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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Guest Blogger Megan: Wait for it - A lesson in Delayed Gratification


Megan shares with us the trials and triumphs of CPA Exam preparation, all from the perspective of a non-accounting major. She currently resides in Pennsylvania, and is anxiously awaiting her BEC score after studying with Roger CPA Review.

I can’t tell who is more impatient to find out my last exam score, me or my “fan club”: parents, my boyfriend, co-workers, my supervisor.  Everyone wants to know how I fared on BEC, most notably, me, myself and I! I took BEC on the first day of this testing cycle, and this is the longest I’ve had to wait to receive a score. Some days I am busy enough to forget that I’m in CPA exam limbo. Other days, I am constantly reminded that I have not crossed home plate.

This score has some very significant meaning to me other than the obvious NASBA significance, “A score of 75 indicates examination performance reflecting a level of knowledge and skills that is sufficient for the protection of the public.” This score, if 75 or above, means I have reached the culmination of many months of personal sacrifice and non-stop studying with Roger CPA Review. Although part of me will miss sharing my nights and weekends with the entertaining and enlightening Roger Philipp (If you are using his course, you know I’m actually being serious!), I would really love to see the caboose of this CPA train.

If the routine of the past nine months has taught me anything, it’s the acceptance of delayed gratification. No matter how much I want to believe that my preparation was solid and my methods proven, nothing satisfies the over-achiever in me quite like a NASBA email revealing a passing score. Okay, I’ll admit, I didn’t have to wait very long to find out my previous exam score. I received my REG score 12 days after the test date. This has totally spoiled me!

Twelve days is nothing compared to the time it used to take for candidates to receive CPA exam feedback. Some “veterans” I work with claim it used to take around five months.  Maybe that’s true or maybe it’s exaggerated. Regardless, I don’t blame people for overestimating the time it takes to receive a score, because it feels like I have been holding my breath for so long – 31 days to be exact!

As if the score itself wasn’t enough to be anxious about, many caring friends and family have been dangling celebratory offers in front of me. My boyfriend has already told me he will be presenting me with a kindle once the CPA exams are behind me, so I can remind myself what it is like to read for pleasure! My colleagues are planning an ice cream break at work to celebrate the milestone. There is even talk of a party to mark the occasion. You can see how the impatience is a fire being fed from all sides.

Keep your fingers crossed. I wish you all luck as you await your results!
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

It's that time again... Score Releases!

Despite NASBA's scheduled score release date of Wednesday 5/23, scores have been trickling out a wee bit early! For the Roger CPA Review Team, receiving student testimonials is always a delightful experience of score release season. To celebrate your success, we are sharing five of our favorite recent testimonials. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Way to go!

“Thank you Roger! I failed AUD 6 times using Becker and passed it the 7th time using your review.” – Gangadai R., Toshiba, Nova Southeastern University

“I tried with another CPA review program and failed at the AUD section of the exam three times before I found Roger. My score went up 17 points and I finally passed! This was my last test, and now I'm done, and I have Roger to thank.” – Katherine F., Iowa State University

“I passed all of the exams on my first attempt, achieving scores well over 75.  Not only did Roger make it easy for me to pass the exams, he made areas of accounting that seemed so challenging in college straightforward and intuitive.  Don’t think twice about choosing Roger CPA Review.  It’s cheap, entertaining and very effective…how can you beat that?” - Angela W., MPAcc Class of 2009 

“Once I buckled down and actually put my mind to studying, with the help of your USB course and study timeline, I passed all four parts in six months!  Your high energy and mnemonics did the trick.  Thanks Rog!” - Kristen B., Miami University of Ohio, Crowe Horwath

"Roger CPA Review is an amazing review course. I passed on my first try. It's as simple as doing what he tells you by putting in the hours of studying and you are almost guaranteed for success. If you don't pass, it's because you didn't put in the hard work. His awesome stories and memory aids help keep you in good spirits when you are sick of studying. Don't waste your money on other courses." - Logan J., University of Northern Colorado, EKS&H

If you'd like to submit a testimonial that may be featured in upcoming Roger CPA Review blogs, you may do so by logging in through your student account!
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Friday, May 18, 2012

Video Blogging - The Ticket to CPA Exam Success?


CPA hopefuls everywhere are taking to the online world to publicly document their CPA Exam journey -posting on Facebook, joining Twitter study groups, writing up weekly blogs, and turning to YouTube to record their every trial and triumph! Meet Gary, a retired Navy Veteran who decided to video blog (or vlog!) his experience with his Roger CPA Review USB Course on his way to CPA. We spoke with Gary, hoping to share with you the benefits of online interaction during your CPA Exam studies.

Roger CPA Review: "Why did you decide to start vlogging about your experience with Roger CPA Review and the CPA Exam?"

Gary: "I decided to blog about my experience so that others who are seeking study materials for the CPA exam can get some unbiased feedback.  There are many different products out there and it can be hard to determine which product to purchase."

Roger CPA Review: "How has publicly documenting your journey to CPA helped you? Would you recommend blogging/vlogging to others during their journey to CPA?"

Gary: "I think blogging has helped me study because I feel that I have an obligation to the viewers who want to see how it turns out for me; this helps keep me motivated to study and to let them know how things are going.  Hopefully my experiences, whether I pass or fail, will help them with their own study habits.  I guess you could say the blogging is self motivating to some degree.  I just thought it would be a good way for others to see that there are many out there who are having some of the same fears and issues about the CPA exam.  I confident that I will pass all four parts….eventually!"

Roger CPA Review: "What’s been the easiest/most difficult part of your video blogging experience?"

Gary: "The hardest part about video blogging is the being honest - it's tough to publicly say that I don't think I did well on the FAR exam; I could blame the material, the test center, etc. but really it's all  about me and how diligent I have or have not been."


Episode 1:

 

Episode 2:


Episode 3:



Remember folks, if you study - you will pass! Perhaps creating a video blog or written blog of your own will help you on your journey to CPA. What holds you accountable to your study plan?
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Guest Blogger Megan: Back to the Future

Megan shares with us the trials and triumphs of CPA Exam preparation, all from the perspective of a non-accounting major. She currently resides in Pennsylvania, and is loving Roger CPA Review's acclaimed review course to prepare for the BEC Exam.

“You have achieved your goal!” the elliptical at the gym tells me after a 5k trail workout. This is a small goal compared to the undertaking of the CPA exam. I would much rather see those words flash across my Gmail account in an email from the AICPA. This week, as I not-so-patiently await the score of my fourth CPA exam section, BEC, I decided to look up how the profession is evolving. I hope to soon learn that I have passed the CPA exam, and drafting this post has helped me envision what my future may look like once I earn this designation.

Every week I like to pass on some interesting insight into the CPA Exam, the CPA profession, or the life of one CPA candidate. Enough about current CPAs. What about the Future of CPAs? I’ve been told by accounting professionals in the last few weeks that technology has actually decreased the demand for accountants. Software has been developed to foot and tie data that CPAs were once employed to audit. Yet, there are many articles in the recent news stating that accountants are in demand. In fact, there appears to be a trend of experienced accountant shortages. Thankfully, technology has improved the efficiency of accountants, but not altogether replaced them!

What else is changing in the field of accountancy? Business practices are ever changing. Recent social media trends have left businesses without a Facebook or twitter presence at a disadvantage. And for those businesses who dove into the pool of social media, there are now needs to evaluate the impact of these marketing plans on the bottom line. Some speculate about the possibility of future CPAs establishing a means of valuing a “like” on Facebook or a “retweet” on Twitter. After all, aren’t CPAs in the business of helping companies make decisions based on facts and data?

Technology and social media are pivotal in a major evolution of accounting, specifically public accounting. Blogging is becoming a major avenue for accounting firms to maintain visibility and client interaction. Social media websites, such as LinkedIn, are utilized to connect and cultivate business relationships. What used to be handled via phone call, is now accomplished through instant messaging or social networking.

What do these evolutions mean for future CPAs? Imagine an engagement where computer software handles typical procedures with hardly any interaction from the CPA. This opens the possibility for much more critical thought and analysis. CPAs will be able to use their creative minds and expected to use their strategic minds to make greater value-added contributions.

Not only is technology spurring change, but globalization is creating demand for multi-lingual, global-minded accountants.  CPAs will need to be flexible. They will need to focus on future possibilities instead of historical trends. Although software enables greater efficiency, CPAs must rise to the challenge of being tech-savvy and able to maximize software capabilities. Of course, leadership skills and good old-fashioned smarts will always be in demand, but the evolving business landscape is going to keep us on our toes!

Above all, what will lead to future success in accounting (and life) is passion for your work. If you’re currently studying for the CPA exam with Roger CPA Review, then you know what it looks like to be passionate at work. Roger’s enthusiasm is contagious and I hope to take it with me as I embark on my career as a CPA.

I hope this blog gave you some food for thought as you study for the CPA exam. If nothing else, remind yourself that this tedious time you are spending preparing for the exam will eventually be behind you, and there is an exciting future ahead full of challenges and growth. Stay focused on the task at hand, and get those exams behind you!
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Our May Student of the Month!

We love hearing about our students' accomplishments and experiences after taking our course, with many going on to working their dream jobs and achieving wonderful things! Our Student of the Month Spotlight shows what our students are up to since PASSING (one or more parts of the CPA Exam) with Roger CPA Review! Submit yours here!


Our May spotlight is on Amy Avery, CPA!
Amy proves that you can become a CPA at any point in your career. After 20+ years in the banking industry, Amy made the switch to pursue a CPA certificate and hasn't looked back since!

"Anyone who can make a tax topic both understandable and laugh-out-loud funny at 6am is truly gifted."


Why did you take Roger CPA Review?
I had passed both AUD and BEC using another review course, but going into REG I knew I needed extra help in Corporate Tax. I saw Roger’s preview and was hooked. I liked it so much for REG that I also used it for FAR – and got 88s on both the first time.
What was your favorite aspect of the course?


Roger’s humor and energetic teaching style really make the course stand out.  Anyone who can make a tax topic both understandable and laugh-out-loud funny at 6am is truly gifted.  Even complex topics were broken down into pieces that were easy to learn – and easy to remember on exam day.


Anything else you'd like to share?
I really encourage others who are mid-career to seriously consider pursuing their CPA certificate. I started my CPA journey when I was 44, after 20+ years of experience in corporate and commercial banking. My degree is in finance, and the CPA certificate seemed a great skill enhancement as well as a way to diversify my resume – banking has not been the most steady industry the past few years. It took almost 3 years while working full–time to take the 15 semester hours and then take four parts of the exam, but it was worth it. I had already met the experience requirement, so my CPA license arrived in March. Finally getting to use those 'magic letters' feels great!




... READ MORE.

Want to be showcased for next month? Submit your information and (grinning) picture and you might be picked next! Each month's chosen winner will receive an awesome, goody-filled Roger CPA Review gift pack--Submit here!
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Monday, May 14, 2012

Guest Blogger Sherri: Back In The Saddle – But Stuck in the Corral…

Hi All:

I’ve been a bit out of touch over the last two weeks.  I am having some difficulty finding time, energy and motivation to work on my CPA studies.  In my last post, I mentioned that I was working to complete Section One of REG by May 15.  I’ve fallen short of that goal, but still progressing.  I’m about half way through the videos, homework and reading for section 1.   I’ve been feeling a bit scattered in my approach to studying.  Although I set up a plan and organized specific target dates, I haven’t been completely committed because of work and family obligations.  I have some kind of strange spring fever going on…. similar to the “Senioritis” that plagues upcoming high school graduates during the month of May.    I know that I NEED to study.  I just don’t want to… uggggh.

Perhaps part of my problem is that now I feel like I have plenty of time to take REG exam, since I won’t be faced with expiring credit until the end of August.  This is definitely the WRONG frame of mind to have!

I did get a bit of a reality check last night though when my college aged son asked how my studies were going.  The guilt trip usually goes from parent to child, rather than the other way around!   After a sermon from my son, I found a bit of the motivation that has been lacking in  recent weeks. Although it was mother’s day , I started working homework problems yesterday evening and reviewed my study plan again.  I’ve got a new short term goal now, to finish Sections One and Two before the end of the month.  I’ve started bringing my textbook to work with me.  Hopefully I can use my lunch hour to make some gains on my studies as well.

I will close out my post this week by reminding everybody to stay focused on the quest.   Although it’s easy to get off track and see valuable study time slip away, it is important not to procrastinate beyond the point of no return.  Although I’ve got plenty of time to study, I need to do a better job of creating a sense of urgency for preparing and passing this one last part.   I’ll have more to report on my studies in my next post.

Study hard everyone!

Sherri
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