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Mandalay posted:I just took Individual (206) & Corporate (207) Tax this summer. Huie is a good prof, really liked her. I assume because you guys said "OC" that means you're in California and you've probably researched the exam and certification requirements. But, just a word of advice to those in other states (I'm in MA, so I"m speaking from that background) your credits from a CC need to transfer into a 4-year school (i.e. you take CC classes for extra credits while you're still enrolled at a 4-year school as opposed to taking them after you graduate). In MA and some other states, after you graduate from a 4-year school you need to get your credits from another 4-year school. So for example, I only needed 17 more credits to be eligible for certification when I graduated from college. Instead of getting an MSA I wanted to take CC classes on the cheap for the extra credits, but instead had to take online classes at a 4-year state school since the CC credits wouldn't have worked.
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Nov 9, 2011 03:52
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In a similar vein, I'm looking at dropping out of my MSA program after the spring semester to work full-time in accounting under a CPA (have the job offer already, I just need to decide whether I want to go for it). I'm in California, so I can easily take a couple of additional CC classes while I'm working to finish up the 24 accounting and 24 business credits to qualify for the CPA exam. After the educational requirements are out of the way, I can study for/take the CPA sections while finishing up my work experience. I've quadruple-checked the California CPA requirements, and it seems that this is a viable thing to do. My main question is, should I do it? Factoring in tuition, rent, and the opportunity cost from not working, staying in the program would probably cost me around $65,000 next year. I'm more than okay with not working in the Big 4 or doing anything super ambitious, but would not having an accounting-related degree (Poli Sci bachelors, oops) be an issue with employers if I have my CPA license?
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Nov 9, 2011 08:04
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Take the job and get your license. Once you have those letters at the end of your name, nobody will care what your Bachelor degree is unless it is a degree in rape or something.
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Nov 9, 2011 15:47
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Tiax Rules All posted:In a similar vein, I'm looking at dropping out of my MSA program after the spring semester to work full-time in accounting under a CPA (have the job offer already, I just need to decide whether I want to go for it). I'm in California, so I can easily take a couple of additional CC classes while I'm working to finish up the 24 accounting and 24 business credits to qualify for the CPA exam. After the educational requirements are out of the way, I can study for/take the CPA sections while finishing up my work experience. I've quadruple-checked the California CPA requirements, and it seems that this is a viable thing to do. Just make sure that you will be eligible to receive your license before January 1st, 2014. If you will have 150 semester units (including your 24 in acccounting and 24 in business) and one year of experience under a CPA or 120 semester units and two years of experience under a CPA before 2014, then you will be okay. If you won't meet either of those requirements, you will basically be forced to go back to school to meet the new education requirements. After December 31, 2013, all candidates in CA applying for a CPA license will be required to have 150 semester units. 20 of these additional units must be in "accounting study" and 10 will have be in ethics related courses. These requirements technically have not been approved yet, but it's pretty much a done deal at this point. From what you said it sounds like you will have 150 units and a year of experience before the deadline, but you might be cutting it pretty close.
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Nov 9, 2011 16:47
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I should be fine under the new track though, no? None of my undergrad courses were in accounting, so out of necessity I'll need at least 24 accounting-related courses anyways.Mush Mushi posted:20 of these additional units must be in "accounting study" and 10 will have be in ethics related courses. These requirements technically have not been approved yet, but it's pretty much a done deal at this point. Is there a source for this? I've looked here and here, and I don't see anything mentioning that. Also, is the ethics requirement for licensing this?
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Nov 9, 2011 19:29
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Check out this page Specifically quote:What will be the educational requirements for CPA licensure beginning January 1, 2014? This "tip sheet" basically lays out the proposed education requirements. Yeah, it sucks. I know a lot of people set to start full time next fall who will be scrambling to pass the CPA exam before the deadline, and even more people still don't realize that the changes will affect them. The firms themselves are just starting to get a handle on how to treat this.
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Nov 10, 2011 03:14
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So that'd total 78 accounting/business semester units? The accounting subjects and the accounting study don't stack, for instance? This is infuriating. Why on earth would the calcpa.org, which pops up as the first google result for "california cpa requirements," not mention this? In fact, they go so far as to provide a list of post January 1, 2014 requirements which doesn't include any of the additional educational requirements. Seriously, they explicitly tell you that the only additional requirement is 150 units. It's unbelievable. Looks like it's time to drop out and bust my rear end to get my CPA before 2014.
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Nov 10, 2011 10:16
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From what I've been told, they don't stack. I'm not sure why calcpa doesn't mention the requirements on their page--maybe because the changes aren't approved yet? I know in some other states that have made similar changes to education requirements, candidates could become licensed under the old rules if they had passed one or more parts of the CPA exam before the deadline. So far, CA hasn't added anything like this to the law. You need the education, work experience, and passed all four parts of the exam before 2014 to come in under the old rules. One can hope though. Like you said, if you work your rear end off, finish your 150 hours and pass the exam, you'll be able to beat the deadline.
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Nov 11, 2011 07:20
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I can't believe I only just found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnFk4jnV5Es
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Nov 13, 2011 19:59
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I just wanted to say that the CA, CMA, and CGA are all merging into one entity: CPA. So it won't make a difference which title you have now because in 10 years there will only be one accounting title in Canada.
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Nov 14, 2011 04:20
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SupermanIsDead posted:I just wanted to say that the CA, CMA, and CGA are all merging into one entity: CPA. So it won't make a difference which title you have now because in 10 years there will only be one accounting title in Canada. Eh? I don't see anything about the CMA merging into the CPA here: http://www.imanet.org/ima_home.aspx
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Nov 15, 2011 19:58
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Mandalay posted:Eh? I don't see anything about the CMA merging into the CPA here: http://www.imanet.org/ima_home.aspx Wrong country.
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Nov 17, 2011 02:50
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SupermanIsDead posted:I just wanted to say that the CA, CMA, and CGA are all merging into one entity: CPA. So it won't make a difference which title you have now because in 10 years there will only be one accounting title in Canada.
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Nov 17, 2011 05:41
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Aqualung posted:Wrong country. IMA is a worldwide organization 
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Nov 17, 2011 07:03
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So, I'm about to finish babby's first accounting course, Financial Accounting. The professor has lots of credentials, and I'm getting an A or A+ in the course, so I guess I'm wondering what kinds of jobs would I be qualified to take? I assume the most basic/entry level kinds of things, but I'm just curious where to get started.
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Nov 17, 2011 08:58
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Turkeybone posted:So, I'm about to finish babby's first accounting course, Financial Accounting. The professor has lots of credentials, and I'm getting an A or A+ in the course, so I guess I'm wondering what kinds of jobs would I be qualified to take? I assume the most basic/entry level kinds of things, but I'm just curious where to get started. For a public internship/job, they tended to want you to have Intermediate I.
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Nov 18, 2011 00:47
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Would something like this look good on a resume? http://cwfphilly.org/ edit: I have no idea if I want to do tax in the future, so assume I am applying to a non-tax accounting position. abagofcheetos fucked around with this message at 02:52 on Nov 18, 2011 |
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Nov 18, 2011 02:50
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Harry posted:If you're talking about industry, any basic/entry level accounting job can be done by someone off the street. Thanks for the response -- can you tell me (or point me to a website/etc) as to what encompasses "Intermediate I"?
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Nov 18, 2011 04:34
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In my experience, Intermediate I is usually the in-depth course on assets whilst Intermediate II is the in-depth course on liabilities and equity. Your mileage may vary.
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Nov 18, 2011 04:43
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Missing Donut posted:In my experience, Intermediate I is usually the in-depth course on assets whilst Intermediate II is the in-depth course on liabilities and equity. Your mileage may vary. Heh.. well the class pretty much went over all of these things, though I guess not really in great detail. course syllabus posted:After completing this course, students will: We spend about two classes on each chapter.
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Nov 18, 2011 04:58
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Turkeybone posted:Thanks for the response -- can you tell me (or point me to a website/etc) as to what encompasses "Intermediate I"? Kieso was the book used in my intermediate courses for my Masters and from what I gather it's pretty much the standard for Intermediate Accounting I and II.
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Nov 18, 2011 05:04
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Mandalay posted:IMA is a worldwide organization Turkeybone posted:Heh.. well the class pretty much went over all of these things, though I guess not really in great detail. What you're talking about is bookkeeping - something you don't ever want to make a career out of. Ever. You don't really get a taste or real accounting until the end of Intermediate I. That Kieso textbook someone linked is pretty good but even that doesn't get into the actual complexities of accounting. If you're curious, I suggest you try to see what the next course in the accounting program is at your university and go from there.
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Nov 18, 2011 05:17
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Aqualung posted:That Kieso textbook someone linked is pretty good but even that doesn't get into the actual complexities of accounting. If you're curious, I suggest you try to see what the next course in the accounting program is at your university and go from there. Managerial Accounting, the next course posted:This course focuses on the use of accounting information for management decision making and control. Topics include product costing, budgeting, management decision making, and control systems. There will be one common final exam at the end of the semester. Alright -- this seems to be a "what do you do with this info" kind of class, which I suppose is the logical next step.
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Nov 18, 2011 05:32
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The SituAsian posted:Kieso was the book used in my intermediate courses for my Masters and from what I gather it's pretty much the standard for Intermediate Accounting I and II. I'm using this book right now, Intermediate 1
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Nov 18, 2011 06:27
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I'm hoping that after passing 4 parts of the CPA Exam (I have 3 down already, but AUD doesn't look so scary) that I could get a good public accounting job. I want a big 4, but that ship has probably sailed until I get licensed.
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Nov 18, 2011 08:40
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whatupdet posted:Are you just speculating or do you have a reliable source because I doubt that will be the case. The three designations have already agreed to merge in Quebec. It's being seriously discussed by the CA and CMA organizations elsewhere in Canada, and the CGAs have joined talks in at least one province. It's going to be a bit of a process, but I think eventually the designations will merge if only because public accounting firms are afraid of more regulation. I'm working on my CA right now and I'm all for the merger provided it's handled well and the rigor of the qualification processes for the various designations isn't degraded. However, I think calling it a CPA is really stupid because a) it's going to stand for Chartered Professional Accountant (as opposed to Certified Public Accountant in the US), which adds to confusion rather than reducing it, and b) the qualification process for all three designations is arguably more rigorous than the CPA designation in the US, and it cheapens the brand. Buskas fucked around with this message at 16:46 on Nov 18, 2011 |
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Nov 18, 2011 16:28
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Aqualung posted:You don't really get a taste or real accounting until the end of Intermediate I. That Kieso textbook someone linked is pretty good but even that doesn't get into the actual complexities of accounting. If you're curious, I suggest you try to see what the next course in the accounting program is at your university and go from there. How far is the Kieso book from the CPA exam? I'm at page ~1150 now (Intermediate III) and I'm really not sure how much longer I want to be studying this. Am I ready to go into a 9 month Becker program? For reference, I'm just kind of studying accounting for fun--I have a day job with not much overlap.
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Nov 18, 2011 18:05
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Mandalay posted:studying accounting for fun 
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Nov 18, 2011 18:13
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Mandalay posted:How far is the Kieso book from the CPA exam? I'm at page ~1150 now (Intermediate III) and I'm really not sure how much longer I want to be studying this. Am I ready to go into a 9 month Becker program? I don't know to be honest, I'm from Canada and here the Kieso book is great for when I was still in school but even if you knew it word for word it would not be enough for the CA exams. I'm guessing the same thing applies in your case; the book is great for the first time you cover the subject but not so much for professional exams.
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Nov 18, 2011 19:31
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Buskas posted:The three designations have already agreed to merge in Quebec. Edit: I still find it surprising because of the different specializations that CA/CMA/CGA have. whatupdet fucked around with this message at 22:16 on Nov 18, 2011 |
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Nov 18, 2011 22:09
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abagofcheetos posted:Would something like this look good on a resume? http://cwfphilly.org/ B4 always like to see community service in resumes, however is it going to guarantee you a job? No, not even in tax. To recruiters, volunteering shows you as a well rounded person. Ultimately it won't hurt so if you have the time I say do it.
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Nov 18, 2011 23:57
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whatupdet posted:I guess I'm surprised because I recall the CA & CMA squashed the idea of the two of them merging not long ago, maybe a year ago? I was also caught off guard by CPA as I wondered why we'd adopt a US accounting designation especially if we're moving to IFRS/ASPE while they're not but now I see the name difference, agreed on being a stupid decision. I'm still working on getting my degree part time which will probably take another 4-6 years so by the time I actually decide on a designation maybe it will already be made for me. Yeah, it went to vote a few years ago and was shot down, but they're making another run at it. I really do think most of the support from partners of big firms is the result of government threatening to increase regulation if the organizations don't streamline self-regulation, which is difficult with three different national bodies and a throng of regional/provincial ones. There are a few other potential benefits of merging but I think they're secondary to the powers that be. I'm with you on the differentiation issue, which is why I'm mostly concerned about keeping the level of certification rigor up. Not to knock US accountants, but I really prefer the Canadian style of specializing as you study, rather than getting a very broad designation like the US CPA and then specializing after. However, I really don't like some of the acrimony between the brands (I'm really sick of hearing CA colleagues talking about dumbing down the designation by including CMAs - the lack of openmindedness is fairly ironic), and think merging could increase collaboration and efficiency if done well.
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Nov 19, 2011 00:09
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Buskas posted:However, I really don't like some of the acrimony between the brands (I'm really sick of hearing CA colleagues talking about dumbing down the designation by including CMAs - the lack of openmindedness is fairly ironic), and think merging could increase collaboration and efficiency if done well. The CA designation is orders of magnitude harder to obtain than the CMA. After putting in the hard work, doing some of the hardest professional exams in the world and working 50 hours a week for at least 3 years while you only get paid for 37.5, would you like your designation to be diluted and merged with others who didn't go through the same process? I personally put in all this hard work to be differentiated from those who did not or could not perform at the same level as me. As it stands it's an insult to me that the old partners that already cashed in on the designation are all for loving me over. Frankly the only people I see benefiting from this merger are CMAs in industry who want to make as much money as CAs do without having gone through the same level of training or hardships. Sure over time it doesn't matter as your skill and experience is what makes you but for a young person like me, this just means it will take more time for me to differentiate myself. Where's the incentive in working hard and putting in the hours if a group that doesn't represent your interests can gently caress you over like this?
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Nov 19, 2011 00:57
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Aqualung posted:The CA designation is orders of magnitude harder to obtain than the CMA. After putting in the hard work, doing some of the hardest professional exams in the world and working 50 hours a week for at least 3 years while you only get paid for 37.5, would you like your designation to be diluted and merged with others who didn't go through the same process? This is exactly the kind of childish nonsense you hear all over the place, mostly from people who haven't done their research and have a knee-jerk response to the talks. If it took place under the current plan, all current CAs and CMAs would retain their titles for ten years before they were completely eliminated. If after ten years you're still relying on the letters behind your name to get a job rather than what's on your resume, you have bigger problems. Additionally, anyone competent company hiring an accountant is able to differentiate the skill-sets of someone who had four years of public accounting experience at a Big 4 firm from someone who earned their CMA while working for a single company. Companies will hire to fill positions accordingly. And newsflash, rear end in a top hat, plenty of CMAs & CGAs put in just as much work as you and are as or more competent in their chosen field, and plenty of CAs are morons who might have worked hard enough to pass the UFE but don't necessarily have much to offer because of it. So to answer your questions, no, I don't worry about dilution, because I differentiate myself through my experience and work ethic, and the incentive to work hard comes from the desire to learn and stand out (and the fact that I know I'm not being hosed over - assuming a merger is done correctly). Getting the CA is a great accomplishment that will stay on your resume for your entire life, but passing the UFE is a small piece in a much bigger puzzle and relying on the letters for your professional livelihood is foolish. Buskas fucked around with this message at 01:40 on Nov 19, 2011 |
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Nov 19, 2011 01:37
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Buskas posted:This is exactly the kind of childish nonsense you hear all over the place, mostly from people who haven't done their research and have a knee-jerk response to the talks. Oh I know the 10 year rule but I also know that HR people can barely read, never mind understand what the difference is between designations when they all seem to look the same. Buskas posted:Additionally, anyone competent company hiring an accountant is able to differentiate the skill-sets of someone who had four years of public accounting experience at a Big 4 firm from someone who earned their CMA while working for a single company. Companies will hire to fill positions accordingly. Like I mentioned in my post, I know that ultimately your experience and skill matter more than anything, but I'm a young guy who would still rely heavily on the designation to get further in my career and get that experience and skill required to advance even further. Buskas posted:And newsflash, rear end in a top hat, plenty of CMAs & CGAs put in just as much work as you and are as or more competent in their chosen field, and plenty of CAs are morons who might have worked hard enough to pass the UFE but don't necessarily have much to offer because of it. You do realize this statement is retarded? On average a CA is able to add more to a business than a CGA or CMA - the fact that individual CGAs or CMAs may also be very competent and that there are dumbshit CAs is not shocking. There is a reason why CAs, on average, are paid much more than the rest. Buskas posted:So to answer your questions, no, I don't worry about dilution, because I differentiate myself through my experience and work ethic, and the incentive to work hard comes from the desire to learn and stand out (and the fact that I know I'm not being hosed over - assuming a merger is done correctly). Getting the CA is a great accomplishment that will stay on your resume for your entire life, but passing the UFE is a small piece in a much bigger puzzle and relying on the letters for your professional livelihood is foolish. Like I mentioned before, I'm not looking to rely on my letters my whole life, just for a few more years until my experience can be impressive enough to distinguish myself even further. Why should I simply accept that they want to take that away from me after I've invested so much time, effort and money into this? Aqualung fucked around with this message at 05:36 on Nov 19, 2011 |
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Nov 19, 2011 05:32
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I recently got a job but it's not really what I want. I want to change jobs, but I don't want to make any enemies by leaving so soon. The position I have isn't what I wanted, it's a highly specialized position that has no use outside of the Bank I work for($35,000/yr). I may have an opportunity being an Assistant Controller for a machined parts manufacturer ($45,000/yr)and I want to go for it, but I'd hate to quit my job after just 4 months, the employer is HUGE in the community and I can just see every interview for the rest of my life "Oh wow, you worked at Bank XXXX, why did you leave so soon?" Should I suck it up and just work for a year or so then head out or should I go now? for reference: I've got 3 years as a bookkeeper for a law firm and have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Studying for the CPA Exam and will take it in the summer time (Need 3 more credit hours in the spring time to be eligible).
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Nov 25, 2011 10:03
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If nothing else, applying for that job will give you an idea of your marketability and improve interview skills.
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Nov 25, 2011 21:27
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Creel posted:I'd hate to quit my job after just 4 months, the employer is HUGE in the community and I can just see every interview for the rest of my life "Oh wow, you worked at Bank XXXX, why did you leave so soon?" First, don't quit your current job until a job as controller (and not some lesser thing!) is secure with that other company. Make sure to give at least 2 weeks notice to the bank. No one is going to fault you for following your professional goals and dreams. Just tell the truth (in this case) if someone asks: You enjoyed your time at Bank xXx, but the controllership was much more in line with your goals and gave you more opportunities to exercise and expand your professional skills.
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Nov 25, 2011 21:56
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Most young CAs/ CA students who bitch the hardest about the merger are people who:
There are recent CAs at my firm who don't know what compound interest is. People who can't do more than A1+B2 in excel. Talk to clients like they're their children/parents/enemies. Spend 10 hours completing 5 page file summary memos. Etc. Etc. Etc. But damned if they can't count inventory or look up 1 sentence references in the CICA handbook! Don't let your designation define you. People with talent who really and truly earned their letters will still be in demand, and if a CMA-style-trained CPA applies for the same job as you and gets it, then how is that unfair? (Also, that can't even hypothetically happen for 10 years, so save the whining for later.)
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Nov 26, 2011 03:19
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Creel posted:I recently got a job but it's not really what I want. I want to change jobs, but I don't want to make any enemies by leaving so soon. The position I have isn't what I wanted, it's a highly specialized position that has no use outside of the Bank I work for($35,000/yr). I am not advocating that you make one decision or the other, but I would just caution you against making a move simply because you think the Asst. Controller position is a better job. It very well could be, but make sure it is something you could see yourself doing. Depending on the size of the company, Asst. Controller could just be a glorified Accounting Manager role where there are lots of journal entries and cost/managerial accounting, particularly because it is a manufacturing company. Cost/managerial accounting isn't for everyone so I'd just make sure it is something you could see yourself doing. You could always stick with your current job and work towards certification, after which you'll probably have even more opportunities. That being said, if you do think this other job is the right fit for you, I think RedTonic gave solid advice as to how to handle it - at the end of the day it's your life and your career and you should do what's best for you (as long as you handle things properly).
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Nov 26, 2011 04:36
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