I guess I'll do it

[Ava]

So today I received an email from the Florida Accountancy Board.

I have the 120 credits to sit for the CPA exam BUT I am missing two mandatory courses; an upper level Business Law class that includes contracts and torts, and Accounting Information Systems. This is the result of me jumping from CC to University, and getting some courses waived.

I mean, it could be worse, I could be missing more things, but the idea of going back for two more classes is not exactly appealing. I thought I was done with school.

I've been going to school since 2007 while working full time.

I don't want to keep going. I'm tired.

On the other hand I really, really, really want to have my CPA license.

My first thought when I read the email was; "So this is it, end of the story".

But I'm not a quitter. I am very VERY persistent.

As soon as I finished the email I went to the website of the U where I got my MBA. They do have the two classes I need for next semester. One of them is at night, the other first thing in the morning. My manager offered me and my coworkers flexible hours since the job is moving one hour away. I could attend the classes. And I don't even need high grades. A C will do. So one part of my brain was thinking "No way" and the other was already planning how to get those two classes.

My CPA license application will stay open for 2 years. That gives more than enough time to complete what I need.

On the other hand, I'm so tired of this going to school game. Where does it end? The time, money and effort I've put on this.

I will have to pay out of pocket for the classes since I'm not enrolled in a program anymore. My student loan will get another 6 months relief period while in school. I'm worried about my student loan.

I am also 42 years old.

Is this dream worth pursuing or am I fooling myself? What if I do the classes, pass the CPA exam, and cannot find a job as an entry level employee for my CPA experience?

I don't mind working along younger folks at an entry level position. I love being surrounded by young people and I get along great with them. I like their energy and good vibes. They are generally upbeat and make me laugh a lot.

But would an employer consider me at my age?

What do you think?

[taz157]

Take the classes and pass the exam!!!! 

FWIW, I have a MD license and when I moved to FL, I had to take 4 accounting classes due to Florida's education requirement (as I didn't meet the out-of-state active license requirements).  I took the 4 classes then found out 1 I had taken was the same as I took as an undergrad (which a few years had passed from then) so had to take another class.  Best thing I did though!

[msventoux]

Take the classes.  If you don't see it through to the end you might as well have not started the journey.  Believe me, I get being so sick of the entire perpetual student thing, but it's worth it in the end. 

I'm not certain how the Big 4 feel about older entry level staff, but I know my small firm is very open to having older entry level staff.  We appreciate being able to train them on their jobs and not necessarily having to train them on common sense workplace procedures that some of the younger staff have trouble understanding or following. 

[Deleted]

Does CT exam have same requirements, or can you sit for exam in CT and then do something to 'transfer' the license? I am not CPA so just asking if there are other options that would remove going back to school requirement.

ETA: Corporate finance departments where I have worked always have a large age variation in the team members, from newbies to very mature. However, based on your other thread, I did want to mention that those teams are always working weekends to close months & quarters on time. 

Is school degree the pacing item for you moving, or was it attaining the CPA?

[busymom]

I'd say go for it! I'll warn you though: I took Business Law in college, & it was the most time-consuming class, as far as the amount of reading I had to do each week, of any class I've ever taken. This won't be a fluff class to pass, in fact, I've known people who flunked the first time they take it. Will you have enough time to study, besides working your job? That's something to seriously look at. I wish you the best, whatever you decide!

[Ava]

Jun 11, 2015 22:59:38 GMT -5 @rockit said:

Does CT exam have same requirements, or can you sit for exam in CT and then do something to 'transfer' the license? I am not CPA so just asking if there are other options that would remove going back to school requirement.

ETA: Corporate finance departments where I have worked always have a large age variation in the team members, from newbies to very mature. However, based on your other thread, I did want to mention that those teams are always working weekends to close months & quarters on time. 

Is school degree the pacing item for you moving, or was it attaining the CPA?

CT does have different education requirements than Florida.

I could apply for my license here and I'm pretty certain they'll approve me.

But in CT you need 2 years of experience to be granted your license. In Florida is only one.

And anyway, once I apply to transfer my license from CT to Florida, I would still have to take those two classes.

[Ava]

Jun 11, 2015 22:55:08 GMT -5 msventoux said:

Take the classes.  If you don't see it through to the end you might as well have not started the journey.  Believe me, I get being so sick of the entire perpetual student thing, but it's worth it in the end. 

I'm not certain how the Big 4 feel about older entry level staff, but I know my small firm is very open to having older entry level staff.  We appreciate being able to train them on their jobs and not necessarily having to train them on common sense workplace procedures that some of the younger staff have trouble understanding or following. 

Yes, I am tired of being the perpetual student. I thought I was done for good now.

Some people, including my manager, consider me a perpetual student and even tell me so.

I have zero intention of attending school forever. I cannot wait to be done with it.

But I'm 90% convinced I'll take those two classes.

[Ava]

Jun 11, 2015 23:10:23 GMT -5 busymom said:

I'd say go for it! I'll warn you though: I took Business Law in college, & it was the most time-consuming class, as far as the amount of reading I had to do each week, of any class I've ever taken. This won't be a fluff class to pass, in fact, I've known people who flunked the first time they take it. Will you have enough time to study, besides working your job? That's something to seriously look at. I wish you the best, whatever you decide!

Story of my life! Every time I think that I will have an easy ride, it turns out to be demanding and difficult.

I can do it, though. Just means I'll have to power through it.

As it stands right now, Monday afternoon I'll be at the Registrar's Office enrolling for those two classes.

[Jaguar]

Ava, you know damn well that you are more than capable of doing these two classes and passing, you have that in you. Go Get It !!!

[flutterby]

Ava, you can do this!!

I took both these classes for my degree. The Accounting Information Systems was really good. I've used so much of what I learned in that one. I've mentioned this before, but almost everything you'll need to know is covered in YouTube tutorials. That was a huge help. So glad I took that class! I thought Business Law was really interesting, so that wasn't the drudgery it could have been.

And fwiw, I'm your age and just got hired for a state government job starting at the same salary you're making (per the other thread). Age doesn't seem to have been an issue at all, in fact it may have helped.

Good luck! I know you'll succeed at this!

[zibazinski]

Take the classes. A potential employer should be thrilled to hire you. You're young enough to still be healthy and old enough to be there and do the job. You're PERFECT!!!

[MJ2.0]

DOOOOO EEEEEETTTTT!!!!!

I'm going to be applying to a civil engineering program for the 2016 spring semester, and I'll be 33 in November. If you can go back and get a full on accounting degree at late 30s/early 40s, I can certainly do it at my age. So now you have to do it, because now you have someone to inspire.

[justme]

With professional certifications/licenses you're never done with school! There's CE to always do.

[swamp]

You've put how many years into this and you're going to let 2 stupid courses stop you?

[tskeeter]

Jun 11, 2015 23:38:17 GMT -5 Ava said:

Jun 11, 2015 22:59:38 GMT -5 @rockit said:

Does CT exam have same requirements, or can you sit for exam in CT and then do something to 'transfer' the license? I am not CPA so just asking if there are other options that would remove going back to school requirement.

ETA: Corporate finance departments where I have worked always have a large age variation in the team members, from newbies to very mature. However, based on your other thread, I did want to mention that those teams are always working weekends to close months & quarters on time. 

Is school degree the pacing item for you moving, or was it attaining the CPA?

CT does have different education requirements than Florida.

I could apply for my license here and I'm pretty certain they'll approve me.

But in CT you need 2 years of experience to be granted your license. In Florida is only one.

And anyway, once I apply to transfer my license from CT to Florida, I would still have to take those two classes.

Ava, remember that in most states, there is a difference between being certified and being licensed.  Unless you are planning to practice public accounting, most employers don't care whether or not you are licensed.  They want you to have passed the CPA exam and be certified.  But they don't care if you are licensed.  For the stuff that requires a license, they hire independent auditors.  I've held a CPA certificate for over 30 years and worked for a series of Fortune 500 companies in accounting and finance management roles without ever becoming licensed.

[milee]

Not sure I'd characterize it as true that "most" states have the two tier license and certificate system. Florida does not in any case. There's no option to just be certified, in FL you're either a licensed CPA or nothing to do with CPA (no "Certificate" option.)

[Ava]

Well, yes, I'm going to do it.

I tried to enroll in both classes this morning but I cannot do it on the web or by phone because I'm not in the undergraduate program. I need permission from the School of Business.

I just sent them the email. The Registrar's Office clerk told me I should have my permission granted on Monday.

Thanks for the support!

I am actually getting excited about the classes, now that I've made up my mind. They both sound interesting.

So my goal is to pass both of them by mid December, take my vacations, come back and start packing.

I want to be in Miami by mid February.

[Deleted]

I am excited for you that you have come this far.  I have read a lot of your posts and know sometimes it was hard for you, but you kept at it.  I hope you end up with everything you were aiming for.  Best wishes for what they are worth.

[Ava]

Jun 12, 2015 17:04:31 GMT -5 @hickle said:

I am excited for you that you have come this far.  I have read a lot of your posts and know sometimes it was hard for you, but you kept at it.  I hope you end up with everything you were aiming for.  Best wishes for what they are worth.

Thanks so much, hickle.