The Development Of My Plan To Become A CPA

Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, once said, “accounting is the language of business.” Accounting is “a systematic process of identifying, recording, measuring, interpreting and communicating financial information.” A number of careers stem from the field of accounting which include but are not limited to: chartered professional accountants (CPA), auditors and chief financial officers (CFO). At this stage of my Schulich education, I strive to become a CPA.

Who Are CPA’s?

The Canadian CPA designation is rapidly growing and is globally respected in the business world . As of 2014, there were more than 210,000 CPA’s across Canada. CPA’s play key roles within segments of the economy as they provide services in industries, public practices, governments, educational institutions, and not-for-profit organizations.

Why Become a CPA?

I wish to become a CPA because I believe I am fit for the job due to my personality, preferences and interests. I show immense interest in my accounting, mathematical and statistical courses as I engage in quantitative analysis, critical thinking and intellectual challenge. Moreover, I am a natural leader as I tend to take charge in group assignments and everyday things in life. I enjoy analyzing business issues through a financial lens and find myself constantly researching accounting firms and notable accountants.

Research Plan

As part of my journey in becoming a CPA, I must develop a plan in order to achieve my goals. The plan I develop will aid me throughout my first semester at Schulich.

The Interview

Networking is a crucial aspect of furthering one’s career through the exchange of information with other people or groups. For networking checkpoint number one, I interviewed my friend, Vasudev Vohra, an upper-year Schulich student who is an intern at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Vasudev described his experiences in relation to the hiring process at a “Big Four” firm and advice to aspiring CPA’s like himself. Five questions were asked:

• Why did you choose a career in accounting?
• What advice do you have for aspiring CPA’s who are in the networking stage?
• How is the hiring process for becoming an intern at the “Big Four”?
• What are the essential skills required to become an intern at the “Big Four”?
• Is there anyone you suggest I talk to next?

Vasudev believed having an accounting background provided a backbone for any future aspirations he had and believed it would allow him to work in team with setting with other bright individuals in some of the biggest companies in the world. Vasudev urges students to perform research on accounting firms in order to formulate insightful questions, accept and provide business cards of recruiters and oneself, as well as emailing the recruiter within 24 hours of the meeting. From Vasudev’s personal experiences most firms indulge in three assessments which are implemented as part of the hiring process: the initial application a video interview, and a partner interview. Essential skills include:-

• Effective communication
• Team oriented
• Broad minded approaches to problems
• Leadership

Vasudev mentioned that all firms look for these skills and it is important to show that one possesses them. To close the interview, Vasudev recommend that I speak with employees, recruiters, and senior students who have received internships at other firms such as Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and Deloitte. My interview with Vasudev has taught me to explore my relationships within the Schulich Alumni network as it is a tight knit and helpful community. Thus, I have chosen these four individuals as I believe they are beneficial in my approach to networking during my time at Schulich. Speaking with current employees at “Big Four” accounting firms increases the chance for recommendations, therefore leading to the increased likeliness of landing an internship at the firm. In turn, resulting in completion of my final goal, becoming a CPA.

Conclusion

Near the end of my first semester at Schulich, I expect to follow the plan I have proposed to the best of my capability and achieve the goals I have set for myself. In the long run, these ideas will allow me to achieve my ultimate career goal: becoming a CPA.