(CAN) Seeking Advice from Those on the EVR Path for CPA PEP
I’m reaching out to see if anyone has experienced a situation similar to mine and how you handled it.
After graduating from university, I landed my first Accounting job at a relatively small company. Unfortunately, they don’t have a pre-approved pathway for PERT. As I’ve been studying for the module exams, I decided to pause my PERT progress for a bit. However, after reviewing the guidelines and requirements for EVR reporting, I realized that very little of it applies to my current role. Given the nature of my work, I doubt I’ll be able to gain the necessary experience here anytime soon.
If you’ve been in a similar boat, what did you do? Did you stick with your company and try to make it work, or did you find a new job with a pre-approved program right away?
I can manage the exams without a problem, but I am concerned about fulfilling CPA’s experience requirements in my current role as a staff accountant at a small transportation company (about 45 employees), which has limited complexity in reporting and no public stakeholder requirements.
I’m considering whether I should focus on finding a new job or if it’s feasible to complete PERT at my current position. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
One response
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, and it’s understandable to feel uncertain about your path forward with the CPA PEP. Here are some considerations based on your situation:
Evaluate Your Current Role: Take some time to outline your current responsibilities and how they could align with the CPA competency requirements. Even if your company is small, there may be opportunities to gain relevant experience by taking on different responsibilities or projects. Consider discussing your concerns with your manager—there might be ways to expand your role or responsibilities.
Seek Out Additional Experience: If it seems like your current role won’t provide the necessary experience, look for additional opportunities outside of your job. This could be in the form of volunteering, freelance work, or consulting on the side, which could allow you to gain experience in areas required for PERT.
Explore Job Opportunities: If you feel that your current role won’t adequately prepare you for the CPA requirements, it may be worthwhile to look for positions at companies with a pre-approved route. A larger company or one with a more robust Accounting department may offer you experience that aligns more closely with CPA requirements.
Connect with Others: Reach out to peers, mentors, or CPA professionals who have been in similar situations. Their insights could provide valuable perspective on navigating this challenge. Networking could also open doors to new opportunities.
Consider Timing: If you decide to pursue a new job, think about the timing. You mentioned you can pass the exams easily—make sure you allow yourself the needed time to complete the module exams before making any drastic changes.
Personal Priorities: Finally, consider your personal career goals and values. If gaining the CPA designation and meeting its requirements is a top priority, that should weigh heavily in your decision. However, if you value your current role for other reasons (like a positive work culture, work-life balance, etc.), it may be worth staying while seeking other opportunities.
In the end, whether you decide to stay or go will depend on your specific situation, your career aspirations, and how willing you are to seek or create opportunities in your current environment. Good luck!