Why did you choose to do CPA after CA?
My CPA journey has a short history around it. Back in 2016, I had a subtle set-back when I was stuck with my CA preparation and was finding ways to make a comeback. It was then that I crossed my path with CPA. I did some research, dug up some online articles, and finally was at Miles’s office in Ahmedabad to know more about CPA. It made me fixate on a goal that CA is not the end of the game as I have to have a CPA to work in my favor, in becoming a global accountant. I waited till I was done with my CA and enrolled with Miles in 2018 to start my CPA journey.
How did you plan your CPA journey?
Soon after enrolling with Miles, I moved to Pune for work. With a new job in an entirely new place, it took me a year to curb the curiosity around, until 2019 when I regained focus and there was no looking back. Even after long hours at work, I made a routine to keep 3-4 hours a day to read and revise my concepts. For me doing CPA was a dream come true and I really pushed myself to get it done in spite of the circumstances. Despite the efforts, I could complete only 80 percent of what I targeted, yet it had not affected my score. This taught me that it’s not about how much of the syllabus you cover, but how good you are with concepts.
Which CPA review did you prefer for your CPA exam?
I was completely dependent on the Miles material and the concept books are more than enough to clear the exam. If you are worried about the few concepts that you come across which might be helpful in the exam, don’t make separate notes. Rather, write it down on the book itself. This gives you the advantage of having all-compiled material at the end of the preparation and it proves quite handy for last-minute revisions.
Any exam-hall tips you want to share?
Overconfidence is not my suit, so I got really nervous at my first encounter with simulation. I completely froze for a moment and then I said to myself, that after reading the books, solving a number of simulations and having so much practice can be a waste. I gathered my confidence, put forth my concepts instead of bickering about what I cannot solve and it came out fine. So, one pro-tip for all CPA aspirants, before reacting to the situation, read the question, understand, and then answer the question – this won’t fail you to get good scores.
How did CPA enhance your credibility?
CPA was a big boost to my career. After I left my job at Pune, it didn’t take much time to get a job with a CPA to my advantage. Thanks to Miles’s placement team to arrange an interview with Citrin Cooperman which gave me the opportunity to work in an MNC. In my knowledge, though I was a qualified CA, it was because of CPA, I got a biased preference at Citrin Cooperman and hence a value addition to my portfolio.
What is the scope of CPA in India?
The direction in which the Indian economy is heading we are soon to experience a mix of accounting practice with Indian & global accounting. What’s more surprising is that many CAs often complain that they are not getting enough job opportunities today as the corporates bent towards professionals with global accounting knowledge. And if you are active on Linkedin the job requirements are “CA/CPA”. This is a sure call for the B.Com graduates on – ‘Why not CPA?’
Tips for our CPA Aspirants
- Stay focussed as perseverance is the key
- Keep at least 3-4 hrs to read, revise & practice
- Don’t make multiple copies for notes
- Miles book is your master reference
