Why did you choose US CPA over other courses?
Before I started with CPA, I was preparing for CA for quite a long time and was in search of other courses that can add credibility to my accounting career. It was that time that I learned about the US CPA and knew what I am going to do next. I left my job and started my CPA preparation. I really liked the comprehensive syllabus CPA has which also prepares you with the application of the class-room taught subjects in real-time scenarios. Now, I am a confidant accountant having both CA & CPA to my hat. My message to the fellow aspirants is to widen the knowledge perimeter and not to get stuck with one credential, you need to have all to confront the competitive job market.
What were your study plans once you took up CPA?
Doing CPA along with CA is like chasing two horses at the same time. So, I took the classroom courses before the final CA exam and utilized the result-awaiting gap to concentrate on CPA preparation. I did all OTB questions, MCQs & simulation questions, and practiced every day to build on my perfection which got me good scores in my exam.
Out of the 4 subjects, which one did you find difficult?
As I was preparing for a similar exam parallelly, it was not that difficult for me to grasp the concepts for all the 4 subjects in CPA. Rather, a surprise was waiting just for me at the exam hall, when I flunked the audit exam with a score- 74, twice. I was disheartened at that time, so I introspected the problem of why it had happened, took help from Miles, and prepared for a stronger comeback. I made a fresh start, brushed my concepts well, and cleared it. The audit was a nightmare for me, but that didn’t stop me to get my CPA credential.
Tell us how CPA has helped you progress with your career?
I started searching for a job during the pandemic in March and landed up with a job in July, despite the falling economy and everything was upside down in the industry. I feel really lucky that despite the situation I could still land a job within a couple of month's wait. CPA preparation had a special role to play in cracking the interviews and getting the job in the pandemic situation. Today whenever I am introduced I can proudly say that I am both CA & CPA and it certainly counts the efforts. CPA has definitely opened a new window to jump onto better career options including international prospects as US CPAs have MRAs with Canada, Australia, Newzealand, and others.
Share some tips for aspiring CPA candidates
- Pair an easy paper with a strong one always
- Practice the OTBs thoroughly
- Prepare a plan and execute it well
