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technorch
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Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: 08 Mar 2010 at 11:07 \| IP Logged

fla_examer85 wrote:

Because at the Big 4 they EXPECT you to be able to pass the CPA Exam. If you can't, they were going to fire you anyway. I've heard from some people if you are staff level and don't pass the exam in 4-5 years you automatically get the boot in a lot of Big4 offices. Don't know if true or not.

Almost guaranteed to get laid off, especially in this economy. You can expect to not get promoted past senior associate (to manager) without your CPA passed, and if you stay longer than three years as a senior in most Big 4 firms, you will get axed.

So essentially, assuming two to three years as an associate, you have six years from the time you start to pass your CPA. Not too bad, but the deadline IS there.

ebitda
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Joined: 28 Jan 2010
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Posted: 08 Mar 2010 at 14:07 \| IP Logged

So for someone in my situation with no on-campus recruiting, would you recommend networking to find a position first (open to more than Big 4 of course), or attempting to pass the exams first? I know most people secure employment first, especially through on-campus efforts. I was originally planning to take the tests to show that I overcame a big hurdle in the accounting field, but if it really doesn't help me stand out, I won't bother until I found a job first. Any thoughts?

allegro-cpa
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Joined: 28 Dec 2009
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Posted: 08 Mar 2010 at 15:04 \| IP Logged

Don't you think that passing the cpa exam before you work is good? That means you don't have to worry about the exam anymore when your working and you can dedicate more time toward work for the firm. You would think the firm encourages passing the exam pre getting the job, would seem more entry level, since you have the basics down.

gbadude
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Joined: 07 Nov 2009
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Posted: 08 Mar 2010 at 19:46 \| IP Logged

ebitda wrote:

Depends on how committed you are to stay in accounting. If you know for sure you're going to do accounting, pass your tests first. It's a pain to be working (especially busy season) and trying to find time/energy to study. But if you're thinking about going into accounting to get a feel for it first, then passing the test isn't as much of a priority.

ebitda
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Joined: 28 Jan 2010
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Posted: 08 Mar 2010 at 20:16 \| IP Logged

Good point, gbadude. I'll definitely take that into consideration. I didn't even think about that. Thanks.

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