Blog From Cebu To The World

Now That You Have Passed the CPA Board Exam

Now that you have passed the CPA Board Exam, what’s next for you?

CELEBRATE

Passing the notoriously difficult CPA Board Exam is no easy feat and is a cause for a celebration. I know that some people will see their names in school banners, or even those in their municipalities. Some will even be feted in a parade. You have all the reasons to smile, and today is your day. Go out and celebrate with your friends and loved ones.

REGISTER

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on Monday, October 27, 2008 but not later than November 19, 2008. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 2 pieces passport size picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 pieces 1” x 1” picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps, and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession; and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2008-2011. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The oathtaking ceremony of the successful examinees in the October 2008 CPA Board Exams as well as the previous ones who have not taken their Oath of Professional will be held before the Board on Monday, November 24, 2008 at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Roxas Boulevard, Manila. For those located outside Manila, check your school or the nearest PICPA office for announcements.

CAREER

A week after the results is out, or when the ‘from ear to ear smile’ had normalized, you have to compete with your fellow passers and start looking for a job. You don’t actually have to worry. Be confident. Job opportunities for CPAs are aplenty. You can still sit down, reflect and map out your career this early. You have to choose what sector of the profession you want to try first in your career. Let me give you an idea of what they are.

The Public Practice sector. I don’t know how attractive this is to you but it was to me and most of my batchmates back in college. It is in this sector that you get to apply most, if not all, you learned in the review and in the 5 years of schooling. Plenty dream of joining the big accounting firms in Makati, as they consider them as the springboard for success in public practice and in the corporate world. But these firms are choosy, taking in only those considered as the “Best and the Brightest”. The topnotchers and those who graduated with honors from reputable schools are most likely to be pursued and get hired first. But it does not mean that when you are not a topnotcher, you have a lesser chance. October is the start of the busy season and they are mass hiring. If you really desire to join the public practice sector, go try your best and submit your application letter and resume to the top firms as soon as possible. There are also other small and medium-sized firms that are in need of staff. A season or two in these smaller firms are also worthwhile experience.

The Government. There are so many opportunities for CPAs in the government sector. You can apply in your municipality, or in the regional or head offices of government agencies like COA, DOF and the DBM.

Commerce and Industry. The BPO and the multinational companies are the most attractive. The pay is higher and there are opportunities of traveling abroad. There are also local companies that offer similar benefits. Other CPAs also prefer to start their careers in the internal audit department, because they get to learn fast about the various facets of the business, and they think it is another way to fast track one’s career in the corporate world. In many cases, there is truth to that.

The Academe or the Education Sector. If you have that gift of teaching, then this is for you. Some, even employed in other sectors, teach part-time because of their love for teaching. Check out vacancies in your school.

OTHERS

There are those who pursue further studies, taking up either MBA or Law. CPAs have an advantage because there are subjects which were already taken up and covered in the undergraduate years.

Another option is to work abroad, whether temporarily or immigration. Opportunities are not only available here in the Philippines but in other countries as well. But then, some years (at least five) of working experience are required.

Now that you have passed the CPA board exam, what’s next? You don’t actually have to throttle your mind at this time with the very broad opportunities awaiting you. Go, and just celebrate first. And don’t forget to thank God for your answered prayers.

Again, my congratulations to those who have passed!

Latest results here: May 2009 CPA Board exam results and list of passers

Popularity: 17% [?]

Tags: Career Tips, CPA Board Exam Results   Posted in Accounting Jobs, CPA