Becoming a CPA

Why did you decide to enter the accountancy profession?

I didn't do accountancy in my Leaving Certificate, but I decided that a degree in Accounting and Financial Management would give me a good base in any other career I wanted to do afterwards. However, I ended up loving accounting and preceded to get my Honours Degree in Accounting and Business. I wasn't ready to stop there because I felt dedicated to pursuing a career in accounting.

Why did you choose the CPA qualification?

I chose CPA because of their methods of learning, and the speed at which I could enter into the qualification. I also had generous exemptions for my previous qualifications.

You are a previous winner of the CPA Student Development Award, how has that helped your career?

It has helped me as it has eased financial pressures and allowed me to focus on my studies and work. It has also given me confidence within the workplace.

Study

How have you found the CPA course to date?

As I entered the CPA Course at the P1 level, I was worried that I would not be as adjusted to the teaching methods of CPA and GCD, but through my studies I found both very easy to learn through. Not only were my lecturers very helpful, but I could also contact CPA for any other queries with great ease.

What advice would you give to someone deciding to study CPA?

I would say CPA is an excellent accountancy body that develops its students to have a keen sense of not just accounting, but business and the current economic climate. Also the methods which CPA provides for study options make it very easy for the student to keep up with course material. Everything from payment to study is dealt with in such a friendly and easy manner; because of these reasons it makes it easy for me to advise people towards CPA.

Did you receive study support from your employer?

I received one week leave per subject at exam time, and reimbursement of travel and examination fees.

How did you find the exam process?

I live in Mayo and the exams are in Galway, so apart from the travel, I found the process very comfortable and the examiners themselves were a great comfort on the day. I noticed with CPA that exam time was a stress free period and no extra pressure was put on students with assignments.

Did you have any particular study or revision methods?

I set up a study desk and I'd sit at it until I had reached my study goal. I used record cards and diagrams as much as possible. I had organised folders for each subject and the week before the exam I made sure all I had to do was revise past paper questions.

What do you feel has been the best thing about your method of studying CPA?

As I am a distance learner, in the beginning I had found time management to be a great difficulty. As Christmas approached, I decided I had to become more strict on myself in this regard. If I had an assignment due on Wednesday, I would make sure I had it drafted by Monday so I had time to revise it.

Career

Describe a typical day in your work.

Everyday is different. I could be dealing with 10 different clients in a day so there is no routine. I like the challenge that each day brings.

Where do you want your CPA qualification to take you? 

I want to stay where I am for another few years and then perhaps move up within my current Organisation, but hopefully in the future I would like to enter into an educational career.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

At the moment I deal with a lot of farming accounts and because of this, you get to understand the situation of all your clients on a very personal level. When you can help them you get a great sense of satisfaction.