No luck with the CPA, should I start studying for the EA? Benefits??

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

Keep trying! Don’t give up yet.

like

First ... The EA exam and the CPA exam are both difficult exams, just different material. Prepping for the EA exam means you will (basically) have to start from the beginning. The tax code is vast and the exam has a lot of tricky questions where the wording is meant to be confusing.

Second ... What are you career goals? Do you want to work in tax or accounting and tax? EAs don't go both ways, CPAs do.

Third ... Picking a study guide that has the highest passing percentage is usually a better bet. Also, choosing a program that presents data in a way you grasp it is important. People learn differently and not all prep classes are the same.

Fourth ... Don't give up. Keep studying until you get 100% of all the quizzes correct and then try the quizzes from another prep class. If you can get to that level you will pass the test with flying colors. It might cost a bit to invest in two or three programs but the earning potential and sense of satisfaction that you passed will be well worth it.

Fifth and Final ... In life and in studying for the EA/CPA exam, things can be difficult. I guarantee you somewhere in your career you will get a client's file that is so messed up you will want to quit because it will defy the imagination as to how it got that way, how to fix it and why you chose such a miserable career, hahahahaha. Studying/passing the exam is preparing you to face and conquer challenges. So ... face the challenge and get that CPA license. You can do it!

likehelpful

Thanks so much!!! I will keep pushing through this

like
Recent IconRecent

Just pass the CPA exam.

like

Nothing wrong with passing the EA after you become a CPA.

funny

CPA isn’t about luck

likefunny

Consolidation is only a bad topic if you didn't study the material... Again not luck.

I’ve had a very rewarding career in tax with just an EA. When I was younger, I decided I was better off focusing on my work than studying for the CPA exam. The EA exam was easy after a couple years working in the field.

It may not work out for everyone, but if your firm / business unit is good with the EA then the CPA is a waste of time.

like

Have my EA and have had a great career. Left SM at big4 for more work life balance in middle market and up for partner this cycle.

like

Isn't EA basically FAR?

funnylike

It’s reg with a focus on TCP.

Which sections have you struggled with? I took a very long time to pass but eventually did. I thought about looking at the EA instead as well but when I looked at the material I realized it wasn’t the material but me. I had to realize it was a “me” problem on how I was approaching it he study process. So I decided to just get done with the cpa and it’s been so worth it.

like

I used Roger :)

like

Don’t give up

like

What's your studying method? You can't go wrong with the tried and tested method of hammering hundreds of MCQs everyday which has worked for many people

like

Big difference in studying for 2 hours if you're spending that time passively reading VS hammering mcqs and actively learning. Id recommend the MCQ method if youre not already doing that.

Testlets of 15-30 questions at a time, do enough so you're hitting 100-300 mcqs per day and you should be passing in no time.

like

You can’t win Angelina Jolie so you decided to settle down with RuPaul…if that’s what makes you happy go for it

funnylike

Only the CPA matters

like

Are you in tax?

EA is not useless in tax if CPA is not doable.. but CPA is very useful if you can stick with it

like

Have you tried tutoring? May help with developing a better study plan and approach, provide accountability, etc. Varsity Tutors and Wyzant are two platforms that I know of where you can find tutors

Never heard of EA. Guarantee I'm not the only one. Get your CPA.

😂 in tax? No.

like

Related Posts

I'm not in sales per se but I manage my company's largest wholesale account ($150 million per/yr account). It's a great company, awesome culture, good benefits, flexibility, but the pay is not great ($60K/yr). All the pros outweighed the mediocre pay, but now with inflation rising, my paycheck isn't going as far and I'm having a really hard time trying to figure out if I should start looking elsewhere or if I should ask my boss for a raise.

likehelpful
like

Hi,

What is the diff bw Deloitte USI and Deloitte India are they completely diff or we can expect same benefits and work culture from both?
TIA

like

I’m a Junior product manager with a Master’s in Healthcare Management. I feel like the current company that I am at has my title as JPM, but I am doing PM work i.e creating product roadmaps, collaborating across stakeholders (business, marketing, design teams), creating user stories/features, etc. and I feel like my work isn’t being valued and I’m constantly being micromanaged by business teams expectations.

How feasible is it for me to apply to a PM role with less than a year of experience?

like

Is there any internet/broadband reimbursement program here at HSBC EDPI?
If yes, how much?

like

Any potential flags/benefits for dual agency? My agent and the seller's agent work for the same company.

like

I almost got out of Pharma... A CD from a Consumer agency doing solid work reached out, and I was so excited thinking I could finally do the kind of work I love. Then they told me they will fill the position with a current employee. I played it cool, but I can’t deny I felt frustrated. I don’t wanna do healthcare, but it seems like it’s the only thing available in NYC nowadays. I also don’t have many connections in this city. So, IF you need an ACD/Art (full-time or FL-to-perm), let’s chat! 🙌🏻

likesmart

Hi Fishes, Please share your suggestions for the below. Schneider electrical (or) Comcast (or) CTS (or) SCB Which one will be preferable considering market recession - job security - WLB - benefits. All offered decent CTC. TIA. Schneider Electric Tata Consultancy CTS Comcast Standard Chartered

Looking for experienced auditors in the Tampa area. Private companies, manufacturing, construction, professional services, healthcare, nonprofit, government, benefit plans, all industries!

like

I would love some suggestions on transitioning and career paths.

I gave 15+ years in healthcare claims (payer side, physician/facility side) and revenue cycle management. I’m burnt out and want to transition away from revenue cycle mgmt.

I only have my Associates degree and would currently need to take a job that is remote with no/minimal phone responsibilities. What roles do you recommend that would allow me to transition my skills while maintaining a minimum salary of 50k?

like

Officially on maternity leave for 8 months after today!! I also got the green light for promotion, pretty happy with all things Deloitte right now! 👌🏻👏🏻

like

Anyone transition from healthcare to legal sector? I reached out to a recruiter because I’m looking to make that transition from healthcare administrative to a legal project coordinator. What are some transferable skills and goals I can best illustrate to recruiters and hiring managers?

like

Considering adding a REIT index to my lazy portfolio allocation for my 401K and Roth Accounts. Thoughts?

like

This is off topic - suggestions for a good health insurance cover of 5L for parents aging from 54-56yrs

like

Hi fishes,

My CTC is around 12 lpa per annum. How can i avail max tax benefits?

like

Hi Fishes,

Can anyone please shed some light on the work culture at Autodesk India?
Do they have any extra benefits (apart from the CTC) in terms of wellness allowance, WFH set-up cost, wellness being offs or any coupons/goodies that you get.

This is for the communications department.

like

Looking to pivot into healthcare consulting. I come from a MHA background with a two year Administrative Fellowship following it. Any experience breaking into one of the top consulting firms with this type of background?

What were people's 401k /pension balances at 30?

Feeling behind at $40k but making big headway now saving 10% and pwc wealth builder at 6, (26k a year on 160k)

like

More Posts

Hello Fishes,
I am much stressed.. it’s only been 5 months to join Capgemini. I joined in as cyber security consultant with good package.
However, the work I do the tricks, logics and solutions I share with team to apply in the project… all are of no use when discussed with the architect guy. The whole team rely upon the wordings/solutions suggested by him only. It feels like my skill/knowledge and experience is of no use.
I feel like what am I doing here….? Any suggestions please.

I am desperately trying to get an inhouse real estate position at Google, applied so many times and I am qualified, don't know how to get through all the people applying, anyone have thoughts?

like

Hi fishes,
I left Deloitte month but i have not received any full and final settlement and release documents. How much time does it take for Deloitte to process. My concern is with release documents more after resignation I have not received any email from Deloitte on my personal ID in next organisation i need releasing letter. Please provide your valuable insights.

Thanks

like

Has anyone working tech for a bank been laid off yet? Tech layoffs all over the media but no one is talking about developers at banks (who make up 1/3 of headcount in some cases)

like

Any Visual Designer's looking for a new job opportunity?
Contract or Contract to hire
Remote

Need to be a able to work in the USA

Hi Folks
How many rounds of interview conducted at Oracle for SeniorSystem Administrator position?
I have cleared first round . But they are telling there are other rounds too. I am curious please clarify if anyone from Oracle or recently joined .

like

How can we redeem American Airlines miles on Qatar?

like

Anyone have any insight on base salary for a Staff 2 in the BC group? Got an offer the other day and was wondering if it was on the lower or higher end. Thanks!

like

Immediate joiners
Job Description (Cloud Resource – B3)

 

•             Candidate need to provide technical administrative and configuration support for Microsoft Azure platform.                

•             At least 8+ of overall experience with at least 4+ years of working experience on the Azure cloud platform.

•             Administrative experience on Azure Kubernetes, Cloud networking and security.

•             Deep understanding and hands-on experience with the Linux operating sys.

like

Advice for Of Counsel roles? I am of counsel at a firm where I can set my own rate and keep a percentage of collections, which varies slightly depending on whether the client is one I generated or not. I’m finding that a lot of my work is for firm clients where the lawyer negotiated a flat fee (and the hours worked are less, due to efficiency etc). What is the right way for me to be compensated in this scenario?

like

What's the org structure at Deloitte? Is Assistant Director at EY GDS same as Director at Deloitte India?

like

Anyone here from on-boarding team knows about the on-boarding of freshers who have 9 july as percipio course end date
I am a sponser and the fresher alloted to me asked this question. anyone if he/she knows about it
TIA!

like

What does sales operations really mean? Thoughts on sales ops at amazon?

like

Hello Fishes,


My YOE is 5.3 and I am holding around 24 lpa offer now TCS has started my visa processing for uk.I have an query that, should i stay in tcs and go onsite or go with other companies.

Thanks for your valuable feedback in advance.
Currently i am getting 8 lpa from TCS.

I've been working as a host for an expensive restaurant for a year. Considering how much a dish costs here, I don't understand why we can't be paid well instead of having to rely on tips to survive.

like

Hi Guyz,

I went through the entire recruitment process and got selected for IBM ISL. Now I am being told by the HR that they are unable to release offer as there is a hiring freeze.

Can any one please tell me if its correct or just an excuse not to give me offer. If its true, when will this freeze be removed?

like

I have two offer as an electrical designer of Jacobs and Worley Which company i should join? Jacobs and Worley

like

Does anyone have suggestions for what a salary should be for a Digital Marketing Analyst | Paid Social & Performance Media? I have 1 year of experience, the job asks for 0-1 year of experience. I feel I over meet the qualifications in some areas and just meet them in others. The recruiter said 50k is the salary the company is offer. I know I can negotiate. What are your thoughts on what the salary should be?

like

Posting this for a friend. She has 20+ years experience as a resource manager and is is trying to leave Microsoft. She’s currently making 157K base. what salary expectations should she have. She has interviews with Amazon, Deloitte, and a few others I don’t remember lol.

Post Photo
like

Additional Posts in Accounting

Tax senior with CPA at small firm. Best way to get to Big 4 audit? (LA or OC) Went to non-target so little to no alumni at B4. I don’t mind the switch to a lower title since audit was always my preference and was never a fan of tax (stayed local for family).

like

Can you get fired for having low utilization as a senior? My billable hours this busy season have been much lower than my peers.

like

Thinking joining Deloitte New Jersey office… any thoughts/reviews from anyone that works there on culture/people/workload/etc?? Deloitte

like

Did I hear this right? Pwc trust solutions call will not mention anything about mid year adjustments? All they talked about was early promotions and some bs rtr bonuses

like

Thinking having a 24’ HD and a 28’ 4K monitor setup. Is 4K for excel not necessary? How about 28’ monitors?

like

What firms in the Philippinesis advisable to apply for a consulting position? kindly provide me an answer

like
like

When traveling for the week, does EY strongly adhere to the no expensing lunch policy or is more of a keeping the amount per day under a threshold?

like

Me as associate: can't wait to be senior and give most work to staff! Me as senior, with no staff: can't wait to be manager and give most work to seniors! Me as manager: READY FOR DISAPPOINTMENT

likefunnyuplifting

Can you negotiate PTO at annual review?

like

If you have 4 days PTO, would you rather use it together in one week or take 1day off for 4 weeks ?

like

Good bar spots around 345 park (KPMG) lol

like

Advice needed - boyfriend has almost 3.5 years of finance experience at a bank. Interviewed for PwC valuation senior associate and now recruiter says they want to hire him at “experienced associate” because he has no valuation experience. Is this too big of a step backwards in career? Should he push back and see if it gets him anywhere? If he does accept Associate, is it reasonable to ask for written, definitive timeline (1 year?) for promo to Senior upon meeting standards? Help!

likehelpful

I left PA earlier this year for a manager level financial reporting role. It was a lateral move but would’ve been up for senior manager promo in July had I stayed in PA. I was approached with another opportunity as Sr Manager Financial Reporting at a public company for $150k and 20% bonus with a clear path to director in time. 8 YOE and live in FL. I’m trying to get an idea if this is in line with market. TIA!

like

Will it look bad if I skip the firm’s holiday party? Very socially anxious and not really feeling like going.

like

common staff one mistakes?

like

Does your coach see when you get a real time recognition award?

like

Are certs from Harvard Extension School worth the cost? Disregarding the intangible value “Harvard” brings on ur linked in profile?

funnylike

Has anyone transitioned from working in a company to being an independent contractor? How long did the transition take and what are the pros or cons from working solo?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal