NJSCPA Exam Cram Blog

The Small Things

Hello all!

 

I'd like to share a quick story to hopefully prevent any bad situations from coming up when you take a section of the exam.  I was scheduled to take the REG section of the exam this morning.  However, I had foolishly registered for a race that took place on Sunday.  So rather than being able to do a final review for the exam the day before, I spent most of it recovering from the tough physical workout.  Looking back on it, I wouldn't have suggested it to myself (even though I did it anyway) and I certainly wouldn't suggest it to anyone else. 

For the same reason that studying during tax season is not a smart idea, having a distractor such as a race so close to the exam date provides plenty of room for error.  Unfortunately, in preparing for taking the exam today, I forgot to make sure that I had everything that I needed to sit for the exam, which includes my driver's license.  Once arriving at the test site I realized that I had lost it and was unable to take the exam.

I hate to put up such a downer/horror story so quickly on this blog, but on the lighter side of things where glasses are always half full, the grass is uncomfortably green, and people are incessantly smiling, I'll have more time to study for this section so I can comfortably walk into the test center with license in hand.

Here's the takeaway: focus on the exam and only the exam in the days/week leading up to the exam so that your mind is fully focused towards it.  Your future self will be very thankful for it, I'm sure you'll agree!  And of course remember to bring your driver's license!

 

Happy studying!

 

Taka

Post Season

We're finally here!

 

After 3 long months of hard work and toiling between tax returns and audits, busy season has finally come to a close.  I'm going to reference an amazing movie so don't tease me for it: As in the circle of life that Simba learned of in the Lion King, with the end of one thing (busy season) another must begin (study season).  The nice benefit of this is that I can adjust my schedule to fit my life a bit better now.  But plenty of work still needs to be done!

I've registered for another shot at REG, which I failed with a 74 in January :/  But I'm confident that in the next few weeks, I'll feel comfortable with the material to get that one extra point and put me within just one exam and 5 months from a CPA!

 

I know that it's tough to ignore the wonderful weather and daylight that some of us have been missing the past few months, but it's important to get a good first step on studying so that when the weather becomes unbearably warm and comfortable, then we can relax a bit more. 

 

Wishing you all the best in your studies and hope to see you at the test center in a few weeks!

 

Taka

The final straight

Hello everyone!

 

Well here we are...the last 10 days of tax season are here!  Whether you're trying to cram in study sessions during a ridiculous workweek or are just choosing one of the two, the next 10 days leading up to the dealine are something akin to hell on earth.  Or hell in a cube if you happen to be a lowly entry level accountant like myself.  But in that same breath, it seems to be wonderful news because that means that we are almost done! 

The rigorous hours of working through the days and nights are finally within reach of being a part of the past, and if that's something that I can hold on to, then that's something I will hold on to.  Today's post is not about as much about passing the CPA exam or getting good evaluations at work.  It's more about the fact that we've made it through the past few months and can finally look forward to warm weather, short(er) hours, and happier times.  I hope that this does not dissuade anyone from becoming an accountant because I wouldn't prefer to be anywhere else right now if I knew that I would lose the rest of the year's experience.  Plus, the learning curve during tax season is unbelievable fast and will put you on the fast track to business genius.

Of course, none of this is an excuse not to keep our heads on straight and remain focused on the goal of becoming a CPA (coolest person alive).  I hope that anyone who might be reading this makes it through the next 10 days well and becomes just a little bit cooler.  Looking forward to seeing you on the other side.

 

Happy Studying!

 

Taka

Finish Line

Hey all!

 

I've given some tips in the past on the CPA exam itself, but I'd also like to talk about another portion of the requirement to become a CPA, experience.  In the state of NJ, one year of experience working with a public accounting firm will let you cross this requirement off the to do list.  If you've decided to start by working in the private or government sector you can still meet the experience requirement.  The only caveat is that you will need have a "sponsor" oversee your work experience to ensure that it meets the requirement.  More information on this requirement can be provided by the NJ Society.

 

What is also important about the 1 year requirement is that it's required!  In order to get through that one year, you'll need to get through some busy seasons, whether it is the year end in private accounting or tax season in public accounting, you will come to a point where you aren't sure how to get through all of the work on your desk in time.  There are plenty of different ways to manage one's time, and each person does it differently, but the ultimate tool is and always has been communication.  It may not always be the most comfortable conversation, but it's tremendously important to take the time to talk to a senior or manager about the progress you make with jobs and how well you think that you can adhere to given deadlines, both self assessed as well as externally required. 

 

Each situation at work can be different with a certain dynamic to learn from.  As long as you can make sure to keep yourself and your superior on the same page, you will find praise and increased confidence will soon follow.

 

I hope that everyone who might be reading this blog fights their way through the last few weeks of busy season and makes it through to the other side.  Feel free to ask any related or unrelated questions, I'm happy to offer any advice I can give!

 

Happy studying!

BEC: Round 4?

I have finally got up the courage to register to take BEC again. After almost 3 months of not even thinking about the exam, I've put it back on my radar. I've been SO close with my scores...I just can't let this section defeat me. On one hand, I hate to admit that I am taking BEC for the 4th time. On the other hand, I'm really glad that I haven't thrown in the towel yet. I'm hoping and praying that the 4th time's the charm.

I can't remember if I've mentioned this before, but I will be using the Wiley CPA Test Bank to study for BEC. I believe that I really do know the meat of the test...I just have to do more questions, questions, questions! I'm going to read a bit to refresh my memory, but I don't think that's what's going to be my saving grace. I'm going to focus my energy on multiple choice questions and flashcards and I'm going to mix them up. No more studying one chapter at a time. The test, after all, does not indicate which chapter you're answering questions from.

It is almost impossible for me to study during tax season, but I am going to make the effort. A friend of mine lent me his Another 71 BEC Ninja Audio...which I have been listening to in my car on the way to clients (like I don't have enough accounting in my life already!). I'm also going to do multiple choice questions here and there and carry my flashcards around in my bag.

I know I can kick BEC to the curb. I'm almost excited to take it in May (I know, I am crazy), so send your positive thoughts and/or suggestions my way!

Lauryn

Two weeks to the due date!

Only two weeks to go until the last test – AUDIT!

RELIANCE on passing it is very HIGH;

CONTROLLED risk is very LOW, I still have another 6 mos. available before the end of the 18 month period;

DETERMINATION is at the MAXIMUM level

SUBSTANTIALLY I am very nerve wrecked!!!

 

Stay tuned for more.

Claudio B.

 

PS: congratulations Alyssa, see you on the other side of the finish line.

On My Way to a CPA?

Between work, the CPA exam, the holidays and life, the last few weeks have been pretty hectic. And just as I feel things are starting to fall back into place again.. enter, tax season. Yay!

With everything going on, it's been hard for me to keep up on my blogging and I'd like to start by apologizing to our readers for my lack of posting. Now, let me take a moment to recap where I am with the exam.

Early November I received some great news in winning my battle with the AUD portion of the exam. Now being 3/4 on my way to a CPA, I was determined to sneak in a FAR attempt before the window closed. I tried my best to cram for this portion, as it is the most voluminous of the sections, and I must say I was a little surprised to see I had scored a 72 when I got my grade.

While I was disappointed that my journey will drag on a little longer, I was relieved in the sense that I felt I was on the right track. I've been hitting the books the last few weeks in preparation of my next FAR attempt on 2/4, which could potentially be my last exam..fingers crossed.

I also want to wish the best of luck to all of my fellow writers on the Exam Cram Blog, in their studies, as well as their upcoming busy seasons!

Mike 

 

A New Year

Happy New Year everyone!

 

I hope that you all enjoyed 2012 and are ready for new calendars and resolutions and busy gyms as we begin 2013.  I just wanted to share a small bit of advice that I recently received and found to be much more effective than I originally thought.  Although it might seem like a waste of time, and post its, making to do lists and organizing all of the projects we have in our busy lives can be a great way to get some traction.  It doesn't immediately get you any progress, but what I've found is that knowing where you want to apply yourself this day, this month, or this year can be very helpful in actually allowing me to reach my goal.

 

This might be a simple concept that most of you, if not all, have already been working towards, but perhaps it's something that might be of benefit to simply hear aloud or in words.  Even if you would agree that it seems like a waste of time to physically write or type out a list of things you need to finish for the week, it really does work.  I know that I'll be using this tactic to work myself for the next 10 days and get myself pass the REG section on the 14th!

 

All the best of luck to you all this year and keep on studying!

 

Taka

Happy New Year !!!

New Year greetings to Everyone,

I am so excited for a lot of reasons...New year's are always a good time to hit the "re-set" button, re-focus and get to action. I wish you all good health and peace of mind as you make it through the New Year.

Cheers Everyone,

EEA

 

Nice!!!

I'm beyond happy to report that I have passed audit!  I seriously cannot put into words how relieved I am.




Work has been hectic with planning and interim work leading up to busy season.  Luckily I have about a week and a half of holiday time and personal days saved up so I can get some serious studying in before January.  My goal is to pass FAR this time around (got a 74 the first time) so that I can stay completely focused on work throughout busy season.  Then, this summer, I can take the 3 classes I need to fulfill my education requirement and FINALLY MAYBE HOPEFULLY be able to call myself a CPA.

I want to give some thanks to all the employees at Weiser who make the CPA initiative possible, especially Sandra San Juan who leads the program in the NJ office.  Working and studying for the exam can be rough, but it really does help to have a support group that places importance on passing the exam.

Well, the only thing I'm not ecstatic about right now is the fact that I have to attend an inventory count tomorrow (read: Saturday) morning.  Looks like I have to wait one more day to celebrate this great success LOL.  Everyone have a great weekend, a happy holiday, and some happy studying.

All the best,
Alyssa