Title: Navigating CPA Hours: A Journey From Firm Frustration to New Opportunities
In the ever-evolving world of Accounting, the journey to obtaining your CPA certification can often feel like a rollercoaster. Recently, I encountered a series of challenges that brought to light the realities many face in smaller Accounting firms.
After passing my CPA exams, I found myself reflecting on my previous position at a CPA firm, a place where many of my former managers had departed, leaving me with a fragmented support network. Compounding the situation was the HR representative, who frequently appeared to struggle with professionalism during company events, leaving me questioning the firm’s stability. Unfortunately, I also faced difficulties in getting my eight months of CPA hours validated—an essential step in my professional development.
The silver lining? I am now in an industry role under a supportive CPA who is more than willing to verify my hours once I complete a year at my current firm. However, my previous experience was less than ideal; after less than a year, I had already felt the implications of my old firm’s dwindling leadership and lack of direction. I was often shuffled between Audit and tax roles with promises of future opportunities in business valuation that never materialized. This led me to leave with a reputation as “a stuck-up zoomer,” fueled by my frustrations over unfulfilled contractual commitments like the CPA exam section completion bonuses.
In light of these struggles, I reached out to the HR department hoping for some progress. Initially, I was met with skepticism when they suggested that a team member would sign off on my hours. Given my past experiences, I was hesitant to get my hopes up. Should I just accept defeat and start preparing for the discipline exam and a retake of the FAR section, especially with upcoming deadlines? It seemed the best option at the time.
However, I decided to take charge of the situation. I contacted the HR representative to follow up on my situation, and to my surprise, they provided the name of a team member who would be signing off on my hours. It looks like there’s finally some momentum, and I can hopefully move forward without having to dwell on my past experience.
To all the university students out there: exercise caution when considering opportunities at smaller CPA firms. The environment can be tricky and, while there are great experiences to be had, they come with their own set of challenges.
Stay tuned for updates on my journey, and here’s to overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead!
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