[punkndisorderly]

I’ve been studying for a few weeks and my first test (AUD) is coming up the beginning of May. I’m churning through the CPAExcel, listening to the Ninja audio on the way to/from work, and going through the Wiley book at lunch. I feel pretty good about my study plan.

The one thing I can’t seem to do is get a positive attitude about the test. I just can’t seem to get in the frame of mind I’ve had when tackling professional exams. I’ve done the CFE, CGFM and FLMI exams and had a great attitude during the process. I enjoyed the material and felt like I was picking up things that would help me beyond adding a few letters behind my name.

With the CPA, I can’t help but feel I’m jumping through hoops for the sake of jumping through hoops. I’m a governmental accountant. I work for a school district now and did governmental audits before that (city, county, utility districts, etc.). I can’t seem to get past the fact that 90% of the CPA material has zero application to what I do. I’m looking at hundreds of hours learning taxation, Sox, SEC regulation, and most of the rest of the exam material solely for the test and will (hopefully) never, ever see again. That’s hundreds of hours I could be spending becoming a better governmental accountant. The only reason I’m even considering the exam is because all those folks that draw up job postings for Finance Directors and CFO’s want a CPA. While I did the other designations to better myself, the CPA I’m doing to check off a box for someone else. I find myself more pissed than positive about the process.

I’m afraid my attitude is going to hurt me in the long run. Doubly so if I start hitting the 71, 73, 65 experience so many have.

Any words of wisdom to help me turn my attitude into something positive?

AUD: scheduled 5/3/14 (so far to go)
FAR:
BEC:
REG:

Completed: CFE, CGFM

[jsblamer]

Unless your in public accounting, most of crap tested on this exam won't apply to your job. Your not the exception here, you are more likely the rule. If you really want to pass this exam, before you ever pick up your first study tool, you have to be real with yourself about why you would like this credential. It is a lot of hard work and if you go half way, you will never pass and will end up wasting your time and money.

B -
A - passed
R - passed
F - passed

[jsblamer]

Unless your in public accounting, most of crap tested on this exam won't apply to your job. Your not the exception here, you are more likely the rule. If you really want to pass this exam, before you ever pick up your first study tool, you have to be real with yourself about why you would like this credential. It is a lot of hard work and if you go half way, you will never pass and will end up wasting your time and money.

B -
A - passed
R - passed
F - passed

[F15hy]

The sooner you pass the test, the sooner you can be done studying which means the sooner you can excel in your profession and the sooner you can become a baller. Be motivated by the endless opportunities that passing this exam will provide for you. The fact that I was going to make more money kept me positive through out my entire journey. Now that I am done, I am SO glad I did it, I'm reaping all the benefits I was expecting 🙂 You can too.

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[F15hy]

The sooner you pass the test, the sooner you can be done studying which means the sooner you can excel in your profession and the sooner you can become a baller. Be motivated by the endless opportunities that passing this exam will provide for you. The fact that I was going to make more money kept me positive through out my entire journey. Now that I am done, I am SO glad I did it, I'm reaping all the benefits I was expecting 🙂 You can too.

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[punkndisorderly]

“Unless your in public accounting, most of crap tested on this exam won't apply to your job. Your not the exception here, you are more likely the rule. If you really want to pass this exam, before you ever pick up your first study tool, you have to be real with yourself about why you would like this credential. It is a lot of hard work and if you go half way, you will never pass and will end up wasting your time and money. “

And that's exactly what I'm most worried about. Normally, I got into something with a positive outlook and do my best to enjoy the process as much as possible.

With the CPA, all of my motivations seem negative in nature. I feel like I want to pass out of pure spite. I hate the CPA exam, and I want to kick the crap out of it. It irks me that my CPA boss thinks less of me because I'm not a CPA and want to show her it's not all that. The only time I've ever been like this is when I was going through basic training. My primary motivation for getting through it was to show my jerk of a drill sergeant I could. The funny thing was, the day I graduated, that “jerk” shook my hand and said “I knew if I pissed you off enough, you'd make it through just fine.”

Maybe I just need to stay angry for the next year…

AUD: scheduled 5/3/14 (so far to go)
FAR:
BEC:
REG:

Completed: CFE, CGFM

[punkndisorderly]

“Unless your in public accounting, most of crap tested on this exam won't apply to your job. Your not the exception here, you are more likely the rule. If you really want to pass this exam, before you ever pick up your first study tool, you have to be real with yourself about why you would like this credential. It is a lot of hard work and if you go half way, you will never pass and will end up wasting your time and money. “

And that's exactly what I'm most worried about. Normally, I got into something with a positive outlook and do my best to enjoy the process as much as possible.

With the CPA, all of my motivations seem negative in nature. I feel like I want to pass out of pure spite. I hate the CPA exam, and I want to kick the crap out of it. It irks me that my CPA boss thinks less of me because I'm not a CPA and want to show her it's not all that. The only time I've ever been like this is when I was going through basic training. My primary motivation for getting through it was to show my jerk of a drill sergeant I could. The funny thing was, the day I graduated, that “jerk” shook my hand and said “I knew if I pissed you off enough, you'd make it through just fine.”

Maybe I just need to stay angry for the next year…

AUD: scheduled 5/3/14 (so far to go)
FAR:
BEC:
REG:

Completed: CFE, CGFM

[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

@punkndisorderly we are in the same boat. I've been doing Corporate Accounting for the better part of 10yrs, but technically “I am not qualified” for advancement beyond a Senior Accountant because I am not a CPA. That seems beyond absurd to me but I don't make the rules.

The reality that I am adjusting myself to is this. There is a massive glut in the labor market and as such hiring managers can use whatever critieria they want to select there employees. Its nothing personal against me, its just that the minimum standard has risen. Just like people who have work experience and no college degree, as a non-cpa opportunities will be limited until the standard is met.

Anyone that knows me will tell you I've been cursing this test for years and vowing never to take it. I've had to change my tune because 1) my phone isnt ringing with the potential opportunities I would like to have 2) When I discuss possible opportunities with others my lack of CPA is an issue.

So I guess to sum it all up I would say this. As a person who desires opportunities above and beyond the norm you have to see completing this exam as part of the process in meeting “minimal” requirements.Though you are working harder than you desire just to “check a box”, to pursue opportunity it has to be done.

Hope this helps

[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

@punkndisorderly we are in the same boat. I've been doing Corporate Accounting for the better part of 10yrs, but technically “I am not qualified” for advancement beyond a Senior Accountant because I am not a CPA. That seems beyond absurd to me but I don't make the rules.

The reality that I am adjusting myself to is this. There is a massive glut in the labor market and as such hiring managers can use whatever critieria they want to select there employees. Its nothing personal against me, its just that the minimum standard has risen. Just like people who have work experience and no college degree, as a non-cpa opportunities will be limited until the standard is met.

Anyone that knows me will tell you I've been cursing this test for years and vowing never to take it. I've had to change my tune because 1) my phone isnt ringing with the potential opportunities I would like to have 2) When I discuss possible opportunities with others my lack of CPA is an issue.

So I guess to sum it all up I would say this. As a person who desires opportunities above and beyond the norm you have to see completing this exam as part of the process in meeting “minimal” requirements.Though you are working harder than you desire just to “check a box”, to pursue opportunity it has to be done.

Hope this helps

[Anonymous]

Most of the stuff I learned in my undergraduate degree has no bearing on my real life or any goal I would ever like to attempt in the future, but it had to be done to graduate and to be considered an acceptable applicant when I entered the workforce. You just have to do what you have to do. I took zoology and chemistry because 2 science classes were required for my business degree. Pointless, but necessary. Same with the CPA. Most of us aren't going to use a lot of what we are learning, but we do it to pass the test and get the certification. You can do it. Just tell yourself that you have to. *Hint* it helps to look at the salary of the high positions that require a CPA and use that as motivation. As someone else said, the sooner you get the CPA, the sooner that salary could be yours.

[Anonymous]

Most of the stuff I learned in my undergraduate degree has no bearing on my real life or any goal I would ever like to attempt in the future, but it had to be done to graduate and to be considered an acceptable applicant when I entered the workforce. You just have to do what you have to do. I took zoology and chemistry because 2 science classes were required for my business degree. Pointless, but necessary. Same with the CPA. Most of us aren't going to use a lot of what we are learning, but we do it to pass the test and get the certification. You can do it. Just tell yourself that you have to. *Hint* it helps to look at the salary of the high positions that require a CPA and use that as motivation. As someone else said, the sooner you get the CPA, the sooner that salary could be yours.

[Kay]

I am an IT auditor, so most of stuff that I do in my day-to-day work are not related to what I have learned from CPA exams. (maybe some knowledge from AUD is helping me perform my audits.)

My motivation was that I did Accounting MBA, and most of my classmates pursued and conquered CPA. Also, exceptionally, most of our IT audit team members under big IT audit group (each IT audit team supports different Lines of Business) have CPA licenses, so I decided to do the same and join their CPA club.

Also, another thing that I wanted to tell you because I think you might feel the same way is that you have been tackling down many exams from CFE (4 exams), CGFM (not sure how many exams), and FLMI (10 exams. I know because I am working on it). So you are used to studying, making progress on your career path, and feeling a kind of achievement in your career life. At least for me, I kept studying for something new to stay competent. I have studied and conquered SCJP, SCWCD, CISA, CPA, and now studying for FLMI (3 down, 7 more to go). I think I just enjoy the fact that I am learning something valuable, and potentially that I could apply to my day-to-day work. And also, the more you make effort on your development, the more trust your colleagues put on you.

Now that you are working in Government Accounting, but who knows where you will be working in 5 years from now? CPA is a credential that gives you a lot of choices when it comes down to job searching.

Lastly, but not the least, there will be much more people who know about the three letters, C.P.A. than those who know about FLMI, CGFM, and CFE. and it looks cool when asked about your career, you can just say, “I am a CPA”

Currently:
CPA - Class of 2013
ALMI (Associate, Life Management Institute)
CISA - Passed in 2011, Certified in 2014

In Progress:
ASA (Associate of Society of Actuaries) - EXAM P (O), EXAM FM (O), EXAM MFE (X), EXAM MLC (X), EXAM C (X)

[Kay]

I am an IT auditor, so most of stuff that I do in my day-to-day work are not related to what I have learned from CPA exams. (maybe some knowledge from AUD is helping me perform my audits.)

My motivation was that I did Accounting MBA, and most of my classmates pursued and conquered CPA. Also, exceptionally, most of our IT audit team members under big IT audit group (each IT audit team supports different Lines of Business) have CPA licenses, so I decided to do the same and join their CPA club.

Also, another thing that I wanted to tell you because I think you might feel the same way is that you have been tackling down many exams from CFE (4 exams), CGFM (not sure how many exams), and FLMI (10 exams. I know because I am working on it). So you are used to studying, making progress on your career path, and feeling a kind of achievement in your career life. At least for me, I kept studying for something new to stay competent. I have studied and conquered SCJP, SCWCD, CISA, CPA, and now studying for FLMI (3 down, 7 more to go). I think I just enjoy the fact that I am learning something valuable, and potentially that I could apply to my day-to-day work. And also, the more you make effort on your development, the more trust your colleagues put on you.

Now that you are working in Government Accounting, but who knows where you will be working in 5 years from now? CPA is a credential that gives you a lot of choices when it comes down to job searching.

Lastly, but not the least, there will be much more people who know about the three letters, C.P.A. than those who know about FLMI, CGFM, and CFE. and it looks cool when asked about your career, you can just say, “I am a CPA”

Currently:
CPA - Class of 2013
ALMI (Associate, Life Management Institute)
CISA - Passed in 2011, Certified in 2014

In Progress:
ASA (Associate of Society of Actuaries) - EXAM P (O), EXAM FM (O), EXAM MFE (X), EXAM MLC (X), EXAM C (X)

[K_Sunshine5]

“Maybe I just need to stay angry for the next year…”

Honestly, anger does work. It took me a while to get angry at this test but once I did, I started passing. Having positive thoughts doesn't work for everyone. Wanting to show up your CPA boss and show her that you CAN pass this exam is motivation in itself. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. If that is what gets you the motivation to study and knock out these exams, go ahead and use it. More power to ya!

Oh, as F15hy said, knock these exams out and you can be a baller. And seriously, who doesn't wanna be a baller? 😉

FAR: 65, 77!
AUD: 72, 72, 80!
REG: 64, 84!
BEC: 83!
Ethics: 98!

Delaware CPA as of May 23, 2014 at 10:43am EST.

"She believed she could, so she did."

[K_Sunshine5]

“Maybe I just need to stay angry for the next year…”

Honestly, anger does work. It took me a while to get angry at this test but once I did, I started passing. Having positive thoughts doesn't work for everyone. Wanting to show up your CPA boss and show her that you CAN pass this exam is motivation in itself. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. If that is what gets you the motivation to study and knock out these exams, go ahead and use it. More power to ya!

Oh, as F15hy said, knock these exams out and you can be a baller. And seriously, who doesn't wanna be a baller? 😉

FAR: 65, 77!
AUD: 72, 72, 80!
REG: 64, 84!
BEC: 83!
Ethics: 98!

Delaware CPA as of May 23, 2014 at 10:43am EST.

"She believed she could, so she did."

[wildrain7777]

If you feel like you're studying useless information, wait till you get to BEC.

[Author]

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