This is the holiday season edition of the Vancouver Accounting Experience! In this final podcast episode of the year, I have a really insightful chat with Rameez Nathu, a Partner at Johnsen Archer LLP. We chat about a broad range of topics including the job market, student recruitment, firm culture, the benefits of working at a medium-sized firm, and much, much more! I think there are some great insights in this podcast for students and aspiring CPAs about what working at a medium-sized firm like Johnsen Archer in Surrey, British Columbia is like.

I recently met some college students through their university's local accounting club and mentorship program. I'm always excited to chat with students because they're extremely excited about their future careers and always receptive to the advice I have. I've made plenty of mistakes in the past and had to change who I was to become successful in life. In addition, I changed careers in my mid-thirties and began my accounting career in the Big 4. So, as a result, I have plenty of advice to give! Listen to the podcast to hear my top 3 pieces of advice to students.

Some CPA students have the opportunity to challenge one or more CPA exams. If chosen to do so, they may write a CPA course exam only and obtain an exemption from having to take the PEP course module. This is an opportunity for some new immigrants to Canada who are already qualified accountants in their home country. The question is whether one should challenge the exam? That was the question posed to me by a student who reached out to me for some advice on challenging the exams. Listen to find out more as we discuss the multiple considerations and much more.

3 weeks ago I ran a poll on LinkedIn asking what accounting students and aspiring CPAs were worried about entering the fall season. To my surprise, most were worried about passing the CFE/CPA exams. Should you be worried about the CFE exam right now? Absolutely not! You should be worried about getting an accounting job and honing your soft skills (interpersonal, communications and presentations skills) that will help you get that job interview. 

Not everyone can become an entrepreneur. I know I've tried, but through trial and error and a bit of self-awareness, I know I'm more of a follower and advisor than a true-bred entrepreneur, although I do have an entrepreneural spirit and tendencies, which is what makes me a good business advisor - at least I think so. When I met Jay, I thought he was one of those natural business people who are young, bold risk-takers, so I was surprised he was interested in the CPA program. There's nothing wrong with trying things out really - there's no right or wrong answer, especially if you have time on your side. The moral of this podcast is to go with what feels right at the time!

In this podcast episode, I speak to a career changer who is wondering if changing careers to pursue his CPA means giving up his past experience and starting from scratch. If you change careers to pursue your CPA will you be taking a step back? You could be, but not necessarily. One person's pursuit might be another person's folly. But, that should not stop you from pursuing your career dreams regardless of how old you are, your job, or your education. What you need is the right research and information to make a more informed decision. Listen in to find out how!

Are you planning a Big 4 public practice career? Are you going through fall recruit? Then, I know this podcast episode is for you. I share my thoughts on how to get noticed, how to talk about yourself, how to network, and how to gain rich personal experiences that will set you apart from your competition. It's the summer and your research and preparation need to start now! 

Vivian is an aspiring CPA who reached out to me on LinkedIn to ask my advice on the best timing to complete his 10 prerequisite courses in order to qualify and enter into the PEP program and officially begin his CPA journey. Timing is important, yes, but I don't think it's crucial. It's best to have a good work-life balance and ready to go once his public practice job begins. Then you need to be mentally and physically ready to crush it in public practice and get the most out of the unique experience. I share lots more advice on the podcast so be sure to tune in. I really wish Vivian all the best in his pursuits and I hope you all get some value from this podcast.

Are you an accounting student or aspiring CPA worried about how you're going to cope with your CPA studies and exams? According to my LinkedIn poll, this was #2 of the top worries for accounting students and people looking to kick start their accounting careers. How am I going to balance my work with studies, exams, family, hobbies, stress, and wellness? Well, on this podcast, I give you my thoughts on how you can manage your CPA studies and exams and still stay sane and well balanced: 1) Put in the hard work; 2) Organize yourself, and 3) Communicate what you need from the people in your life and their expectations from you.

Are you an accounting student or aspiring CPA worried about how you can or will find the right job for you? According to my LinkedIn poll, this was one of the top worries for accounting students and people looking to kick start their accounting careers. What job will be a good fit? What if it's the wrong job? Will the job add to my career progression or hold me back? Well, on this podcast, I give you my thoughts on how you can go about finding the right job for you: 1) Do your research; 2) Network and ask questions, and 3) Go for it! Listen now to find out more.