By Vicky Cato CPA
In part 2 of Vicky’s blog post, she demonstrates that hard work and determination can pay off, despite challenges. If you haven’t read part 1, click here.
With my history of failure in accounting, I didn’t think I’d ever be a designated accountant; it seemed really hard and I didn’t think I could do it. Plus, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be an accountant for the rest of my life, so I questioned why I needed to invest the money, time, and energy (and tears!).
It took a while for me to accept the idea of going all the way with accounting and earning my designation. I started to feel stagnant in my career and figured it wouldn’t hurt to enroll in CPA PEP and see how it went. (I also didn’t want my prerequisites to expire.) No pressure, I told myself.
I knew that having my designation could only add value and push my career forward, even if I didn’t intend to stay in a typical accounting role forever. That decision to take a step forward and pursue a designation changed the trajectory of my life and career.
Those two plus years in CPA PEP were super tough but also amazingly rewarding. I met my best friend, gained a better understanding of business and accounting, and most importantly, proved to myself that I was capable of doing hard things.
Honestly though, I cried A LOT in CPA PEP. I never felt like I knew what I was doing, and after I wrote each module exam, I thought I failed. I learned you have to be willing to work your butt off and ask for help when you need it. And you need to be unwilling to give up!
I wrote the CFE in 2018 and passed on my first attempt (which still surprises me). In early 2020, I was admitted into the profession after struggling to obtain the necessary practical experience requirements.
On your journey to becoming a CPA, you may experience failure along the way, but that doesn’t mean this profession isn’t for you. Many CPAs faced challenges in the program too but went on to obtain their letters and pursue successful careers.
In part 3 of this series, Vicky emphasizes the importance of overcoming self doubt. Stay tuned.
The views expressed in this post are those of the guest writer, Vicky Cato CPA. Please refer to cpawsb.ca for the latest guidelines from the CPA Western School of Business.
