By Nicole Spotowski CPA
When employers support their CPA candidates, the benefits go both ways; candidates get the resources they need to succeed in the CPA certification program, and consequently, they can be more focused and productive at work.
In this blog post, Nicole Spotowski reflects on the support she received from ATCO, and shares how that support facilitated her success in CPA PEP and eased her transition from CPA candidate to CPA.
Leaving my staff accountant position at a Big Four accounting firm was a decision I had to make early in my career. Transitioning to ATCO and continuing my CPA journey through their pre-approved route (PPR) program had me initially questioning whether the program would be the right fit for me. Would the challenge be insurmountable? How long would it take? Most importantly, what opportunities would there be for me once I finished? However, as I reflect on my candidate experience, it is evident that I made the right decision to transition to ATCO. Their programming continues to lead the way across the industry.
ATCO‘s PPR program enhances the focus and productivity of candidates while ensuring a smooth and timely transition into CPA roles. ATCO’s CPA program operates across multiple business units. There are five rotations, with their own competency maps, available in the program. However, most candidates rotate through Financial Reporting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Internal Audit, and Tax. Candidates generally go through three rotations that vary in length from six, twelve, or eighteen months. Because I already had prior audit experience, I rotated through Financial Planning and Analysis for 18 months and Financial Reporting for six months before completing my work experience.
Guiding me through this experience was our full-time CPA Program Manager. The Program Manager provides mentorship to all PPR candidates and trains the Rotational Supervisors on the CPA program experience requirements; this provides everyone with an understanding of their role and candidate expectations. Additionally, the Program Manager assists in the documentation and review of candidates’ practical experience, facilitates monthly meetings and learning opportunities, and organizes external prep courses, marking pools, and valuable presentations for our CFE writers.
The structure provided through ATCO’s PPR program allowed me to focus on my work, studies, and CPA practical experience requirements without worrying about how I would meet my technical and enabling competencies. During my rotations, I would periodically document my work experience in a tracking workbook created for ATCO’s CPA candidates. The file contains templates for each rotation and identifies the pre-approved competency map available in that rotation.
With the support of my supervisors, I would identify the tasks I was completing that aligned with my rotation competencies and assess my proficiency level as I progressed through the program. My tracker was formally reviewed twice a year by the Program Manager to ensure I demonstrated progression through my rotations and obtained the required competencies. As a candidate, I found that I often second-guessed myself and wondered if I was moving at an efficient pace. The competency tracker was instrumental in easing those concerns and ensuring my success within the program.
Working alongside other candidates within the program created a vital sense of camaraderie. Being part of a diverse group of professionals working towards the same goal fostered a learning environment for developing leadership and collaboration skills. Additionally, mentorship was available, as candidates who were further along in the program could answer any of my questions.
Since passing the CFE, I’ve taken the opportunity to pay it forward to new candidates by making myself available as a mentor. This is a small way to express my gratitude for everything ATCO has done to support me along my CPA journey.
I look forward to honing the skills that I learned through the program as I continue my work with ATCO in my newly designated CPA role.
Nicole graduated from the University of Alberta in 2018. While pursuing her CPA designation, she worked at a Big Four before joining ATCO as a Staff Accountant in 2019. She successfully wrote the September 2020 CFE, as well as completed her practical experience through ATCO’s CPA Pre-approved Program and obtained her CPA designation in 2021.
For more information on how to become a Pre-approved Program Route Provider, visit https://vimeo.com/435169273.
