[okadir]

I just started studying for my CPA exams using the Wiley review books and have quickly realized I have forgotten ALL of my accounting knowledge. I got my 150th credit hour 4 years ago and haven’t used any of the skills/content I gained in school. WHAT DO I DO?? How do people pass the CPA exams when they’ve been out of school so long? Do I just buy some textbooks and get to reading? Someone please help, I really don’t know where to go from here…. ;(

"patiently persevering"

[MCLKT]

I'm curious, if you haven't used ANY of your accounting knowledge from school…. And lost all of it…. why do you want to be a CPA? And do you think you should be a CPA at this point?

You may want to start by getting experience and/or going back to school to get the knowledge needed.

ETA: more importantly, welcome to A71!!!

A:[73]97 F:[74]85 R:86 B:[74]82
*NINJA 10 Pt. COMBO & Yaeger*

[okadir]

Thanks for the response. Those are good questions….

1) I've got a few years of experience under my belt. Boutique CPA firm, corporate enterprise, non-profit, but the were all entry level/clerk type work.

2) I want to be a CPA because I don't see any other option. It's kind of a road block in terms of employment. I really don't want to be a clerk for the rest of my life.

I agree school a good option, but I just don't have the money for grad school. I had to scrape just to get these review books.

Am I too assume that people don't pass the CPA if they've taken time off from school/work? Is it really a lost cause??

"patiently persevering"

[jlg2010]

okadir I started studying FAR a year after I finished Intermediate Acct in my MAcc. Before that I had an intro acct course (accoutning for MBAs) which was pretty useless. What I did was purchase the latest Intermediate text and read it cover to cover before starting my Yaeger review. I thought it was helpful refreshing my memory. The again I had never been exposed to several topics e.g. Govermental, NFP, consolidations, partnerships, taxes, IFRS, etc so I paid close attention to those during the review.

FAR Aug 12 84
Aud Feb 13 99
BEC Apr 13 86
Reg May 13 87 Done!!!

[Anonymous]

Not a lost cause if it's what you really want! The only way to fail is to quit!

[Maverick]

It can be done. I initially purchased the Wiley books but they didn't work for me, so I purchased Becker. I think you just need the right review course. I completed my accounting requirements three years prior to starting the exam and fulfilled the business and law requirements 14 years ago when I got my bachelors degree. You just have to be very dedicated and put the time and effort into it. Also, if you have your principles of accounting book it might help giving yourself some time to review the basics. If you want it bad, it's achievable.

F - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
B - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
A - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
R - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.

Ethics - 95

Licensed CPA

I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT MY LORD. THANK YOU.

"According to your faith will it be done to you." Matthew 9:29

[MCLKT]

Oh, no, not a lost cause!

I'm 9 years out of school and the only topic I have experience in is Financial.

I think the review courses (lectures) would help freshen your memory.

What section are you starting with?

A:[73]97 F:[74]85 R:86 B:[74]82
*NINJA 10 Pt. COMBO & Yaeger*

[okadir]

Right on!!! It looks like I'm buying some used textbooks….Thanks a lot everyone and good luck studying.

"patiently persevering"

[jlg2010]

okadir the difficult part is putting the requisite time in. As I mentioned I took 2 accounting classes from 2010-2012 and passed after a thorough review. I am 37 and don't work in accounting. FAR has a few topics that are tricky but it is not brain surgery. The tough part is remembering all the topics you need to know. Jeff's plan is very effective at doing that.

FAR Aug 12 84
Aud Feb 13 99
BEC Apr 13 86
Reg May 13 87 Done!!!

[MCLKT]

Yes! I agree with jlg2010!

Maybe look into text books from a library? Or just read articles on about.com to get overviews of topics.

If you are going to invest in something… I suggest NINJA notes or audio.

They are excellent, concise reviews. And can help you focus on important topics.

A:[73]97 F:[74]85 R:86 B:[74]82
*NINJA 10 Pt. COMBO & Yaeger*

[Anonymous]

Google.com and youtube!

[okadir]

Read, read, read….I like how the rest of my life is starting out 🙂

Here's to another71 !!!!

"patiently persevering"

[Anonymous]

Why, yes, okadir, we (the Another71.com family) are AWESOME!

[SonjaBlue]

It took me 18 years to get my Bachelor's Degree; so, even though I graduated in 2006, it's been 12 years since I took an accounting class. I do benefit from the accounting work performed throughout my career. But that didn't help me out when studying foreign currency translations, hedging activities, or acquisitions.

I use Becker and for the most part it has refreshed my memory. For the sections that are insufficient for me to understand the material, I pull out my old Intermediate Accounting textbook and use the internet (as Kricket suggested above).

I think anything can be accomplished as long as you are willing/motivated to give it the time, effort, and sometimes $$ (review course, exam fees, licensing fees) required.

Good Luck!

P.S. I failed FAR the first time I took it and found Another71 shortly afterwards. I have to give credit to the website and suggestions for studying that helped me to pass AUD and BEC (especially).

FAR 02/26/13 78 [05/25/12 67]
AUD 07/07/12 85
REG 05/28/13 80 [08/25/12 72]
BEC 11/26/12 81

[Getting a CPA]

I took accounting classes throughout my 20s. I have an MBA as well. BUT I have never worked in accounting. I am using a review course – CPAExcel – which is recommended for adults who can't stand sitting in a classroom anymore! CPAExcel helps you study using bite-sized lessons on your own time. I have spent the last 6 months just studying FAR to get the basics back. I am getting a CPA not because I want to go into public accounting, or become a tax or audit person, but rather to work on financial systems.

I think you can pick up a good review course and learn this stuff again. Your timeline would be longer than others on here most likely….

I haven't even taken FAR yet, so my two cents are worth just that!

[Maverick]

Okadir, yup “read, read, read…” Learn to enjoy reading.

F - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
B - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
A - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.
R - Passed...THANK YOU, LORD. GLORY TO GOD.

Ethics - 95

Licensed CPA

I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT MY LORD. THANK YOU.

"According to your faith will it be done to you." Matthew 9:29

[Author]

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