[Last Chance CPA]

My moniker says it all – Last Chance CPA.

I turned 36 today. I already have a great consulting job making decent money. I work on Health Insurance Exchange (Obamacare) implementations, and I really enjoy it.

But there has always been this lingering feeling inside of me that I want to earn the CPA designation.

Does it make sense for a 36 year MBA who has mainly worked in IT/consulting type environments to worry about the CPA exam at this point?

I know that there are many, many things I could do with a CPA. I can do Healthcare finance, financial system implementations, accounting advisory assignments in a consulting role, etc. I would not do pure accounting.

But is it worth it at this point? Any 30, 40, even 50 something year old folks out there whose CPA designation changed their life/career later on….?

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[mla1169]

Was 42 when I got my CPA. Immediately got an accounting manager job with a 47% pay increase from my previous job. That was almost 2 years ago.

Now interviewing for controller/CFO positions that are at least 30% increases from my current position.

Very worth it.

and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Was 42 when I got my CPA. Immediately got an accounting manager job with a 47% pay increase from my previous job. That was almost 2 years ago.

Now interviewing for controller/CFO positions that are at least 30% increases from my current position.

Very worth it.

and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[tough_kitty]

@mla1169: but you also have years of experience in accounting, right??

I'll have about 3 years of auditing for the state as far as my accounting related experience goes and I don't think that simply getting a CPA license can get me to $70K salary range… Unfortunately…

Good luck with your interviews! I kind of have a similar goal, just not sure how much I can achieve without having any work experience in public accounting…

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

@mla1169: but you also have years of experience in accounting, right??

I'll have about 3 years of auditing for the state as far as my accounting related experience goes and I don't think that simply getting a CPA license can get me to $70K salary range… Unfortunately…

Good luck with your interviews! I kind of have a similar goal, just not sure how much I can achieve without having any work experience in public accounting…

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Kenada]

Happy Birthday Last Chance 🙂

I am 33 years old and I start the CPA exam at 32. I don't think you are too old to get your CPA. If you are able to dedicate your time and energy to getting the exams done I think its worth it. Good Luck!

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Kenada]

Happy Birthday Last Chance 🙂

I am 33 years old and I start the CPA exam at 32. I don't think you are too old to get your CPA. If you are able to dedicate your time and energy to getting the exams done I think its worth it. Good Luck!

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Anonymous]

47 and one more exam to go!! I think the CPA exam can change your career at any age but for me it was also just about wanting those three letters behind my name – regardless of how it affected me career. For me it was definitely a combination of career goal and personal goal. Best of luck!!

[Anonymous]

47 and one more exam to go!! I think the CPA exam can change your career at any age but for me it was also just about wanting those three letters behind my name – regardless of how it affected me career. For me it was definitely a combination of career goal and personal goal. Best of luck!!

[Last Chance CPA]

My thing is the CPA is a bonus for me. If I pass it, it will hopefully do amazing things for my career. If I don't pass it, I tried my best and it wasn't meant to be…

I told myself I will take FAR 3 times no matter what….I have failed once already…let's see what happens on Nov 9.

I failed AUD but received a decent score of 71, having only taken one Audit class years ago (got a D in the class)….so the other parts are doable if I can just…pass….FAR….sigh….

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Last Chance CPA]

My thing is the CPA is a bonus for me. If I pass it, it will hopefully do amazing things for my career. If I don't pass it, I tried my best and it wasn't meant to be…

I told myself I will take FAR 3 times no matter what….I have failed once already…let's see what happens on Nov 9.

I failed AUD but received a decent score of 71, having only taken one Audit class years ago (got a D in the class)….so the other parts are doable if I can just…pass….FAR….sigh….

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[tough_kitty]

I know you already invested a lot of $ in the study materials, but I'd really recommend Roger CPA review, at least for FAR & AUD!

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

I know you already invested a lot of $ in the study materials, but I'd really recommend Roger CPA review, at least for FAR & AUD!

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Anonymous]

I turn 52 next month. See the rest in my signature.

[Anonymous]

I turn 52 next month. See the rest in my signature.

[Author]

Replies