Any CA's in the house?

haisam10

haisam10

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Inspired by MG's thread.

I wrote and passed the UFE last year under the non-employment option and am looking to complete my practical experience now (still looking for a CATO job). Anyone already a CA, working towards it or planning on becoming one?
 
HunGJaI said:
Damn...that's great..

I'm doing the same thing right now...Going to be writing my CKE in January..

You used any prep courses?
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I went through Waterloo Masters so did not go through CKE or SOA. I did take the UFE Finalists course through the ICAO with Norgrove (amazing course and definitely worth the time and money). I also did a few PASS classes and my studdy buddy went through Densmore. Which course you do depends on what you want to get out of it really. I would recommend PASS if you are very technical (i.e. like the details of standards and want very detailed instructions on how to make quants, etc); Densmore if you want a very motivational environment (they were very "you can do it, believe in yourself". Their cases are also great and they make updated solutions to old cases; and go with Norgrove (UFE finalists) if you just want to pass. His course was straightforward and he tells you what you need to do to pass. He is very knowledgeable and its nice to be taught by the actual guy versus someone else, as is the case with Densmore. He gave us updated solutions to the comp, which is the 6 hour case on day 1, for UFEs dating back to 2005, which was awesome. Also, if you arent employed yet, I would study with someone from one of the firms as they will have specialized firm resources that arent available anywhere else. You can also get these off your friends (but dont make copies ;)). We used KPMG which had amazing solutions. Really helped me figure out what I was doing wrong and how I could improve. Also, If you havent already, check out "MyCAsite". Its a great resource and the videos on writing strategies and general related stuff are great. Feel free to ask for anything else and best of luck. Study hard, its really not as bad as people make it out to be!
 
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Hey

I'm in the same boat as you - I passed the CKE, SOA and UFE last year under the employment exemption option. I'm working at a non-CA position now, but looking to get into a CATO to complete my experience. Have you been applying for jobs actively? Any difference in response since you passed the UFE?

I cant believe how incredibly hard it has been to get into a CA firm.
 
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Ahhh...the waterloo program :)

Well I've been working FT now for 2.5 years now...maybe I should just do the master program (Probably going to need a refresher course or something...my job is all finance stuff and non accounting related :()

I will see how the CKE goes...probably going to do the prep course with the ICAO...the damn PASS PREP (all 3 test prep is like 4Gs)
 
zdestiny said:
Hey

I'm in the same boat as you - I passed the CKE, SOA and UFE last year under the employment exemption option. I'm working at a non-CA position now, but looking to get into a CATO to complete my experience. Have you been applying for jobs actively? Any difference in response since you passed the UFE?

I cant believe how incredibly hard it has been to get into a CA firm.
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Ya tell me about it. I am also doing a non-CATO job, but thankfully it is related to financial statement and accounting and its a great company so I am getting some good relevant experience. From what I understand in speaking with a lot of HR reps, firm reps and from friends who have taken part in the HR process at the firms, the bigger firms dont seem to care if you passed the UFE or not. In my opinion, it doesnt really matter to them cause they have significant training programs so it likely isnt about the cost or resources; they would rather just train students themselves. Where you passing the UFE would count would be with smaller or medium sized firms where they would want to save the time of money it would take to train you. I have come to realize that the hiring cycle for a CATO job is extremely intense and is unlike any other profession. There are SOOO many CA students out there and very few jobs. It is by far the most competitve field I have seen. Your best bet is to get into a non-CATO role that gives you some relevant experience and keep looking for a CATO job (there arent many advertised so its a waiting game till something comes up). Make connections with people in the firms and keep them apprised of your situation. Its just a matter of time is all. I know of someone who it took three years of trying before they got into a firm. From what I have been told, if you are in industry and are getting good relevant experience, then you move up the ranks faster within the firms (i.e. faster promotions) so you are not really missing out or anything in terms of time. In terms of jobs, few come up at this time of year b/c of busy season but there might be a few more here and there. Your chances are better if you are willing to move. Just keep an eye on the firm websites. Another good side is talentegg. They have some jobs in the accounting section and BDO is a supporter of the site, so they post up quite a bit.

All I can say is remain hopeful and just keep looking.
 
HunGJaI said:
Ahhh...the waterloo program :)

Well I've been working FT now for 2.5 years now...maybe I should just do the master program (Probably going to need a refresher course or something...my job is all finance stuff and non accounting related :()

I will see how the CKE goes...probably going to do the prep course with the ICAO...the damn PASS PREP (all 3 test prep is like 4Gs)
Click to expand...

The Norgrove (ICAO) program is the cheapest and best value for money IMO. I think it was like 1500 for UFE alone whereas PASS and densmore were around 1800. Lolz, since u already in finance, all the business valuations and project evaluations will come easily. The hardest part of the UFE was ensuring I was writing enough stuff related to assurance and ensuring I was explaining how the accounting standards applied and what their effect was. You will learn most of what you need from the sample solutions you get, so dont fret that. My technical, and most of the master students' technical, was baaaddd relative to the pple who did CKE and SOA.
 
Come on guys, there has got to be more CAs or aspiring CAs out there, or I have been grossly mislead by the CICA :p. I'm sure u bz with bz season, but take a min and make a post. To coax u along, here is a little audit humor:

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