WORKing reviewees dito tayo

[Franchez]

This is for all working reviewees who are aspiring to be a CPA and to those who already made it. I know it's not an easy dream to us working reviewees, so limited time so many sacrifices, needless to say a super-extraordinary effort are needed in order to fulfill this dream.

So let us share our experiences in fulfilling those dreams and to those who already made it please share how you were able to made it, what sacrifices you gave and please try to inspire other to continue believing in becoming a CPA! cheers

[Franchez]

And to all CPAs out there please share your thoughts, review strategies, effective time management and other that can help all the working reviewees specially to those who graduated many years back who are still hoping to have the 3-syllabus title beside their name.

Thank you guys, I myself is a working reviewee and I'm still hoping to have that precious title. CHEERS!

[Juntrix]

As you know, the CPA board is one of the hardest exams given by the PRC.

Sa totoo lang, wala pa akong nakikilalang pumasa ng board na full-time working reviewee. I know someone though who took removals while working full-time and passed.

I think you need to assess your current situation first... you may want to try to answer these two questions honestly:

1. Is a CPA title really important in the current situation? Or is it only for personal satisfaction?

2. How much money, time and effort are you willing to sacrifice in order to be a CPA?

If you graduated on or before 2003, it would be more challenging on your part to pass the board. The standards that are in effect already supersedes the standards that were taught to you, not to mention new topics that are added into the syllabus for each of the seven subjects since 2003 or earlier. If you want to pass the CPA board, you have to virtually go back to college. The exams are tougher. The competition is tighter. The topics are broader.

You need to have a stamina of a college student in order to hurdle the demands of the review. As I've mentioned earlier, I never knew anyone who took the review once while working full-time and passed. This is the reason why I don't believe in the effectiveness of part-time review, especially for 2003 graduates or earlier.

If you really want to be a CPA, I think you need to take the review full-time, meaning you have to take an LOA or resign from your job completely. Plus, you have to take the review at least twice (One refresher course maybe and a review). This would tantamount to a timespan of at least a year or more.

I'm not saying that passing is an impossibility, but if you really want to make it, you have to make huge sacrifices. Now, considering these things, do a cost-benefit analysis. If you think that sacrificing a year's worth of income and spending it on review would be worthwhile, then go for it.

Sorry that I'm being rather blunt or even harsh on my statements. I just don't want people to believe in the false hopes given by review centers to working reviewees. If you know a passer who graduated 2003 or earlier who took the review only once while working full-time, then maybe it is wise to ask him/her what he/she did to pass.

Frankly speaking, reviewing while working full-time and passing the board for me is like "having your cake and eating it too".

[coudenshi]

As you know, the CPA board is one of the hardest exams given by the PRC.

Sa totoo lang, wala pa akong nakikilalang pumasa ng board na full-time working reviewee. I know someone though who took removals while working full-time and passed.

I think you need to assess your current situation first... you may want to try to answer these two questions honestly:

1. Is a CPA title really important in the current situation? Or is it only for personal satisfaction?

2. How much money, time and effort are you willing to sacrifice in order to be a CPA?

If you graduated on or before 2003, it would be more challenging on your part to pass the board. The standards that are in effect already supersedes the standards that were taught to you, not to mention new topics that are added into the syllabus for each of the seven subjects since 2003 or earlier. If you want to pass the CPA board, you have to virtually go back to college. The exams are tougher. The competition is tighter. The topics are broader.

You need to have a stamina of a college student in order to hurdle the demands of the review. As I've mentioned earlier, I never knew anyone who took the review once while working full-time and passed. This is the reason why I don't believe in the effectiveness of part-time review, especially for 2003 graduates or earlier.

If you really want to be a CPA, I think you need to take the review full-time, meaning you have to take an LOA or resign from your job completely. Plus, you have to take the review at least twice (One refresher course maybe and a review). This would tantamount to a timespan of at least a year or more.

I'm not saying that passing is an impossibility, but if you really want to make it, you have to make huge sacrifices. Now, considering these things, do a cost-benefit analysis. If you think that sacrificing a year's worth of income and spending it on review would be worthwhile, then go for it.

Sorry that I'm being rather blunt or even harsh on my statements. I just don't want people to believe in the false hopes given by review centers to working reviewees. If you know a passer who graduated 2003 or earlier who took the review only once while working full-time, then maybe it is wise to ask him/her what he/she did to pass.

Frankly speaking, reviewing while working full-time and passing the board for me is like "having your cake and eating it too".

Very well said... yes you're right taking review twice or one year scale review is ideal for working reviewees before to take the board exam. However, In my own opinion, working in in corporate environ ment and handling accounting functions if you are not CPA you should take a second thought to pursue a CPA title this is for many reasons some are for promotions, salary increase, etc. etc..

A live testemony from my officemate graduated last 2001 from UP Diliman she take the board exam last May 2008 and she PASSED. Our management gave her 3 months leave prior taking her board. In fact our department head is the one who pushes its employee to pursue for CPA title.

If you have the guts go for it. oo andun na tayo..'mahirap maging CPA, pero mas mahirap kung hindi ka CPA...'

just my two cents.

[Larry Tan]

During my stint at CPAR, I have seen lots of working reviewees in the evening class who passed the board exam. But you can really spot those who will pass versus those who are most likely to fail. Those who passed came to class with prepared answers, they don't copy answers from the board, they come to class to check their work and get some techniques to improve their speed in solving problems.

Most working reviewees pass after two reviews. Not bad for someone whoe spends less than 25% of a full-time reviewee study time.

Passing the board while working is do-able, but it takes a lot of discipline to do it.

"Mahirap maging CPA, pero mas mahirap kung di ka magiging CPA..."

[Franchez]

Indeed guys.. mas mahirap kung hindi CPA talking about salary, career advancement and needless to say personal achievement.

In my experience, re-learning what was taught during your undergrad is manageable, sticking to it is what makes it more difficult.

Because at times, no matter how much you wanted it, no matter how much you force yourself, there will always comes a time that your mind will push a hundred reasons for you to stop.

Perhaps because of the double burden from work and from review, too much pressure etc etc.. that is why this accountancy thread really is a big help to those who are starting to surrender and lose hope.

And personally I'm so grateful to the moderator of this thread, to all the people who perhaps unaware of this but you know guys by simply answering queries who perhaps some may view as some kind of stupidity, by idea sharing your thoughts, your knowledge, you are taking a big part in the success of all CPA aspirants.

So thank you so much guys, special mention to Sir Larry, Sir Anson, fmontserat(sorry if dont get it right) Juntrix and to all the CPAs who never forget this thread, to all PEXERS, to Kuya Danny. A BIG THANK YOU GUYS in behalf of all working reviewees and CPA aspirants that you inspired

[Juntrix]

For me, there is no better time to take the review/board than now. Accountancy is very dynamic as compared to most professions. In a span of 5 years for sure marami nanamang bagong standards and topics.

If you think becoming a CPA is worth the time, money and energy, then go for it. All is not lost po Sir Franchez... as long as you want it and you are willing to stretch your limits, you'll get it.

[Franchez]

To all working reviewees, I know how hard it is to be a CPA but while we are still working on it, there are still so many ways to advance our career even without the title. Would like to share you some ways how..

Workers get accelerated to top posts because of one or more or all of the following:

1. They have guts. Workers who have guts to face top management or show off at the right time and place gets the top jobs. These are not the "sipsip" type. What I mean here is that if you can talk straight to the top honchos without fear, you are most likely to be noticed by them (and you can be with and like them in the future so to speak) as a potential management trainee or something similar.

2. They initiate. Workers who have genuine initiatives to help the company grow and profitable are almost always noticed by the owners and soon enough will be given top posts to carry on that initiative. Try to offer solutions not just criticisms and then offer to help solve that problem. Another strategy here is to never back out of special projects being offered to you.

3. They innovate. Workers who try to become more productive by looking at improving his job, processes, systems and workplace will soon find himself getting more responsibilities. And with more responsibilities, they will be noticed for promotion soon enough.

4. They are proficient in their field of work or expertise. Workers who become an authority on a critical or important subject/task/job in the office will almost always get the chance of promotion more than others. A strategy here is to master your line of work and outdo the boss in every facet of the job. You will become a valuable resource to your boss and to the company.

5. They are fast learners. Workers who gets the job done quite easily and ask for more to learn more or to do more gets the best spot in the office soon enough. Strategy here is to become absorbent like cotton is to water. The faster you learn, the faster your climb is to the top.

6. They improve. Workers who improve themselves or outdo themselves year on year will have a slot in the top. These people continue to improve themselves maybe by self study or by taking more projects or assignments to show off their skills. Strategy here is to attend seminars related to your work as often as you can.

7. They invest in their minds. Workers who invest to hone their intellect far more than what is expected in his job is seen as preparing for more challenges and responsibilities. Sensible top honchos will see this almost always (especially if you have the guts to have face time with them) and may grant you the chance to be promoted. Strategy here is to buy more mind-improving books and audio books that improve the way you think or look at things or change your behaviors and attitude for the better. Feed your mind and it will feed your stomach later.

8. Lastly, they believe they can succeed. Workers who believe and can see themselves as successful people in the future will almost always become successful. Others call this strategy as visualizing. My advice is for you to work with the objective of becoming a CEO of a company one day. You may say this is day dreaming or crazy but it has worked for me. Whenever I come to any company, I always looked at the CEO's or Chairman's office and see myself there (in a nice suit and a secretary) signing papers and giving directions to the company. I do this almost everytime and I can say I am more inspired to work and move my way to the top. In a few years I know I will be the head of my new company. And I am looking forward to it day by day.

This is originally written by Sir Manny Ramos, he's already a CPA, finance officer of a private company.

[3triangles]

For me, there is no better time to take the review/board than now. Accountancy is very dynamic as compared to most professions. In a span of 5 years for sure marami nanamang bagong standards and topics.

If you think becoming a CPA is worth the time, money and energy, then go for it. All is not lost po Sir Franchez... as long as you want it and you are willing to stretch your limits, you'll get it.

hello,sir junthrix,ako ginawa ko yun dapat,full time ako ngayon sa review,siguro kulang yun time last review ko kaya kulang din ako sa actual exams,hay,mahirap pero kailangan gawin,
lalong tumibay ang perseverance ko nun marinig ko sa isang tv show ang isang elem. student sabi nya " hindi mahalaga kung paano ka madapa, ang mahalaga ay kung paano ka tumayo pagkatapos mong madapa",kaya ito focus ulit sa review para ma-achieve ang goals,

goodluck guys
good luck guys,

[jslider]

wow may thread na pala sa working reviewee.


hirap talaga... nag solve ako 3 hours, hanggang 30 questions lang nasagutan ko. kulang pa sa bilis mag compute. 4 na sem ako nabakante kaya hirap makabalik. anyway naka programa ko sa May 2010. practice... practice... practice.

[jslider]

" hindi mahalaga kung paano ka madapa, ang mahalaga ay kung paano ka tumayo pagkatapos mong madapa"

inspirasyon lang... madami bumagsak ng una pero topnotcher ng umulit, bar ito, ewan ko lang kung meron na sa cpa board.

hindi naman pwede lahat pumasa sabay sabay, wala pa kong alam na 100% passing... kung meron man paki post po.

[Franchez]

Just want to share this, may it inspire others as it inspire me

If Not Now, When Do You Plan to Take the CPA Board Exams?

Many Accounting students and graduates told me that they want to become a CPA someday. Many are excited just at the thought of it but when its time to do the work, when its time to take the CPA board seriously, many people failed to follow through. In fact, I know of several people who even reviewed twice on 2 review centers only to back out again to take the board when it is time.
Why is this so? Why do people tend to delay taking the CPA exams?
Two devils are at work here - Mr. Procrastination (Mr. P) and Dr. Fear O’ Losing (Dr. FOL).

1. Mr. Procrastination strikes those who are still young and new in this field. You new graduates normally fall prey to Mr. P. His strategy is to advice you to work first and get experience, then just take the board after. You will think that you need to prepare more while working but once you put it off, you will never prepare yourself at all. You will be so engrossed with work, you won’t be able to find time to review and time will just fly away faster than you think.
When you meet Mr. P, he will convince you that there is enough time in this world to take the board exams. He whispers in your ear that you should take time for yourself first after the 4 years of painstaking school. He’s saying you deserve a break and you tend to believe.
He will also tell you that you will be more ready in the future. Go find a job and so that you will be better in the exams given that you have experienced the real life scheme of monetary things. Mr. P will sing to your heart’s content that you are better off later than now. He will tell you to do things later when all is rotten than now, after graduation, when all is fresh in your mind.
Mr. P is the constant adviser of false hope. Don’t listen to him. He is just buying time. Delaying your success.

2. Dr. FOL is even nastier. His prescription is that you have to prepare more and you are never ready. He looks at you and say “Hey you cannot fail for people will laugh at you. So for you not to fail, don’t take the test yet. You are not ready.” He’s partially right. No CPA exams, no chance to fail it.
He also would advice you repeatedly to wait till the right time comes. Only take the exams when you are all ready. When you have no fear in your heart. When you are confident enough to take the challenge.
But the truth is, you will never be prepared for the board exams no matter what you do. You will always miss some topics here and there. The profession always updates itself that you can never keep up unless there is a super-duper of the genious in you.
If you believe him that there is a right time, you will wait to act. If you wait till you’re ready, you will never move. When you take the board when you have no fear in your heart, it will be far too long. And if you build up all the confidence in the world first before you hurdle the CPA exams, you will not be able to take it.
Dr. FOL will give you a dose of fear that you will be able to overcome only if you will not let him influence you.
Think of the now as the perfect time. Because there is never a better time than tomorrow but today.
Today is reality. Take the CPA exams as soon as you can.
Dream… Believe… Practice… Pass the CPA Exams.
-Manny Ramos-

[winzkie]

^ very inspiring...thankz a lot...

[joeyqui]

Super ouch! I think I've met these two sometime in the past... and they kind of lingered, wouldn't want to let go of me till now...
I met Dr. FOL first, I took the review after grad, and then came CPA board I decided to let it pass, I wasn't ready... then... I met Mr. P: we got too close (hehe!) I kept on postponing, trying to find every reason/alibi that I can think of to justify my not taking the board exam...at pag may pumipilit pa din sa akin sinasabi ko na lang na nagtake na ako dati at bumagsak para tumigil na lang sila…
Fast forward... almost three years had passed and I still have not mustered my courage to take the exam... reason/alibi… I have a job and I can't really quit at this point... I decided to take the review for May’09 but my plans did not materialized, then I again planned on reviewing for the Oct.’09 exams, and guess what… hehe! Mr. P never left my side… Now I think I’m in trouble… the more I procrastinate the more I’ll complicate my life…
But now I’m slowly getting rid of these two, I’ve started on reading/reviewing again, and I’m saving up for next time, next review… I’ll be enrolling by Nov. for May 2010 exams. And I’m deciding on quitting my job to concentrate on my review (after December na siguro… you know what I mean, hehe!) oops! Sana walang nagPePEX na taga office…
So guys, let’s all be inspired and start aiming again… keep the flame burning… oh, and keep on reading/reviewing… ciao!

[winzkie]

^ uy same tayo...haha ako naman kasi na adik sa travel...puro lakwatsa inatupag ko kaya yung dapat pinangreview ko e napunta sa coron, sa mt. pulag, sa donsol at sa bohol...at meron na naman next month sa cebu....pero i promise na i will review on nov. pero mag resign din ng december and january is full time nah...san ka magrereview?...baka magkita tayo...hehe geh, goodluck satin...

[tshirtman]

Good day!

Hindi po sukatan ang pagpasa sa CPA Board Examination sa pagreresign sa work at para makapag-full time review. Maswerte po kayo na merong trabaho kahit hindi pa po kayo CPAs. Marami pa rin pong CPAs sa ngayon ang nahihirapan pa rin pong makahanap ng trabaho dahil minsan overqualified sila para sa position. Kung ako ang nasa position nyo po ngayon, wag po kayong magresign, hindi naman po dahil nagresign kayo sa work at nag full-time review (self-study or with commercial review schools) eh ibig sabihin po eh papasa na po kayo sa CPA Board Examination. Hindi po ba mas magandang pumasa na may work na tayo at after nating makapasa, possible na ma-promote or mataasan pa tayo ng sweldo ng mga employers natin?Di ko naman po ito sinasabi as a whole, kung afford nyo naman pong magfull-time review at kaya nyo pong suportahan ang sarili nyo po na hindi na po umaasa sa ibang tao, bakit po hindi? As long na yun po ang sa tingin nyong paraan para makamit ang inaasam na pagpasa sa board exam. Hindi po kasi assurance ang pagreresign sa work sa pagpasa sa CPA board examination, as long na may disiplina ka po at determinadong pumasa, kasama ng pagdadasal sa Poong Maykapal, wala pong imposible kahit pa po nagwowork po kayo..Importante po eh Focus po kayo maigi sa gusto nyo pong mangyari. Kung plan nyo po kasing pumasok sa corporate world after passing the board exam, usually na malaki ang starting salary ay yung may 2 years experience pataas po at may big chances of getting the job.

[Franchez]

To all CPA aspirants we can do it!

101 Things to Do to Pass the CPA Exams (and Put the Suffix CPA After Your Name)

1. Ask God for help.
2. Believe in yourself
3. Believe you can pass the CPA exams.
4. Get ready for some sacrifices in the review.
5. Build self-confidence over time.
6. Get your school documentations ready.
7. Register early at PRC.
8. Enroll in a formal review or be serious in non-formal review.
9. Do your self-study sessions on time.
10. Do practice tests as much as you can.
11. Watch your diet.
12. Exercise regularly.
13. Take your vitamins daily.
14. Find a study area in the house.
15. Make your study area holy.
16. Organize your review materials.
17. Get updated review materials.
18. Connect with positive-thinking friends.
19. Accept help from someone.
20. Avoid fights for the meantime.
21. Stay away from distractions.
22. Stay away from malls or out-of-town trips except to relax.
23. Stay away from time-wasting friends.
24. Ask your lover or spouse to give you space.
25. Talk to friends and relatives about your quest.
26. Announce to the world that you will be a CPA soon.
27. Keep your promises.
28. Think big and positive.
29. Mingle with like-minded individuals.
30. Look for a review-buddy.
31. Exchange notes with other reviewees.
32. Be couragreous to ask questions even if it sounds silly.
33. Study the hardest first going to the easiest topics.
34. Allocate time to review.
35. Make for more time to review when required.
36. Bring a book where ever you maybe.
37. Record yourself to an Ipod or recorder to memorize.
38. Read a book when you have idle time.
39. Find time to relax.
40. Sleep just about right.
41. Never underestimate yourself.
42. Don’t try to skip review sessions (self study).
43. Try not to miss your review classes (formal review).
44. Do things now than later.
45. Chew up your study one small chunk at a time.
46. Learn to read fast with high level of comprehension.
47. Memorize using your own acronyms.
48. Buy the best calculator for the exams.
49. Reward yourself when you finish a task.
50. Realize that learning new things is not that easy.
51. Do not be discouraged if you don’t understand things at first try.
52. Make a detailed study plan.
53. Stick to the study plan schedules.
54. Mind your own business.
55. Give yourself a break from time to time.
56. Motivate yourself to the max.
57. Don’t get yourself be swamped by biting more than you can chew.
58. Judge yourself by achieving your goals.
59. Be proud of and thank your family who is with you in this endeavor.
60. Forget about past failures.
61. Don’t judge yourself by your grades in school.
62. Reward yourself if you succeeded to learn something new.
63. Recognize mental fatigue when it sets in.
64. Know when to stop studying.
65. Know when is the time you study best.
66. Know how to relax while studying.
67. Set realistic study goals for yourself.
68. Check off the goals you fulfilled and reward yourself accordingly.
69. Know the senses through which you learn best and use them.
70. Discover your learning strengths and use them.
71. Don’t feel stupid if you ask for help.
72. Find out why you find it hard to learn some topics.
73. Find a new way of solving problems.
74. Practice using mental calculations.
75. Find your best way to concentrate.
76. Be courageous even when others are afraid.
77. Give other people hope and inspiration.
78. Share your learnings and become a teacher to others.
79. Avoid griping and complaining.
80. 80.Learn to detect trick questions.
81. Answer easy questions first.
82. When in doubt, stick to your first answer.
83. Read aloud something you particularly want to remember.
84. Tape record those topics that you are weak and play it over and over until you master it.
85. If you are attending formal review classes, do group study with peers.
86. Avoid multi-tasking and keep focused.
87. Realize you may need to learn more.
88. Be willing to accept new information.
89. Write notes so you can read them later.
90. Don’t put off studying. Just do it.
91. Say no to time-consuming request from others.
92. Write your goal on the wall where you study.
93. Don’t let your emotions prevent you from learning.
94. Make it a habit to be aware of the time.
95. Answer fast so you can review your answers later.
96. Honor your parents for giving you what you have now.
97. Hold your head up even when you feel down and exhausted.
98. When you feel like quitting, remind yourself that you are almost there.
99. Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
100. Stay humble no matter what happens.
101. And lastly, promise to give back to those who will follow you. Promise to yourself that if you succeed in this challenge, you will help other people as well become CPA by mentoring at least 1 reviewee. When you give, more will be given unto you.

[camisado]

ako nga working student, tapos tuloy tuloy naging working reviewee, pumasa..

kayo pa kaya..

hehe.. masyado naman atang marami ang 101!!

=====

oh eto, minsan lang ako magsalita kaya makinig kayo:

isa lang ang tip ko to pass the board exam:

manood ka ng cartoons

..sa monster's inc. hindi basta basta sinasalang sa actual scare floor ang mga new hired scarers.. dumadaan muna sila sa training using kid robots para malaman kung fit sila for the job.. towards the end of the movie, narealize nila na hindi lang pala sa pananakot nakakakuha ng energy.. mas malakas pa ang makukuha nila kung magpapatawa sila ng bata.. and again, dumadaan pa rin sila sa training kung fit sila for the job..

..si flik from a bug's life, nagiinvent ng sarili nyang paraan para makapagipon siya ng food for the colony in a way that he believes is effective and efficient, kahit na ang lahat ng ibang langgam is going the traditional way..

..hindi dahil CPA ang tatay at nanay mo, lolo't lola mo, tiyo, tiya, ate, kuya, ditse, impong, at ninuno mo, magrerelax ka na lang at maniniwalang nasa dugo ninyo ang pagiging CPA.. si linguini from ratatouille, anak siya ni gusteau, a french top chef.. wala as in zero ng pagiging chef ng tatay niya ang namana niya.. kailangang matuto pa si linguini from a rat the learn the art of cooking.. narealize mo ba na ang laking sakripisyo kung sa sa surot ka pa magpapaturo ng consolidated financial statements?

..tatawirin ni marlin from finding nemo ang buong karagatan just to be with his son again.. a friend suffering from short term memory loss is the least of your problems.. there are sharks, jellyfish, angler fish, and blue whale on the way.. you might ask kung bakit nagpatangay lang si marlin sa east australian current, unlike flik you doesn't go with the flow.. the answer: it is the ONLY way..

..kahit merong extraordinary powers si Mr. Incredible, and he believes that "he works alone," hindi pa rin matatawaran ang tulong na kayang ibigay ng kanyang pamilya..

..sa WALL-E, it is as if wala na talagang pag-asa ang planetang earth.. but it takes only a single plant in a boot, to restore the intoxicated, trash filled planet back to life..

..kanonood ko lang ng UP nung isang araw.. ayoko namang ikwento dahil ayoko namang magsilbing spoiler.. but if you need inspiration regarding achieving your dreams (and a good laugh as well), i highly recommend this film..

..and the movie toy story and toy story 2.. hmmm.. need i say more?

[gregpacsis84]

im planning to enroll in a review school this october 2009. im currently working. what's the best review school? CPAR? mukhang maraming reviewees dun. can i concentrate there?

[zegius]

just to share my thoughts..

based on my experience..kailangan practice ka talaga magsolve ng problems, kailangan na appreciate mo un topics every review session para hindi ka maiwan. Mahirap na kapag naiwan ka sa review session dahil fast pacing ito..

kaya pa rin maging cpa kahit working reviewee..i am myself a working reviewee sa CPAR may 2005 board..very hard for a working reviewee sabi nga sa akin ni dean tan dati but i persisted, i made it on second try..

time management lang talaga at good for you kung mabait ang boss mo sa work i mean you have to bargain to your boss para payagan ka magleave especially may or october crucial yun kasi. sa akin kasi hindi kaya nag awol ako nung pre week, thats my biggest gamble i made (dahil hirap ako nun financially) but its worth it..