Becoming a CPA

Why did you decide to enter the accountancy profession?  

While I was studying for a diploma in E-Business, I took part in work experience where I learnt about book keeping and Sage Line 50.  I immediately realised that I wanted to be in the accountancy field.  I completed my Diploma programme and then applied through the CAO for an Honours degree in Accounting and Finance.

Why did you choose the CPA qualification?  

From the onset during my years in college as an Accounting and Finance student, I have always wanted a qualification that is internationally recognised.  The fact that I gained a lot of exemptions from CPA Ireland after my Honours degree in Accounting and Finance made studying CPA a very attractive option for me.

Who or what inspired you to study CPA?

I must say that being one of the winners of a CPA prize award while studying for my Honours degree in a debate sponsored by CPA Ireland, and meeting Ciara Murphy (Marketing Executive of CPA Ireland) greatly influenced my decision to study CPA.  Speaking to Ciara and learning about all the potential a CPA qualification has and the unlimited places it can take me inspired me greatly.

Study

How have you found the CPA course to date?

I have to say that the challenges are great, but at the same time interesting.  It can be very difficult at times, studying and having to meet the demands of working full time, family and personal life.  It has developed me as a person and I also believe that these challenges are not impossible to overcome.  I had initially sat my Professional 2 examinations last year and failed some of them and I’m now repeating them.   The most important thing for me is that I learnt from my mistakes and I know not to repeat them again this year.

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

Professional qualifications are a huge undertaking and so I would say to commit 100% from the very start.  Set goals that are realistic and best fits your circumstance.  It’s also good to focus on the overall objective as it helps; knowing that the reward is well worth it at the end.  Practice a lot of past examination papers and also the CPA website have a lot of articles which gives better insight on core topics covered in class.

What CPA study resources do you find the most useful?

I find practising past examination papers beneficial, attending revision classes and I also find the articles very good.

Did you receive study support from your employer?

Yes I do.  My employer currently covers 75% of the cost of my study.  I get great support from other fully qualified CPA members that I work with and I get study and exam leave, weeks before the examination starts.

How did you find the exam process?

The exam process is difficult as it prepares you for the professional world in accountancy.  Griffith College Dublin prepares you for it long before the examination day by way of revision classes and the mock examination.  There is also the feedback you get after the mock examinations.  It can be very tiring at the end but you are well prepared in advance.

Did you have any particular study/revision methods?

From the beginning, I set out a study planner which I follow strictly.  I study at night when everyone else is asleep or I wake up early before everyone else to study for few hours.  I practice a lot of past examination questions as I want to get use to the style of questions and answers expected from me.  I also revise on Saturdays.

What do you feel has been the best thing about e-learning?

The best thing about E-Learning is the flexibility it brings, but you have to be highly motivated and disciplined to get the rewards.  I find that I can rewind, pause and fast forward lecturers whenever it suits me, unlike when I am sitting in a class.  I do not have to incur extra expenses from traveling to and from Dublin.

Career

Describe a typical day in your work.

My current role as a part-qualified fixed assets accountant including internal audits, entails a lot of co-ordinating and managing avaliable resources.  My typical day can go from carrying out disposals, revaluations and depreciations of fixed assets to updating fixed asset policy and procedures within the organisation.  The organisation is expanding and new assets are been acquired on an on-going basis.  I can be planning for an audit which involves lots of communication with the different function areas, and organising staff from the different areas who take part in the audit of these assets; to preparing reports for management which is taken to the Governing Body for approval, especially on disposals.

What professional goals do you have, once you become a CPA?

My professional goals are unlimited once I am qualified.  I aim to get to a managerial position still working within the public sector, and I am certain that will be acheived with a qualification like the CPA.

Where do you want your CPA qualification to take you?

At the moment I do not have intentions of opening up a practice.  I might consider working abroad if I find its the right thing for me to do in the future.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

Within the organisation, Fixed Assets  is the second biggest figure in the Balance Sheet and being the person responsible for it is a great challenge, at the same time rewarding.   Personal contact with staff from other function areas during audits, who I would otherwise not know is great and I am learning a great deal!