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 being 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, New Zealand, 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
