds of resumes instead of doing accounting work?

FAR 92
AUD 91
BEC 11/06/2011
REG 02/01/2012

[Minimorty]

We just went through the process of hiring a bunch of summer interns, so I happened to go through a ton of resumes.

Btw – I am not trying to discourage you. 92 is a solid score. My only point is that there are a ton of candidates with good scores and the score really is not all that relevant. The fact that you passed the section is all that matters. So on your resume, I would put that you passed, but I wouldnt put the score. Ask the others and see what everyone else says. This is just my opinion.

[Minimorty]

We just went through the process of hiring a bunch of summer interns, so I happened to go through a ton of resumes.

Btw – I am not trying to discourage you. 92 is a solid score. My only point is that there are a ton of candidates with good scores and the score really is not all that relevant. The fact that you passed the section is all that matters. So on your resume, I would put that you passed, but I wouldnt put the score. Ask the others and see what everyone else says. This is just my opinion.

[ingypop]

I agree with Minimorty. Just put that you passed the section (you definitely want to highlight that, especially since it's one of the tougher sectons). Putting a score is a bit obnoxious though. The only people who care about your scores are those annoying people (i.e., peers) that want to compete with everyone for everything. They're obnoxious enough, you don't want to be like them do you?

BEC - Passed (11/27/2010)
REG - Passed (02/26/2011)
AUD - Passed (05/30/2011)
FAR - TBD (07/29/2011)

[ingypop]

I agree with Minimorty. Just put that you passed the section (you definitely want to highlight that, especially since it's one of the tougher sectons). Putting a score is a bit obnoxious though. The only people who care about your scores are those annoying people (i.e., peers) that want to compete with everyone for everything. They're obnoxious enough, you don't want to be like them do you?

BEC - Passed (11/27/2010)
REG - Passed (02/26/2011)
AUD - Passed (05/30/2011)
FAR - TBD (07/29/2011)

[jmd494]

@Mmilito – While I disagree with Minimorty's assessment that the score isn't something that differentiates you (you wouldn't be blowing potential employers away but it's still puts you ahead of the curve), I agree with his recommendation to leave it off your resume.

Ultimately it's up to you but I think it could create the wrong impression, potentially making you look arrogant (because your score will probably be higher than most potential employers! haha).

I would put something to the effect of “Actively pursuing CPA certification (FAR passed XXX 2011; Remaining parts scheduled)”

btw…scheduling a part a week after Thanksgiving? You're going to kill your holiday!

[jmd494]

@Mmilito – While I disagree with Minimorty's assessment that the score isn't something that differentiates you (you wouldn't be blowing potential employers away but it's still puts you ahead of the curve), I agree with his recommendation to leave it off your resume.

Ultimately it's up to you but I think it could create the wrong impression, potentially making you look arrogant (because your score will probably be higher than most potential employers! haha).

I would put something to the effect of “Actively pursuing CPA certification (FAR passed XXX 2011; Remaining parts scheduled)”

btw…scheduling a part a week after Thanksgiving? You're going to kill your holiday!

[ingypop]

Haha, I agree. I scheduled my first CPA section (BEC) the week of Thanksgiving and due to my paranoia (it being my first exam and wanting to study the most that I could), I completely neglected my family except for the actual Thanksgiving dinner 🙁

BEC - Passed (11/27/2010)
REG - Passed (02/26/2011)
AUD - Passed (05/30/2011)
FAR - TBD (07/29/2011)

[ingypop]

Haha, I agree. I scheduled my first CPA section (BEC) the week of Thanksgiving and due to my paranoia (it being my first exam and wanting to study the most that I could), I completely neglected my family except for the actual Thanksgiving dinner 🙁

BEC - Passed (11/27/2010)
REG - Passed (02/26/2011)
AUD - Passed (05/30/2011)
FAR - TBD (07/29/2011)

[kdbfg4]

I know plenty of people that can get a good grade on the CPA exam that I wouldn't want working for me. You have to have other qualities that are desirable other than your ability to take a test. After all, a trained monkey could be an accountant with enough time on his hands. The answers are all out there, and at no point will an employer make you absolutely plow through information in a four hour period.. and if they do, 92% correct is not something they want.

Bottom line: CPA scores are great, but they don't need to be on a resume.

BEC - 84
AUD - 84
REG - 79
FAR - (7/5/2011)

[kdbfg4]

I know plenty of people that can get a good grade on the CPA exam that I wouldn't want working for me. You have to have other qualities that are desirable other than your ability to take a test. After all, a trained monkey could be an accountant with enough time on his hands. The answers are all out there, and at no point will an employer make you absolutely plow through information in a four hour period.. and if they do, 92% correct is not something they want.

Bottom line: CPA scores are great, but they don't need to be on a resume.

BEC - 84
AUD - 84
REG - 79
FAR - (7/5/2011)

[NoScores2Display4thisSection]

92 is actually a very good score

i think Watts Sells award winners are mid to mid-high 90s on all 4 parts

when i first started working at Big4 their online forms prior to start date asked us which parts we'd already passed

the fact that you're a 25% CPA is pretty awesome so you could at least mention you're a CPA candidate and MAYBE put down the monh/year when you expect to be a CPA, but I'm pretty sure the score wouldnt go there (even though it's a great score and IMO a real good indication that passing the other parts wont be too much of a challenge for you)

done

[NoScores2Display4thisSection]

92 is actually a very good score

i think Watts Sells award winners are mid to mid-high 90s on all 4 parts

when i first started working at Big4 their online forms prior to start date asked us which parts we'd already passed

the fact that you're a 25% CPA is pretty awesome so you could at least mention you're a CPA candidate and MAYBE put down the monh/year when you expect to be a CPA, but I'm pretty sure the score wouldnt go there (even though it's a great score and IMO a real good indication that passing the other parts wont be too much of a challenge for you)

done

[Author]

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