CPA Exam Review News Blog

Picture this – you have decided to start studying for the Regulation (REG) section. You’re beginning to feel confident, getting a handle on the material and then you start reading about taxation changes that are on the horizon. As stated in an earlier blog this year, the CPA exam is ever-evolving and it is important to keep up with changes to ensure that you’re studying the most up-to-date materials available. Luckily, you’re in good hands with Yaeger CPA Review as we rework and rewrite our books to the AICPA Blueprints. But I know you’re wondering – what is changing, and when is it happening?

When people think about the CPA at their company they aren't likely to think of someone who leads through spoken word. As a CPA it is unlikely too that this is a requirement for your everyday job. Many CPA's can get by communicating through emails, powerpoint presentations, and handing the numbers off to whoever asked for them. However, in person communication can be something that sets you apart.

There are plenty of reasons to limit talking in person or public. From time constraints to fear of speaking in front of others, down to the simple necessity or lack thereof, it is easy to find an excuse to communicate as little as possible. But the truth is you can extremely bolster your value by simply learning to be a better communicator.

There are a few ways to immediately improve your value as a communicator

Let's face it. You have about a million things you "should be" doing. Pressure is raining down on you from every direction and it can feel a little bit overwhelming. What's hard is that the pressure isn't bad. You should be trying to make the world a better place, stand up for what's right, use less plastic, get 30 minutes of cardio in a day, adopt a dog, and on top of it all take time for yourself so you're not stressed.

There's an easy way to take control of this feeling and, maybe most importantly, be intentional and content with your decisions.

Saving and investing is something new professionals have heard a lot about, but often the same way they know their uncle is really into Pickleball. Putting money into other companies seems crazy when you're still in the world of student loans, don't have a home yet, and are still trying to get on your feet.

The problem with this attitude is how it turns into a habit which lasts too long into a professional's life. There is never a time it's "too late" to start saving, but starting to build your wealth is a lot easier if you start before you turn 30, even if it's not a lot. So today we're going to look at five apps that help the beginning investor save.

Imagine you're in charge of laying the foundation for the house you plan on living in for the rest of your life. You would want to guess at the process or ask someone else how they did it years ago on different bedrock and climate, hoping the same works for you. You'd want the most up-to-date methods, help, and plans. You'd want blueprints...

Will you make more money by taking a new position with higher pay at another company? Job swapping is more common than ever and the professional game of "bigger and better" is becoming the norm. While no one expects loyalty, and while loyalty doesn't mean the same stability as it once did, can sticking it out with a company benefit you more in the long run than chasing a higher check right now? The answer is not a clear yes or no, but you can take a look at a few factors to help you determine which answer is right for you.

The CPA exam is constantly changing to ensure that a newly-licensed CPA has the required knowledge and skills to operate in a modern accounting environment. It is a time of advancements in technology and automation and Mike Decker, the Vice President of Examinations for the AICPA and his team of 70 staff are responsible for continuously improving the exam to meet the needs of stakeholders across the country. But what does that mean for candidates? Are there further changes on the horizon that candidates need to be aware of?

Being a young accountant means having one of the widest fields of career potential in front of you. The profession is in high demand, but supply, especially of CPAs, is struggling to keep up. This favorable job market doesn't mean you should sit back and relax, but rather be ready and treat opportunity as if it were always around the corner. You should be professional to the standard of seasoned pro's, bring the energy of someone new to the industry, and able to meet every expectation as times and common practices have changed. This means your LinkedIn, handshake, Twitter, business card, and Instagram pages should all be kept to a professional standard as they will be scrutinized. The worst thing you can do is impress online and disappoint in person. Keeping everyone happy and making genuine connections can feel intimidating and taxing, but it is possible and worth it.

Busy season has ended which is supposed to make it feel like you have all the free time in the world now, right? Then why does it feel like your responsibilities are stacking up and growing out of control?

The simple answer might be because you are letting them.

In the same way athletes gain weight after their season is over, accountants risk falling behind their work after busy season. The day to day goes from forced productivity, to a more lackadaisy office culture. Since the amount you have to do drops so drastically, the urgency to do work decreases too. Since 24 hours is feeling like a lot more without the busy season pressure, you start putting off responsibilities. It doesn't seem like a big deal and before you know it, you're behind.

So you just got married – now what?

Congratulations! It is such an exciting time of life. College parties turn into Sunday morning brunches, late Friday nights out turn into coffee dates on Saturday and suddenly everyone around you is getting married, sitting the CPA Exam and having children. Now it is your turn – so what should you be thinking about and what are some of the taxation implications. You are a CPA candidate, so this is right up your alley.