[Ice Man]

Hello,

I’ve been checking out this blog since June of 2011 – when I first started studying. When I initially started to prepare for the first section I took (FAR), I just wasn’t ready for the painful process of passing all 4 sections within an 18 month window. Initially I fell short on FAR with a 73, and just didn’t have the stamina to keep going after that. Within that period of time, my Becker License lapsed, and I basically gave up.

After spending a year and a half in public accounting I saw the significance of having the license. My employer split the cost of a review course, and I decided to go at it a second time. On the second go around I started with FAR, and I passed with an 81. I then went on to take the remaining 3 section and passed each one on the first try – it wasn’t pretty (see scores below), but I did it.

I believe my success on the second go around was a testament to the re-alignment of my priorities. More specifically, I place a far higher priority on passing this exam than I did my job. For example, when I was working on the final 2 sections of the exam (AUD, BEC), my boss at the time brought me into his office, and asked for me to work more hours. I was billing at least 50 hours per week, and I felt that was reasonable. I told him I’ll do my best. After walking out of his office, I made a business decision. That decision was to not work a minute over 50 each week, and take a 1 hour lunch break to study regardless of the workload. This approach got me through AUD, and then I went on to study BEC.

At this point, BEC was the final section that I had to pass. I had until June to pass before I lost credit for FAR. Despite the commitment I made to myself, I let the internal pressure get to me, and I caved and drifted away from studying on my routine. I pushed back the exam 3 times! The third time put me in a position to where if I fail BEC, I lose credit – I couldn’t accept failure.

With that said, I quit my job after tax season. I was far more concerned about passing BEC than I was finding a new job. My thought process was, I will have 6 weeks of un-interrupted studying and I’ll give myself the highest possible chance of passing. I believed that once I passed, the rest would take care of its self.

People thought I was crazy. I didn’t care. I put my head down and studied like there’s no tomorrow. After 6 weeks of studying, I passed. I then wasted no time and took the state and the national ethics exam. I was a licensed CPA within 2 months of leaving my job.

Once I could officially put CPA behind my name, I started to look for work. I can’t speak on behalf of other people’s experiences, but for my the clouds parted, and interviews and job offers literally started to fall on my lap. I had recruiters calling my phone non-stop. I had offers for same day temp work offering 35-50 dollars per hour. Positions that I would have never been eligible not only called me in for an interview, but I had offers as well. Positions like controller, assistant controller, accounting manager, even a teaching position at a local college.

None the less, I accepted a job that was an ideal fit, and a pay increase that more than offset my time without work. I’m in a new world. I’m so happy.

My reason for sharing this story with all is to attempt to inspire those that are burned out with work and studying. I also want to reveal what can potentially happen if you put your personal professional goals in front of the demands of your job. I wish you all the best, don’t give up, there’s far too much value to be captured from passing these 4 exams.

F – 81
R – 76
A – 83
B – 79

[neaux]

Your story is an inspiring one. May I ask, how far did you get in the public accounting firm that you were at? Also, what type of role did you take on? Lastly, what area of the country are you in?

I think a lot of people needed to see your story. Someone recently posted the question “Is CPA worth it?”. I think your story is a great perspective for that individual and anyone who thinks the CPA is not worth it.

[Ice Man]

I'm glad you think so! I was a sr accountant, and I took on a management roll. I'm in Seattle, WA.

[N2BCPA]

This is awesome and so motivating. Thanks for sharing. I have failed REG twice with last score a 70. 🙁

REG 07/2016....ROGER/NINJA AUDIO/MCQ/NOTES--62, retake 10/1
BEC
FAR
AUD

"A PART OF BEING A BEAST JUST AINT EATING A GAZELLE; A PART OF BEING A BEAST IS THE HUNT! YOU CANT WISH TO BE GREAT WITHOUT PUTTING IN THE WORK!"
-ETHIPHOPPREACHER

[HoosierCPA]

Great stuff. This exam isn't easy–for those who think they can put in half the effort are kidding themselves. And without having the license I can tell you it does make a difference. I'v had so many opportunities missed just because I don't have those 3 letters.

Quick example. I believe I was in year 2 of my job out of college. I get a call from a recruiter. Super excited, at the time I had never got any interest from head hunters! I proceed to tell him how I enjoy my job but I'm starting to feel stagnant and don't feel like I”m learning at the rate I would like to. He asked a few question of my wants…credentials, pay, etc. I tell him I'm thinking about studying for my CMA and I would like a $10k raise. At the time I was making minimum for our salaried position (40k). Without a pause he laughs on the phone and says seriously you think you're worth a 25% raise on 2 years experience and you're sitting for the CMA and not even the CPA. He goes nobody even knows what the CMA is the CPA is what everyone wants. On top of that he added that I was worth exactly what I was making and he would be lucky to get me an extra couple thousand based on my experience. I felt crushed, pissed, and almost hung up. 3 years later and I hate to say it but he was right! If you want to get into management it's almost a requirement these days.

FAR - 78
REG - 72,74,71...please just go away REG nobody likes you!
BEC - 82
AUD - Aug 16

[GoBears123]

While I agree the CPA is absolutely worth it and can open the door to job opportunities, I have to say — that recruiter was a jerk. I'm sorry you had that experience early in your career.

FAR - 6/4/16 - 82
AUD - 8/27/16
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

[Anonymous]

I agree with Gobears that the recruiter was a jerk. I have seen staff accountants with 2 years of private experience getting more than 10-30% of salary increase when they switch job. 30% is unusual but it is not totally mission impossible. It all depends on how well the hiring manager likes you and how well you sell yourself. If i have a similar recruiter, i would definitely not use that person!

[HoosierCPA]

Yeah I agree with him being a dick and still would never work with him to this day. He still calls occasionally and I don't give him the time of day. I'm not sure what he was trying to accomplish by tearing me down. Seeing as how I'm still talking about this today tells you how much it pissed me off! lol Funny thing is is less then a year later my own job promoted me and gave me significantly more then I was even asking the recruiter for! I think his strategy was to make me believe I'm worth less in order to make his life easier and collect his check.

FAR - 78
REG - 72,74,71...please just go away REG nobody likes you!
BEC - 82
AUD - Aug 16

[jms10101]

Great post! The CPA designation is gold. That recruiter was a clown. If anyone spoke to me that way, I would sever ties. CPA's have options, you don't need to deal with someone like that. CPA's are the prize, non CPA's often have to take what they can get. If that were not so, then the CPA would have little to no value.

Side note about the CMA. My tax professor, who has both designations, told me that getting the CMA is very valuable but not in place of the CPA. CMA alone provides very little value but paired with a CPA is much more substantial and opens even more doors.

[nigercpa]

dtatham did you graduate from IU? I attended IU for my masters…it feels good to have a fellow Hoosier in the forum.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[Author]

Replies