My advice to all students graduating with accounting degrees in 2024. Future CPA's read this: magic.beehiiv....{{email}} #cpa #accounting #graduation #cpaexam #classof2024 #big4 #deloitte #kpmg #pwc #ey
Just finished my 150 this semester and am starting full-time in November doing tax for a Big 4. I know it's not information many people care about, but this is really insightful for a few of us!
Graduated last year, working at a big4s Indian office, man, it's brutal. I signed up for CPA too quick, and regretted that decision after my first busy. But now that I've signed up for it, might as well do it. I'm down to help/ talk to anyone who wants advice from me. And Joey, what an amazing job you've done compactly presenting the mostly bitter yet sweet corporate life for our new batch of accountants! Guys, you're in for a ride, this is gonna be tough l, but you'll figure it out, we all are!
Hey, congrats on getting through busy season. That is no joke. Yes this career can be taxing at times (pun intended) but there are a ton of great parts as well. Good luck with the CPA Exam, it will be tough but you can do it. And glad you enjoyed the video, I really appreciate it.
Joey, you are absolutely right. I decided to get an advanced degree in a completely different field and came back to accounting. I wish I had gotten the CPA done first then pursued another field.
Omg, same! Well, I'm finishing my associates next year but will plan to start the BA by the time I'm 32 so it's definitely nerve-wracking to start "later" in the game with the workforce being younger and younger
On the same track. Idk If I want to jump into accounting but getting an accounting degree just to bridge into middle management. My issue with accounting is the possible pay cut.
I'd say just don't get discouraged. I know for a lot of people the first few weeks and months of accounting can be frustrating and confusing but it really does get much more simple as you learn more. Obviously there is complexity but just don't get discouraged if it's hard and strange at first. Good luck with everything!
Just my two cents as an accounting major studying the use of AI in accounting. If I were you, rather than being worried about it (which you may not be), I would focus on learning how to utilize AI in your specific accounting career path. AI may not replace accountants, but if you can use it effectively, you will be much more productive and efficient when you actually get into accounting work. God bless!
@@emmanuelagyepong739 Hey, yes I agree. AI is here to stay so we just need to figure out how to utilize it. Accounting jobs will probably be reduced bc of AI but so will every other industry. There will still be plenty of work to be done so I don't think it is anything you should lose sleep over.
Not at all! Ask chatgpt anything related to accounting or finance. I guarantee it will give you the wrong answer. Just learn to use the tools after you graduate and it will help you out!
My professor gave me all the answers to our intermediate and advanced acc text. Am i better off studying becker for CPA prep or is the textbook better?
Both because most times you need help with the application part.They like to test whats being done in the industry ... so if you have no experience...application may be hard. Understanding the theory alone is not enough and yet the exams come with a lot of calculations that are based of the theory so you can find yourself in a situation where you know the definition but you can't read a scenario and identify that that is what is being tested. So read the textbook a lot but also use Becker...just for guidance
Also, the internship slot we have as part of the program will be from January to March, which is when the Big 4 specifically recruits from our university from. Also, from what I've seen from previous students who have completed this program, the internship is mostly in "Audit", per what they put in their LinkedIn. Again, any help is appreciated. Thanks again
Are you interested in audit? I don't think you necessarily need to do anything special. Recruiters know that when you get hired you will need to be trained. they don't really expect you to know a ton of stuff right off the bat. they just want to see you got good grades and are a good person to work with.
@@JoeyCPA truthfully no, but from what I've seen from candidates from the program, they usually get promoted to different specializations after the audit internship and then audit position. So, I don't mind grinding it out in audit for an internship and then position, if that is a need by the company and then maybe a specialization or switch. As shared earlier, I come from the mental health field, and I'd much rather be staring at numbers and reaching out to employers regarding their numbers than hearing traumatic accounts or dealing with psych. patients that may cause me physical harm 😅.
Hey Joey, could you make a video about expectations versus reality after college for a first-time accounting job? I'm studying for a BBA in Accounting (junior year). I haven't begun networking yet, but I plan to do so by the end of the fall semester. Secondly, I haven't started my core accounting classes because I still need to finish the other business/general classes. Are the core accounting classes necessary for interning? Thanks in advance.
Hey, yeah I can definitely make that video! I think it would be really helpful. And no they are no required. You might want to take at least a few soon though. Have you taken financial accounting yet?
@@JoeyCPA Hey Joey, sorry for the late reply. I still need to take financial accounting (I think I'll take those classes next Spring). I have, however, taken a fundamentals of accounting class. I will be taking data analytics and excel with business for the upcoming Fall Semester. Peace!
The cpa is worthless.You don't even need it.Firms are promoting people to senior without cpas and making 110000 and I'm over here unemployed with the cpa.You do not need it , you just need good connect
@@prettylittlething1962 3 of my friends are not CPA's and they make a 130000 and I'm will be here unemployed. Trying to get ACP a just to prove myself. I'll even know if I'll use it. Because I hate the profession is so much so we'll see what happens as of now. I don't know what to do.
@@nakia4230 It boils down to who you know, my friend or co-worker. Because he's not. My friend has 2 houses and makes a 100 and 500000 with no cpa. And my boss told me. I needed to have ACP a to be a senior I was so mad. I quit my job immediately and now I'm unemployed so you can have a degree and not make money so here I am.
Don't watch the show. It's gruesome😂 btw, I'm taking the CPA just for the opportunities. Can't hurt taking it. I'm taking FAR first. What tips do you recommend for my first time@@JoeyCPA
not a silly question but I think a CPA is a stamp of approval that shows your competence and ability. It will set you so far apart from the people that don't have it. If your aim is to someday work in an executive position your odds will be much much higher if you are a cpa.
So are you in college yet? Or even before college? If its before college don't stress about what type of job it is. Just do something that you hopefully enjoy. If you're in college maybe try for some internships. Either at an accounting firm or in the accounting department of a business. I never did internships at firms but did intern at a small business in their accounting department.
Hi Hopefully I will complete CMA in the coming month and planning to do another professional courses after that but im confused of which cert should i get whether CPA or CFA , i don't know which one would be great for a good career in accounts. Hope you reply for this comment. Thankyou
It depends what you want to do but in my personal opinion the CPA is more valuable than the CFA. The CPA license is very well respected and opens a lot of opportunities.
I def don't think it would hurt. I know nothing about computer science or coding or anything like that. But data analytics is pretty big in my company. Things like alteryx and powerbi
Yes! It is a great career choice. Starting your own CPA firm is an option but as someone who will 'speak the language of business' the possibilities are endless. You could start any kind of business you think of
Hey, to be honest I really am not familiar with the CMA. I do know that a CPA is very value able though and will set you apart from your peers who don’t have it
@Ephesians514 If you go into industry vs public and especially manufacturing sector CMA is very valuable. Depends on the job though and industry itself but I think everyone should do 1-2 years public accounting get some experience then figure out long term niche or job role and pursue accreditations for that long term role. Use 1-2 years to see if you like tax or audit or advisory and get a feel for what you can. Mid or small sized firms usually give you a broader range quicker than big 4.
Hey, thanks for all your videos. I know you answered this previously, but for someone pivoting to the Accounting profession, what do you recommend in terms completing the CPA. Just to provide some context I'm in a 1.5 year masters program where I'll receive the 150 credits to sit for the exam. Also, what certifications or things should I do to better prepare myself for internships? My university has a networking event during the summer (July) specifically for our program with the Big 4. Just want to best prepare myself for that event. Per the program director 80% of individuals in the program receive internships with the Big 4. On the off chance I'm in the 20% I want to best prepare myself not to be in that bucket 😅. I'm a bit scared as I will only have 1 semester of courses by the time the event occurs. If you have any tips for me, it would be much appreciated. Thank you so much!
Hey I'm glad you enjoy the videos! And congrats on the masters program. Are you sitting for any exams before graduating from the master's program? That's one thing that will make you stand out to recruiters. Other than that I would just say go to any and all networking events. Get to know the recruiters. You don't necessarily need to do anything crazy to impress them. Just introduce yourself and be friendly. And obviously getting good grades in your program will be a big plus as well. But overall just be nice, normal, and friendly and get good grades and you should have a decent shot. But also, don't worry if you don't get into big 4. I know it seems like a big deal but you will be ok if you don't. There are so many great firms out there and no matter where you end up you can make it a great expedience. So don't stress too much. But it does sound like you have a decent shot at Big 4.
@@JoeyCPA yes, they've been really helpful. I'm currently waking up around 5:00 AM, and trying my best to study and then try to get some more study time in after work, but it's been hard. I most likely will have to stop working for the last two semesters as the course work seems a lot harder. In my state (NJ), you just need to have 150 credits (in business and accounting), and so I will be eligible to sit for the exam near the end of the program. Ah ok, that is very reassuring. I'm a little bit of an introvert and so I hope that doesn't affect the probabilities of me being accepted. I don't mind the grind in Big 4, as my previous profession is very intensive (mental health), but the pay isn't there, especially in my HCOL city (live in a city in NJ very near NYC). While, I can grind it out in accounting and be financially compensated for it. Thanks again for all the tips.
Do you suggest taking cpa if you don’t want to be in public? I obvious know it wouldn’t hurt to get it regardless but I’m speaking from a value perspective within having it in private accounting
I do, I'm not sure what your goals are but if you aim to be in an executive position someday not having it may really limit you. If you have it you will be far more qualified and looked at for those sorts of positions (CFO, CEO, VP of Finance, etc.)
Yes, it may not directly make you more money but it opens doors even outside of public (I’ve got ~10 years experience in public and, at various points in my career, I’ve interviewed for industry roles. Not having the CPA lost me a lot of potential positions.
Started bba accounting major this year didn’t know what I was doing where i would be going but i have set my eyes on cpa. I am studying it from a mediocre college.As an international student I don’t have many options with me I can’t work full time and study at the same time so I decided after completing my bachelor I would work so as to complete the 24 months requirement and then move forward with the cpa exams. What do you think? Have any suggestions?
Hey, In general, I am a big advocate for getting the exams done ASAP. I know too many people who say "i'll wait a year or 2 and then do it", but then they never actually do it. For tat reason, I recommend trying to do it while you're working or before you start working. Why can't you work full time and study? I think that would be the best option but I don't have all the context.
I am actually planning a career shift into Accounting, planning a certificate program to learn and get some hours and then a Masters potentially (followed by CPA). I get mixed messaging on the job markets, I hear Accounting is in demand then the next day I hear no one is hiring. Either way do you think I am potentially wasting my time here? My current profession is just admin stuff admittedly, unrelated bachelor's in Poli Sci, hence the cert desire. I am really excited about the profession but I would have to drop like $50,000 on education to find out it was a waste.
Hey! So I wonder if you would be able to make a switch into accounting before having to drop $50k? Maybe you find an entry level role and work in that for a little while before deciding to go all in on it? I just think $50k plus a couple years of school is a big investment in something you're not 100% sure of. If you can find a way to test it out a bit before investing that much time and money, I would recommend that.
@@JoeyCPA That is a fair compromise honestly, I am currently in what I call the credential capital of the planet (DC Metro) so they do what some sort of, well, proof that you can do accounting which is probably where that certification could come in handy. (Conveniently this is a requirement for local Masters programs as well so two birds, one stone). Good call.
I'm a cpa and I hate this profession.... the job is fair the pay is too, but the people ans expectations are crazy 🤪. I have been unemployed 12 months now and my body does not want to even look at accounting jobs My soul knows the outcome + dread it's like going to get jumped by a gang my body knows and it rejects this
Hi, I was planning on getting my cpa just because that’s the expectation the industry has been pushing, but I feel like I would end up like you, able to do it but hates it. Do you have any advice on other career paths? Perhaps on finance?
@@stop08it sorry I just saw this I work in public industry is a bit crazy because you don't have much support you are the accountant and you are expected to know because that's why they hired you for you are the accountant there is no support there is no help in public there is help everywhere as you are surrounded by other accountants I have not worked in government so I can't say to that but it sounds boring
@@Jason-qf7tm actually I made my stay in public worse because I didn't want to be an accountant I wanted to be a singer so I never really cared but the people are mean the expectations are crazy and I found a job now so I'm making $110,000 we will see what happens but my advice is just really care about your job even though they don't pay you well because I acted my wage and it got me nowhere I stayed at a job for 6 years making 45,000 through 2023 and because I didn't care I didn't get promoted and because I didn't get promoted I didn't care
Don't. Just don't. Accounting is a dying profession. It's one of the easiest professions to take over by AI as it's all about rules and numbers and matching things up and analyzing verbiage (laws, rules etc). The number of accountants and CPA jobs (especially entry and mid level) is going to free fall in the next 10 years. IF (and that's a big IF) you want to get into this field make sure your course has a stong AI component so that you are the 1 person in the team who knows how to use these new tools well and to how to upskill as AI will upskill. Accounting is not a career anymore. Don't get in debt for a job that won't exist in 5 years.
