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CPA dilemma

  • 12-05-2013 11:48pm
    #1
    Powerfairy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 176 ✭✭


    Hi there,
    First time posting on a forum so forgive me if I waffle on,
    I am currently pursuing a CPA qualification and I have my 3 formation 2 exams in August.
    I picked CPA as I had more exemptions with them than ACCA and i liked that with CPA you can change companies and work in industry under an accountant and that is sufficient but with ACCA you are more restricted to 3 years practice however I am having a slight change of heart,
    When I search 'trainee accountant opportunities' many of the websites for trainee accountants specify ACA or ACCA need only apply,
    My question is to whoever out there, would I be better off changing to ACCA now before I go any further with CPA?
    Is CPA considered to be the lesser of the financial bodies out there?
    (I currently work in industry so will need to get into a practice eventually so this is why I am concerned as it is like a CPA need not apply situation) any info would be appreciated as it appears I have not done adequate research! thank you


Comments

  • #2
    iMuse
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,975 ✭✭✭iMuse


    Thread here discussing the different bodies http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055991657. Personally I would go with ACCA as you say yourself most employers are looking for mainly ACCA,ACA students.


  • #3
    smcgiff
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,943 ✭✭✭smcgiff


    Usually I suggest people stick with the qualification they start with.

    Not sure you were right about acca being more restrictive about experience though.


  • #4
    swanvill
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 276 ✭✭swanvill


    Hi OP,

    There are two things to remember, when I qualified (about 15 years or so) in ACCA you could get your qualifying experience in either (or both) industry & practice, so don't let that be a deciding factor. The bodies (accountancy) website/ student hand book should be able to give you all the information about qualfying experience.

    The second thing to remember is most non accountants don't care or know about the different accountancy bodies. As the majority of business in Ireland are SME they just want someone who can do the job, minimise their tax bills & give them timely and accurate information.

    So if the CPA gives you more exemptions (& you also sit less papers) than ACCA, then think hard before putting extra exams on yourself. The professional accountancy body exams are much tougher than anything you would have done in college, so the less you sit the better. Good luck with you future career.


  • #5
    thefa
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,121 ✭✭✭thefa


    Powerfairy wrote: »
    Hi there,
    ...with CPA you can change companies and work in industry under an accountant and that is sufficient but with ACCA you are more restricted to 3 years practice
    I think you have been misinformed. It is 3 years relevant experience and fulfilling practical experience requirements. No restriction to practice or industry. I am imagine CPA requires the same type of relevant experience.


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