FAE September 2015

iMuse · 14-10-2014 12:21pm #1

Pre-Christmas timetables are online so thought I'd start a thread. Been following the previous threads for a couple of years but now it's my time

I'm listed as Dublin group 6 but there are only timetables up for Dublin Group 1 & 2?

Have people received books yet?

Going to be a long year but best of luck to everyone!

20 Times 20 Times · 14-10-2014 9:52pm

iMuse wrote: »

Pre-Christmas timetables are online so thought I'd start a thread. Been following the previous threads for a couple of years but now it's my time

I'm listed as Dublin group 6 but there are only timetables up for Dublin Group 1 & 2?

Have people received books yet?

Going to be a long year but best of luck to everyone!

Got serious fear when I seen this thread!!!

myshirt · 14-10-2014 10:22pm

20 Times 20 Times wrote: »

Got serious fear when I seen this thread!!!

Well whatever you do, don't read the 2015 Competency Statement.

TheDoctor · 15-10-2014 9:14am

In 5 and a half weeks time I might join this thread!

iluvfatfrogs · 15-10-2014 12:04pm

TheDoctor wrote: »

In 5 and a half weeks time I might join this thread!

I'm presuming you mean that in a bad way, as in failing FAE's.....and not in a good way, as in passing CAP2 repeats!

TheDoctor · 15-10-2014 12:08pm

Waiting on FAE results

littlemiss123 · 20-10-2014 2:07pm

TheDoctor wrote: »

In 5 and a half weeks time I might join this thread!

Same as that! Might as well get aquainted now...:(

autumnbelle · 21-10-2014 11:05am

littlemiss123 wrote: »

Same as that! Might as well get aquainted now...:(

me too

all the repeaters here to take over the thread

smcgiff · 21-10-2014 11:59am

Good luck to everyone.

Can I make an appeal early in this thread...

Please do not post information you think might identify you to your employers.

In the past we've been asked to go back and delete posts from users that posted in haste.

Thank you - normal viewing is now restored. Oh, and have I said good luck

prettyrestless · 02-11-2014 9:33pm

Is anyone having trouble with the attendance app? I was at the lecture yesterday but the app didn't log me in. It just kept saying "trying to determine your location"

Legwinski · 02-11-2014 10:08pm

prettyrestless wrote: »

Is anyone having trouble with the attendance app? I was at the lecture yesterday but the app didn't log me in. It just kept saying "trying to determine your location"

Yea, it wouldn't work for me either. Had to check in through the mobile website!

iluvfatfrogs · 03-11-2014 11:27am

Had Auditing Session 1 & 3 over the weekend
also watched session 2 online.

The online session is intolerable. There is nothing to be gained from watching.
Not only is the lecturer the most boring man in the World, all he is doing is reading the most boring transcript ever, and referencing to other books, which he proceeds to read.

Not once is there a mention of a real-life example, relativeness to exams, examples etc.

In case you have yet to put yourself through the torture, DO NOT WATCH IT!

Plus it was fairly similiar to Sessions 1 & 3, though they weren't entertaining, they were a whole lot more exciting than the online session!

prettyrestless · 03-11-2014 8:45pm

I think a lot of the online session are very rigid and boring. The lecturers pretty much have to stick to the script and just read the notes. Most of them you're better off just reading through the slides yourself.

FAEfirsttimer · 06-11-2014 5:04pm

prettyrestless wrote: »

I think a lot of the online session are very rigid and boring. The lecturers pretty much have to stick to the script and just read the notes. Most of them you're better off just reading through the slides yourself.

Personally, I thought the lectures were ok. If you are going to sacrifice any class attendance this year though I would ensure that you attend the case days. I know people may disagree but personnally I found the case days the most useful as they at least go through the criteria sought from an exam perspective. Having done the classes in Belfast, we were made to attempt the questions on the days and present them to the group (usually around 8 people just lol) but it saved you from melting into the seat and feeling like you are not learning.

Also, if you did not do CAP 2 Audit, I would recommend attending or watching Conor Dolans audit classes. I found him very good at drilling the points home and his class is well worth a listen to.

Like anything, you will hear good and bad points from anything you do, so I am not saying what I think is right, but I found Conor, the Case study days and also the FAE Steps cases were my best source of learning during the year. Well I will soon know if it was the right approach though

yourhero · 11-11-2014 11:33pm

iMuse wrote: »

Pre-Christmas timetables are online so thought I'd start a thread. Been following the previous threads for a couple of years but now it's my time

I'm listed as Dublin group 6 but there are only timetables up for Dublin Group 1 & 2?

Have people received books yet?

Going to be a long year but best of luck to everyone!

Think Dublin 6(same as me) is for the smaller classes after Xmas.

I'll have minimal study leave so have to get organised immediately. Peer groups seem essential so any ideas as to how to form one for those not with the big4 and may be a little older than most of the students?

As for the Conor Dolan comments...completely agree. Wouldn't have passed Cap2 audit without his revision class.

FAEfirsttimer · 12-11-2014 11:43pm

yourhero wrote: »

Think Dublin 6(same as me) is for the smaller classes after Xmas.

I'll have minimal study leave so have to get organised immediately. Peer groups seem essential so any ideas as to how to form one for those not with the big4 and may be a little older than most of the students?

As for the Conor Dolan comments...completely agree. Wouldn't have passed Cap2 audit without his revision class.

I was elevation student for cap 1 and 2 and I agree it is hard to get these peer groups set up especially as all the big 4 tend to stick together.only thing I can sugguest is to just get chatting with people and see what other people's situations are, maybe you can swap numbers and emails. This worked for me, as I was able to get a good size group together to share notes, questions etc with throughout CAP 1, 2 and this year FAE. make sure you go to the case days and especially the black water case as they put people in groups to answer the questions so at least you have a starting point.

If you are stuck for someone to ask questions you can PM and I could help as best as I can. May not be great help, but we shall know how useful I'll be next Friday whether I passed or failed my FAEs

m1ck007 · 30-11-2014 9:42pm

Dont get complacent by passing your cap 2s folks. 48 percent of people this year didnt get through one way or another, myself included. The FAE has never been tougher. Dont think technical, think strategically.

yourhero · 08-12-2014 1:55pm

Not sure if people have noticed but the post-christmas timetables are up. I'm in group 6 and several of the lectures don't suit me.

I'm looking to see the other timetables to see if I can attend some of the lectures - I know I need to stick to the workshop I am in but knowing the times of the other lectures would be good. I can't attach anything yet but would appreciate it if someone could DM a timetable (other than group 6).

Happy to share via email if asked.

Also, was in Sean Murray's class yesterday. Am I the only one that thinks he's good? Attendance across 3 rooms was abyssmal.

iluvfatfrogs · 08-12-2014 5:53pm

yourhero wrote: »

Not sure if people have noticed but the post-christmas timetables are up. I'm in group 6 and several of the lectures don't suit me.

I'm looking to see the other timetables to see if I can attend some of the lectures - I know I need to stick to the workshop I am in but knowing the times of the other lectures would be good. I can't attach anything yet but would appreciate it if someone could DM a timetable (other than group 6).

Happy to share via email if asked.

Also, was in Sean Murray's class yesterday. Am I the only one that thinks he's good? Attendance across 3 rooms was abyssmal.

Are the post xmas timetables in a general page, or when you log in and select the course and select timetable?
No sign of Galway post xmas timetable yet.

Melon head · 11-12-2014 10:38am

I am in the same boat as you your hero. I have to travel a good distance to get to lectures and some lectures don't suit. Was wondering does any of the other groups would suit better?? Any help would be appreciated!

WhatYaSay · 11-12-2014 11:22am

Switching elective to APM for next year so don't have access to it on the website yet, can anyone share the timetable if they have it? Thanks.

iluvfatfrogs · 11-12-2014 12:34pm

WhatYaSay wrote: »

Switching elective to APM for next year so don't have access to it on the website yet, can anyone share the timetable if they have it? Thanks.

Which area?
Dublin, galway, cork?

yourhero · 11-12-2014 5:52pm

Its Dublin timetables I am looking for.

For those asking, if you log into the student centre and look beneath the notices into the course materials you'll find the timetables

WhatYaSay · 12-12-2014 1:25am

iluvfatfrogs wrote: »

Which area?
Dublin, galway, cork?

I thought they only had APM lectures in Dublin? They didn't have them in Galway last year anyway. Dublin is what I'm looking for.

iluvfatfrogs · 12-12-2014 9:11am

WhatYaSay wrote: »

I thought they only had APM lectures in Dublin? They didn't have them in Galway last year anyway. Dublin is what I'm looking for.

With the mass exodus from Audit -> APM in the last few weeks after 2014 results, there is a strong possibility APM is going to be ran in Galway

m1ck007 · 12-12-2014 10:20am

iluvfatfrogs wrote: »

With the mass exodus from Audit -> APM in the last few weeks after 2014 results, there is a strong possibility APM is going to be ran in Galway

I could imagine the pass rates in apm plummeting and audit going up this year.

iluvfatfrogs · 12-12-2014 11:12am

m1ck007 wrote: »

I could imagine the pass rates in apm plummeting and audit going up this year.

I'm banking on it - sticking with the Audit elective myself.

Does anyone know what is required to sign off on Audits once the Audit elective is passed?
Is it just a matter of doing more time rather than more exams?

yourhero · 12-12-2014 1:45pm

I suspect the pass rate will fall but only because of the people switching for the wrong reasons. If there was an actual bell curve I doubt there would be such a disparity between APM pass results and the other 2. The results are a factor of the students undertaking them.

If its the weaker students (relatively speaking - don't take offence) that move from tax/audit to APM then i'd agree that the pass rates will increase for tax/audit and decrease. That's just how averaging works.

The point that the institute made around the fact that its slightly older students working in industry that take APM is very important.

Dellboy2007 · 13-12-2014 2:11pm

yourhero wrote: »

I suspect the pass rate will fall but only because of the people switching for the wrong reasons. If there was an actual bell curve I doubt there would be such a disparity between APM pass results and the other 2. The results are a factor of the students undertaking them.

If its the weaker students (relatively speaking - don't take offence) that move from tax/audit to APM then i'd agree that the pass rates will increase for tax/audit and decrease. That's just how averaging works.

The point that the institute made around the fact that its slightly older students working in industry that take APM is very important.

I'm sorry but I completely disagree with you, and I'm surprised you have bought into the institute's cop-out.

The truth is, the audit is a far harder exam than APM. Take a look at the auditing standards book, the notes, the text books; the sheer volume alone indicates the extent of material to be covered. This is not to mention the interpretation that is needed to relate these standards and material to a case study. In an auditing exam, you are expected to think as a manager (even though you're not, you're probably a trainee 2/3/4), and decipher audit problems in half an hour that would probably transpire over a few weeks in a normal audit!

APM is more straightforward; advise companies on business issues that, being honest, you could probably advise on without having studied anything. "What does the company need to think of when outsourcing a division to another country?" Hmmm, I'd say I could think of at least 5 reasons off the top of my head as well as another few that are contained in the case.

It's an utter lie to insinuate that every person doing APM is "older" or has better attendance. We are taking about 800-900 people doing these electives, do you really think they are all mature students or frequent class goers? Naivety is a word that is coming to mind here - no offence. We all came from same background: college, cap 1/2, etc, we aren't of that much difference!

I do think the audit rate will increase next year. Why - because it has bottomed out, it can't get any lower. Vice versa with APM.

I find it hard to believe that people like yourself don't seem to realise that the institute are controlling pass rates. They made an example of us in 2014 because of the class attendance rates. I am willing to put a thousand euro bet on with anyone who will take it, come next November 20th, the pass rates will be back up again and in the board report you will see a modestly written sentence stating, "the standard of papers this year was much better which seems to correlate with the higher attendance rates in class and consequently the higher pass rates".

Nothin but the Truth · 13-12-2014 7:44pm

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

I'm sorry but I completely disagree with you, and I'm surprised you have bought into the institute's cop-out.

The truth is, the audit is a far harder exam than APM. Take a look at the auditing standards book, the notes, the text books; the sheer volume alone indicates the extent of material to be covered. This is not to mention the interpretation that is needed to relate these standards and material to a case study. In an auditing exam, you are expected to think as a manager (even though you're not, you're probably a trainee 2/3/4), and decipher audit problems in half an hour that would probably transpire over a few weeks in a normal audit!

APM is more straightforward; advise companies on business issues that, being honest, you could probably advise on without having studied anything. "What does the company need to think of when outsourcing a division to another country?" Hmmm, I'd say I could think of at least 5 reasons off the top of my head as well as another few that are contained in the case.

It's an utter lie to insinuate that every person doing APM is "older" or has better attendance. We are taking about 800-900 people doing these electives, do you really think they are all mature students or frequent class goers? Naivety is a word that is coming to mind here - no offence. We all came from same background: college, cap 1/2, etc, we aren't of that much difference!

I do think the audit rate will increase next year. Why - because it has bottomed out, it can't get any lower. Vice versa with APM.

I find it hard to believe that people like yourself don't seem to realise that the institute are controlling pass rates. They made an example of us in 2014 because of the class attendance rates. I am willing to put a thousand euro bet on with anyone who will take it, come next November 20th, the pass rates will be back up again and in the board report you will see a modestly written sentence stating, "the standard of papers this year was much better which seems to correlate with the higher attendance rates in class and consequently the higher pass rates".

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the pass rate for the core will go down next year, without any doubt. Chartered aren't messing around anymore, proven by this years results. I have been told by many in Chartered that they are not goin to drop their standards anymore, they will try to reduce borderline cases and it will be either u deserve to pass or u deserve to fail. I was lucky to pass PM this year with a yellow (2Cs) out of 5 I reckon. Chartered dnt want this happening anymore which is evidenced by the new format this year. I see this year as the first time Chartered have got their layout right. FR and Strategy playin a central role and mgmt acc being a stand alone topic (expect 3 indicators this year by the way). I dnt want to frighten people but this a proper test this year, no scrapin by on FR and Strategy. If u dnt know these two areas in great detail u will not pass, simple as that. This is an especially tough year for repeaters as the same amount of work which would of got u a pass this year will not get u a pass next year. FR and mgmt acc need to be at a higher level than last year which means extra work needs to be put in during busy season. Best of luck to all, get a good road map early on and put the extra work in on FR, mgmt acc and strategy before study leave. Then cases, cases and more cases for the first 7/8 weeks of ur 12 weeks (big 4 people) and then re-assess after that. If any1 needs any advice just give me a shout

prettyrestless · 13-12-2014 9:07pm

In the Cork core timetable there are some lectures scheduled during the week in late March/early April - are we supposed to take these days out if our 7 weeks study leave or are we entitled to these days on top of the 7 weeks?

womandriver · 13-12-2014 9:17pm

prettyrestless wrote: »

In the Cork core timetable there are some lectures scheduled during the week in late March/early April - are we supposed to take these days out if our 7 weeks study leave or are we entitled to these days on top of the 7 weeks?

This block release will come out of your 7 weeks unless you have some other leave you want to use instead such as annual leave or overtime.

Louised86 · 14-12-2014 4:21pm

Hi I have block releases in feb and jun, but students from grant Thornton and pwc have a block release 1st week in jan...am I missing something as I thought you had to pick either feb or Jun for this? Many thanks

Louised86 · 14-12-2014 4:21pm

Hi I have block releases in feb and jun, but students from grant Thornton and pwc have a block release 1st week in jan...am I missing something as I thought you had to pick either feb or Jun for this? Many thanks

galway321 · 15-12-2014 11:59am

Hi All

As someone who just passed FAE 14 I though I'd put up my thoughts for those doing FAE 15. So in no particular order;

1) Don't worry about the marking scheme - People waste a lot of time trying to understand this but in my mind its a complete waste of time. My approach was they can mark it anyway they like, at the end of the day there are 6 subjects, if I answer each with enough detail I will pass the paper. Simple as that.

2) As soon as I got off on study leave I started cases - Do a paper, look at the solution and repeat. The first 3 weeks I got hardly anything right and thought I would never pass this exam. But after 3 weeks I started to get the papers and the answer structure that appeared most often in the solutions. I focused on putting the basic's on the paper first and am then bulking up my answer with the technical/complex stuff. I am confident that the basics determine if you pass/fail with regard to getting a RC/C/HC - the complex stuff determines where you rank against everyone else.

3) I kept my laptop with a spread sheet open in front of me at all times. If a solution had a list type answer I created a new tab and pasted the info in. If I thought of something that might be relevant I googled it and pasted it in. Even if you can answer one indicator (FAE 14 - audit - directors responsibilities) from a list this frees up time for other indicators. Similarly have a tab for cases - I had every possible case for FAE 14 (about 173 in total I think from steps, past papers, books etc.) in a list with indicators across the top (the institute issue one but it is uploaded too late). As I competed a case I put brief notes in. Once I competed the cases from a book I printed the notes and stuck it to the front of the book. Same for my cases folders. For me it was the fastest way to find templates in the exam.

4) Don't get too hung up on having perfect folders - I had the notes printed with a couple of tabs in and the spread sheet from point 3 above printed for the core. I didn't have a folder for elective beside the notes from lectures. It takes a lot of time to have a perfect folder. Spend that time putting the info into your head instead.

5) In the exam the board and others on here recommend anything from 1 hour to 2 hours on planning and structuring your answer - that's fine but my approach was different. I read the paper twice in the 30 mins allowed - spent max 15 mins planning and then wrote like hell. I wasn't stuck for time on either the core or elective. On both days I spent the last 20 mins doing an executive summary and reviewing my answers. Planning is fine but it doesn't get you marks. A lot of people fail on depth of answer (ie not enough detail) - You know the information after weeks of study so don't fail on trying to put down the perfect answer with just the right amount of info. Put down all you have learnt that is in any way relevant.

6) Take a couple of days off for AAFRP if you can. Its just one indicator but one that gives you confidence and a bit of leeway in the final exam if you get a C/HC. All's not lost if you don't get these grades but I would recommend taking a couple of days to give it your best shot.

7) Don't get hung up on the mock exam or results. The mock exam for core in 2014 was ridiculous. Even after reading the solution I couldn't do it. It is completely over the top and designed to frighten students more so than actually prepare them for the actual exam. The elective 2014 mock was straight forward and was in no way representative of the actual exam which had a load of curve balls thrown in. I cant stress enough how these exams do not represent the actual exam.

8) Exercise - sitting down all day looking at books is bad for your head and well as your body. Exercise to keep sane and have healthy meals in between the rubbish comfort food you will no doubt turn to regularly.

9) Whenever I got fed up of the whole thing (a weekly occurrence) I looked at prior year pass rates and kept telling myself that 74% of people passed this thing. Like the old joke about you and another person being chased by a bear goes - you don't have to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun the other person. Be better than 30% of the people doing these exams and you will pass. Although quite stark that thought got me through a lot of depressing days in a reading room.

10) Good luck to you all - this time next year this will all be over.

Layla12389 · 15-12-2014 12:09pm

I passed the FAEs this year, so I am getting rid of my books. If anyone would like to buy my 2014 CGS books (the courses cost €150 each) please PM me, do not reply to the thread.

I am selling the following books for €20 each:
-IFRS summaries (the AAFRP course book)
-FAE Financial Accounting (the summer FR course)
-Core taxation 2014
-Finance and management accounting 2014
-FAE Elective - Advanced Auditing and Assurance

Thanks!

FAE2015 · 16-12-2014 4:04pm

Nothin but the Truth wrote: »

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the pass rate for the core will go down next year, without any doubt. Chartered aren't messing around anymore, proven by this years results. I have been told by many in Chartered that they are not goin to drop their standards anymore, they will try to reduce borderline cases and it will be either u deserve to pass or u deserve to fail. I was lucky to pass PM this year with a yellow (2Cs) out of 5 I reckon. Chartered dnt want this happening anymore which is evidenced by the new format this year. I see this year as the first time Chartered have got their layout right. FR and Strategy playin a central role and mgmt acc being a stand alone topic (expect 3 indicators this year by the way). I dnt want to frighten people but this a proper test this year, no scrapin by on FR and Strategy. If u dnt know these two areas in great detail u will not pass, simple as that. This is an especially tough year for repeaters as the same amount of work which would of got u a pass this year will not get u a pass next year. FR and mgmt acc need to be at a higher level than last year which means extra work needs to be put in during busy season. Best of luck to all, get a good road map early on and put the extra work in on FR, mgmt acc and strategy before study leave. Then cases, cases and more cases for the first 7/8 weeks of ur 12 weeks (big 4 people) and then re-assess after that. If any1 needs any advice just give me a shout

Sorry now, you have been told by many in Chartered? You are doing very well as I have never talked to anyone who knows anyone within the Exam Boards but you seem to have talked to multiple people, can I ask how you did this as would be very handy going forward!

myshirt · 16-12-2014 11:51pm

FAE2015... only so much can be said on boards.. just take what is said with a pinch of salt...

Nothing but the Truth has it right... pass rate may very well go down, but not as of a conspiracy theory, just the case that they are constantly bumping up the standard and pressing the next cohort to develop a perfect chartered accountant... like a batch of buns, each batch of accountants they churn out after each other must be a better batch than the last, with a view on growing the strength of the qualification and all that sh!t... compare the state of the course in 2010 to what it is now... they are well into the swing of it, are better at drafting papers, and the course is better... plus they are worn down on the tips they keep repeating to students, so they are likely to be less lenient on students that have been told of faults in four succesive reports than they would be of students who were told just the once.

Energy Star · 17-12-2014 10:21pm

Has anyone tried to watch Financial Reporting lecture 2&3? It looks for a username/password any my usual login will not work.

prettyrestless · 18-12-2014 10:36am

Energy Star wrote: »

Has anyone tried to watch Financial Reporting lecture 2&3? It looks for a username/password any my usual login will not work.

I just tried it there and I'm having the same problem. I'll send a quick email to chartered about it.

Kevint30 · 18-12-2014 11:21am

prettyrestless wrote: »

I just tried it there and I'm having the same problem. I'll send a quick email to chartered about it.

same problem. I contacted the institute. No reply.

Kevint30 · 19-12-2014 12:01am

Kevint30 wrote: »

same problem. I contacted the institute. No reply.

Got a reply. You can access it now through student portal

FAEs take 2 · 21-12-2014 5:04pm

Hi guys,

I'm repeating both the core and the audit elective this year and I'm just wondering if anyone out there who has repeated these in the past has any tips or hints? Cheers!

Energy Star · 25-12-2014 8:01pm

Kevint30 wrote: »

Got a reply. You can access it now through student portal

Did you find it? Can't seem to see it anywhere.

Kevint30 · 27-12-2014 1:53am

Energy Star wrote: »

Did you find it? Can't seem to see it anywhere.

Yes. If you go to the recorded sessions in the student portal, it is under the FAE pre christmas tab. Sessions 6 and 7 aren't up yet for some reason.

Bioni · 30-12-2014 9:07pm

Can someone tell me the dates for the mocks in 2015? I am repeating the FAE this year and dont have access to the timetables

Dellboy2007 · 30-12-2014 9:12pm

Bioni wrote: »

Can someone tell me the dates for the mocks in 2015? I am repeating the FAE this year and dont have access to the timetables

30th June - 2nd July

prettyrestless · 01-01-2015 9:56pm

Does anyone know what we need to bring to the AAFRP workshop?

Melon head · 02-01-2015 12:37pm

Hey. Happy new year. Can't access my student login. Could anyone put up group 7 timetable don't want to miss any lectures.? When is the aarfp workshop definitely don't want to miss that.?

Energy Star · 02-01-2015 2:50pm

Kevint30 wrote: »

Yes. If you go to the recorded sessions in the student portal, it is under the FAE pre christmas tab. Sessions 6 and 7 aren't up yet for some reason.

Cheers, thanks Kevin.

yourhero · 02-01-2015 2:53pm

prettyrestless wrote: »

Does anyone know what we need to bring to the AAFRP workshop?

The planning and delivery schedule says nothing is required on this but assume there will be an email sent out if anything is required. The first workshop I have is the 7th March so there's a bit of time.

Does anyone know when the elective timetables will be published and/or how many additional lectures are we talking about here?

FAE September 2015

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