Simulations are designed to test candidates on their analysis, judgment, communication, and research. They are structured to be a series of tasks that the candidate must complete that may include spreadsheets or forms, research on a topic, written business communication, and problem solving.

Structure of Simulations
Information Tabs.

The information tabs consist of information that you will need throughout the case study. The directions tab will lay out the tabs and their purposes. The resources tab will provide you with formulas and information that will help you complete your tasks. Additionally, on your actual simulation there may be other tabs besides these two – such as a "company profile" page. Basically these tabs should be used as references to help you solve the overall simulation tasks.

Work Tabs.

The work tabs are where you will actually be completing your tasks. These differ across exams and simulations based on what you are asked to do. On these tabs, you must complete all the given tasks in order for you to receive credit – so make sure you triple check your work if time allows. In fact, this is when time management becomes essential as you near the end of the exam.

This is where the written communication portions of the exam lay. Candidates will need to read a description or document, and construct a response to the situation. Your answer must be relative to the topic and use correct business writing, grammar, and organization. Get some more tips on the written communication section. Keep in mind that only one of these is graded.

Authoritative Literature.

According to cpa-exam.org, "the reference materials consisting of AICPA Professional Standards, FASB Current Text and Original Pronouncements, and the Tax Code are referred to collectively as "authoritative literature." Here, you will need to use search and research skills to sift through documents and find the right answer to a prompted question. Points are given for correctly selecting the appropriate document that contains the right answer. This tab is worth the least amount of points, so if you are strapped for time, make sure you do it last.

For more information on simulations, see our walkthrough of the exam.

While taking the CPA Exam is likely the most stressful part of becoming a CPA, waiting for your scores to come out can be equally as nerve-racking. We've put together some fast facts regarding the AICPA scoring process to help ease test-takers nerves and shed some light on how the exam experts grade your performance.

Point allocation. For FAR, AUD and REG, 70% of your score is based on the multiple choice questions. The other 30% is based on your simulation sections, 10% of which is based on the written communication portion of the simulations. For BEC, 100% of your score is based on your multiple choice performance.

Points Needed. All scores are determined by the AICPA and range from point values (not percents) of 0 to 99. A passing score is a 75 or higher, a failing score is 74 or below. Scoring is completely automated for every section of the exam, with the exception of the written communication portion of the simulations. Some written communication responses are graded by humans deemed fit to score by the AICPA, while other written communication responses are scored using an automated process. Regardless of whether a human or machine grades an exam, scores are verified throughout the scoring process.

Points standards. Contrary to popular belief, the CPA Exam is not graded on a curve. The exam is graded against pre-determined standards. According to cpa-exam.org, "every candidate is judged against the same standards, and every score is an independent result." The difficulty level of the question, as well as the pattern of correct and incorrect responses, is taken into account during the scoring process.

Releasing Your Score. Scores are released in two waves for each quarter or testing window, usually between 3 and 6 weeks after the date you take your exam. Scores for exams taken during the first month of a window are usually released in the second half of the second month of the window, while exams taken during the second month of the window are released the second half of the third month of the quarter (the blackout month).

The AICPA releases scores to all jurisdictions, and then it is up to each jurisdiction to notify their test takers. This notification happens either through posting online on the state board website, through the NASBA website or through traditional mail. Each state is different, so check with your state board or NASBA.org for exact details for your jurisdiction.

Waiting for your score can sometimes feel as though it is harder than the test itself - but knowing how the scoring process works and when you can begin to expect score releases can ease some of the tension… hopefully keeping you from checking your computer every few hours for two straight months.

(Excerpted from the 2009 Roger CPA Review AUDIT text book)

• Management is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of Internal controls. We want Reasonable assurance that Internal controls are achieving certain Objectives (ACE):
  
  • Accurate & Reliable financial reporting
    
  • Compliance with laws and regulations
    
  • Effectiveness and efficiency of operations
    

The mnemonic ACE will remind management that it should try to establish a strong internal control structure so as to have an ACE in the hole.

The primary interest of the outside auditor is in the first objective, accurate and reliable financial reporting which relate to the fair presentation of the financial statements being audited. The second goal, compliance with laws and regulations, is primarily relevant to compliance auditing, which may occur in connection with audits under government auditing standards. The third goal, promoting effectiveness and efficiency of operations, is of little interest to an outside auditor except in the case of rarely-performed operational audits.

The auditor should obtain an understanding of the 5 components of internal control in order to evaluate the design of relevant controls and determine whether they have been implemented, assess the risk of material misstatement and design the nature, timing and extent of further audit procedures.

Elements of internal control: (CRIME)

• Control activities
  
  • Policies and procedures that help ensure that management directives are carried out.
    
    • Performance reviews – actual vs. budget, P/Y, financial to non-financial
      
    • Information processing – (IT) General vs. Application controls
      
    • Physical controls – Access to assets
      
    • Segregation of duties includes assigning different people the responsibilities of authorizing transactions, recording transactions, maintaining custody of assets, and performing comparisons. It is intended to reduce the opportunities to allow any person to be in a position to both perpetrate and conceal errors or irregularities in the normal course of their duties.
      
      • Authorization of transactions
        
      • Recording (posting) of transactions
        
      • Custody of assets
        
      • Comparisons
        

      
      

• Risk assessment
  
  • An entity's risk assessment for financial reporting purposes is its identification, analysis, and management of risks relevant to the preparation of financial statements that are fairly presented in conformity with GAAP. Risk assessment includes risks that may affect an entity's ability to properly record, process, summarize, and report financial data. Risk assessment, for example, may address how the entity considers the possibility of unrecorded transactions or identifies and analyzes significant estimates recorded in the financial statements.
    

    
    

    Risks relevant to financial reporting include external and internal factors such as the following:
    

    • Changes in operating environment
      
    • New personnel
      
    • New or revamped information systems
      
    • Rapid growth
      
    • New technology
      
    • New lines of business, products or activities
      
    • Corporate restructurings
      
    • Foreign operations
      
    • Accounting pronouncements
      
• Information and communication
  
  • Refers to the I.D, retention, and transfer of information in a timely manner allowing personnel to perform their responsibilities.
    
    • Info system consists of the methods and records used to record, process, summarize and report Co.'s transactions and to maintain accountability for the related accounts
      
    • Communication involves establishing individual duties and responsibilities relating to internal control and making them known to involved personnel.
      

    
    

• Monitoring
  
  • An important management responsibility is to establish and maintain internal control. Management monitors controls to consider whether they are operating as intended and that they are modified as appropriate for changes in conditions. Monitoring is a process that assesses the quality of internal control performance over time.
    

  
  

• Control Environment (CHOPPER)
  

  The control environment sets the tone of an organization, influencing the control consciousness of its people. It is the foundation for all other components of internal control, providing discipline and structure. Control environment factors include the following:
  

  • Commitment to competence - Effective control requires a sincere interest on the part of the employees in performing good work.
    
  • Human resource policies & practices - A company can minimize the control difficulties created by new employees by sound hiring and training policies for employees.
    
  • Organizational structure - A company that operates all over the world has different internal control problems than one operating entirely within a single building.
    
  • Participation of those charged with Governance - An audit committee of the board of directors that actively monitors the internal audit function produces a more attentive management on such matters.
    
  • Philosophy of management & operating style - The belief (or lack of it) in the importance of internal control by management will affect the seriousness with which is taken by the rest of the employees. This is especially the case when decision-making in the company is dominated by a single individual.
    
  • Ethical values & Integrity - Honest employees will be less likely to cause internal control difficulties related to fraud and improve the opportunity for those resulting from errors to be effectively detected.
    
  • Responsibility assignment - The manner in which authority, responsibility and accountability is assigned to different employees determines the controls that will be needed. Again, the domination of decision-making by a single individual holds significance, since such power makes it extremely difficult for internal control to be trusted.
    

The mnemonic CRIME reminds management that it would be a crime not to consider all of the internal control elements when designing the system.

For more great information on the CPA Exam, presented using Roger's RealResults® method, visit our website and request a FREE one hour long demo of our course today!

For all of the CPA Exam tips, tricks, news, debates, updates, information, etc. etc. etc. that we provide our readers here at the CPA Exam Preparation Blog, I don't think that we have ever truly broken down the structure of the CPA Exam and what makes up the grueling 14 hours that students will have to endure in testing.

The CPA Exam is a highly serious, structured exam administered at Prometric sites around the country. Just like other standardized tests – the format does not change from person to person (although the entire exam is being reformatted for 2011, see below). Although most people are familiar with the overall structure of the exam, we thought we would explain the parts of the exam in more detail for our readers who are just starting out their CPA process. In order to conquer the exam, it is not only important to have a firm understanding of the accounting principles and concepts, but it is also essential to understand how the test is comprised and administered so that you are not surprised.

The CPA Exam is really four distinct exams: Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Regulation, and Business Environment and Concepts. The total length of the exam is 14 hours, but each separate test is a different length – AUD: 4.5 hours; FAR: 4 hours; REG: 3 hours; BEC: 2.5 hours.

The structure of the CPA Exam is built around three question types.

1. Multiple Choice Questions: Most of us remember these from high school - Pick the best response from a list of options. These questions are scored automatically by the computer and are allotted different values based on a variety of factors including difficulty level.

2. Simulations: Often people worry about this section the most. Simulations are case study examples of situations in which a candidate must demonstrate a wider array of skill sets. Rather than choosing from a list, candidates must create their own responses based on the information given. Most simulations will require several responses, which is what makes them so daunting. Simulations are also scored automatically.

3. Written Communication: This portion of the test requires a candidate to demonstrate their writing skills. In response to a case study, the candidate must prepare a response to a variety of professional documents. The key here is just to make sure that your response is on topic, regardless of if your answer is 100% correct. Responses should also be well organized and meet conventional business English standards. Not all written communication sections are scored by computers; some responses are scored by a network of readers who are also CPAs.

The Financial, Auditing, and Regulation exams are made up of five "testlets". The first three testlets consist of either 24 (REG) or 30 (FAR, AUD) multiple choice questions and the last two testlets are simulations. The Business Environment and Concepts Exam consists only of three testlets of 30 multiple choice questions.

The multiple choice questions account for 70% of a candidate's final score. Simulations account for 30% of a candidate's final score, 10% of which focuses on written communication.

AUD, FAR, & REG: 70% Multiple Choice, 30% Simulations; 10% of simulations are related to effective written communication

BEC:

Understanding the structure of the CPA Exam ensures that you are not surprised come exam day. By knowing exactly what sort of questions to expect, and in what order, you can focus solely on making sure that you get the right answer.

On average, Robert Half reports that a CPA makes 10% more than a non-CPA in an equivalent job. On average, starting salary for a CPA in corporate accounting across all job titles is $55,825 – about $5,000 more than the starting salary of non-CPAs. Robert Half releases a yearly report on the average salary of different levels of accountants that quotes a CFO of corporate accounting at $266,250-$384,000 and a public accounting bookkeeper at $37,000-$51,000. Clearly the range of accounting salaries is vast and dependent on countless variables: what sector of accounting you chose to go into, what size company you work for, your exact job title, your supervisor's mood on the day of your review, the current economy, etc. etc.

Although I can't tell you exactly what your salary should or will be, Robert Half's salary guide can offer us some insights as to the industry norms. A higher salary can be found in larger firms, corporate firms, and the higher up on the ladder you are (managers obviously make more than those they manage).

Calculated from the Robert Half Salary Guide, we put together some average salaries of accountants based on their experience and sector:

Also, try checking the salary calculator on the side of Robert Half's salary page to get a better estimate on your personal situation. You can also check out which positions are in demand across the states. While we know that accountants never choose their careers just for the money… it never hurts to take a look :)

PS. As if you need another reason to become a CPA, often larger corporations (including the Big 4) will offer bonuses to new hires for sitting for and passing their CPA Exam. These bonuses can decrease over time, but we've heard they can reach up to $5,000. Add that on to your yearly salary and treat yourself to an extra little holiday shopping spree. Now you can buy those argyle socks we know you've been looking at.

(Excerpted from the 2009 Roger CPA Review AUDIT textbook)

The steps in planning an audit include (Planning Procedures):

1. Basic discussions with the client about the nature of the engagement and the client's business and industry are performed first, and the auditor meets the key employees, or new employees of a continuing client. The overall audit strategy or the timing of the audit may be discussed, but don't discuss specific audit procedures.

2. Review of audit documentation from previous audits performed by the accounting firm or a predecessor auditor (if the latter makes these audit documentation available) will assist in developing an outline of the audit program.

3. Ask about recent developments in the company such as mergers and new product lines which will cause the audit to differ from earlier years.

4. Interim financial statements are analyzed to identify accounts and transactions that differ from expectations (based on factors such as budgets or prior periods). The performance of such analytical procedures is mandatory in the planning of an audit to identify accounts that may be misstated and that deserve special emphasis in the audit program.

5. Non-audit personnel of the accounting firm who have provided services (such as tax preparation) to the client should be identified and consulted to learn more about the client.

6. Staffing for the audit should be determined and a meeting held to discuss the engagement.

7. Timing of the various audit procedures should be determined. For example, internal control testing needs to be performed early in the engagement, inventory counts need to be performed at or near the balance sheet date and the client representation letter cannot be obtained until the end of the audit fieldwork.

8. Outside assistance needs should be determined, including the use of a specialist as required (a tax practitioner or an information technology (IT) professional) and the determination of the extent of involvement of the internal auditors of the client.

9. Pronouncements on accounting principles and audit guides should be read or reviewed to assist in the development of complete audit programs fitting the unique needs of client's business and industry.

10. Scheduling with the client is needed to coordinate activities. For example, client-prepared schedules need to be ready when the auditor is expected to examine them, and the client needs to be informed of dates when they will be prohibited from accessing bank safe deposit boxes to ensure the integrity of counts of securities held at banks.

The mnemonic BRAINSTOPS reminds you that an auditor's brain stops if they don't plan out the audit carefully before beginning the detailed testing of client records.

For more great information on the CPA Exam, presented using Roger's RealResults® method, visit our website and request a FREE one hour long demo of our course today!

So for all of you accounting majors out there, give yourself a pat on the back because you've made a great choice. But I do realize that the next question on many of your minds is "Where do I go from here?" Out in the field I come across student after student that is looking to land a job at a Big Four public accounting firm—and that's it. Then after talking to them for awhile, I realize they don't even know what working for the Big Four entails, and furthermore, have not even opened their minds to the other options available to an accounting major. So that is why we are taking this opportunity to highlight some of the differences between Public, Governmental and Private Accounting – to showing you some of the advantages and disadvantages to each, and remind you to look into all of your available options.

Public Accounting

Public Accounting firms span over a large spectrum, having anywhere from one employee to over 40,000 employees world-wide. When you work in public accounting, you work literally for the public—whether it's for the small family owned bakery down the street or for a major international corporation. This of course includes the Big Four: Deloitte & Touche, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and KPMG. While the Big Four may dominate in size, there are many other mid-tier and small local firms that offer great opportunity for new accountants. Keep in mind, that the smaller the firm, the greater chance that you will be able to get your feet wet in several areas.

Common Characteristics of Public Accounting:

• Very competitive—As mentioned above, many students are shooting for a career in Public Accounting, so the competition does get tight. Once you land a job, you then find yourself competing with your co-workers to move up the chain.
  
• Big spenders—Known for generous entry-level salaries, wining and dining employees, and paying for continuing education (get that Masters degree!)
  
• Travel opportunities—your clients are everywhere. Therefore, so are you.
  
• Tight deadlines—Don't even consider dropping by during tax season. Everyone is scrambling to get the work done!
  
• Long hours—During the busy season, expect to work 50-60 hours a week.
  
• Exposure to several industries—Get to work with all kinds of clients in a variety of industries.
  

Governmental Accounting

While there are many benefits to working in Public Accounting, the fast-paced "work hard, play hard" mentality may not appeal to all. Luckily, you can still get the variety of clients, and a less strenuous work-load by working for the government. The government actually offers a lot of interesting positions for accountants. In some cases, you may even find yourself carrying a gun in an ankle holster, or playing a crucial key in catching master criminal minds. Some examples include the IRS, FTB, FBI and DCAA. While there are a variety of areas you could work in, there are some common characteristics shared by all.

Common Characteristics of Governmental Accounting:

• Lower pay—Starting Salaries are around 35K, and slowly advance each year.
  
• Fewer hours—Basically, if the bank is closed, so is your office. This is great if you want more time for the fam!
  
• Excellent benefits—Speaking of family, it's nice to know they're taken care of.
  
• Job security—Music to all of our ears these days.
  
• Exposure to a variety of clients—Like Public Accounting, you can expect to work in several industries.
  
• Adversarial role with client—If someone's been dodging their tax bill, you very well may be the unwelcomed guest that comes to collect. Don't stress, it builds character!
  

Private Accounting

As you have seen, in Public and Governmental Accounting you get to work with all kinds of clients. In Private Accounting, you get to work with just one client. Therefore, you would be working "in-house", and your one client is the one that signs your check each week. The types of companies that you can work for are endless. Major corporations, for example Sempra Energy and Disney, have accounting departments that are hundreds of employees large. On the other end of the spectrum, you could be working at a small company, and as a single person represent their entire accounting department. Again, while the types of companies may vary, there are some common attributes that you'd be sure to find in Private Accounting.

Common Characteristics of Private Accounting:

• Same ole, same ole—By working for one client, you'll find your day-to-day tasks become routine.
  
• Confined to your office—There's no need to go out and see the client. You're already there.
  
• Part of the family—Your client is your employer. So they'll be making sure you fit into their office culture.
  
• Employee benefits package—From stock options to amusement park tickets, you reap all the benefits along with the rest of the company.
  
• Clear path to success—generally speaking, in private accounting you'll find yourself on a path to management with the promise of a nice paycheck as well.
  
• Job stability—Unlike public accounting, you can expect less overturn.
  

In a nut-shell, that's Public, Governmental and Private Accounting. These, of course, are generalizations, but most people can expect to find some variation of these elements within each category. The most important thing is that you look into all the wonderful opportunities available to you, and that you don't close any doors. You may find something that you never knew even existed.

Every semester Roger Reps around the country are working hard to spread information on the CPA Exam, the CPA Exam Application process, and the best CPA Review available to their fellow students. In turn they learn management, planning, organizational, and networking skills - as well as pick up a great resume booster! Our reps graduate with the tools necessary to jump start their careers and often have job offers waiting and ready. The experience they gain working with Roger CPA Review exemplifies their dedication and willingness to work hard – two qualities that employer's are looking for you to demonstrate while you are in school.

Managers of each region are honored to award Campus Representatives who work above and beyond, and think outside the box. This term our star reps were awarded with a night to the movies.

SOUTHWEST

Jaushua Brewer, NAU

Representative of the Year!

Jaush is the most outstanding rep that has ever crossed my path. He is a diligent, charismatic, hard-working young man with the potential to be anything he sets his mind to. Jaush is in the MBA program at NAU, has recently been hired by Deloitte, and passed REG this week (to name a few accomplishments)! He is the reason we have gained so much notoriety at NAU, primarily because everyone knows and likes Jaush's attitude and when they get to know him- they get to know our course! Students of all levels in their accounting studies are motivated by his infectious desire to succeed. Jaush, thank you for being you!

SOCAL

Kristine Davtyan, CSUN

Most Outstanding Representative

Kristine has been with Roger CPA Review most of her college career. She has been nothing short of fabulous the entire time. She can be counted on in any situation and always arrives with a smile. Kristine is excellent at spreading the word about Roger and keeps me abreast of any changes on campus without being reminded to. She is confident, competent, and a true asset to the Roger team. Kristine picks up the slack where others leave off and is a natural leader on campus. Thank you very much for being my rep and making me proud Kristine!

Jomeiny Martinez, Woodbury

Most Dedicated Representative

Jomeiny is extremely outgoing and tackles various challenges to getting students to know about our course. Jomeiny has excellent communication skills with fellow students and his URR. He is positive, fun, direct, and thinks outside the box. He takes his position very seriously and is tireless in his effort to maintain the accounting club presence on campus. We appreciate your hard work Jomeiny!

Andee Dry, CSU Fullerton

Andee quickly became the team leader for our CSU Fullerton Roger Rep team. She knows how to take care of business! She's always good at keeping us in the loop, and aware of opportunities on campus. You can always count on her if you need a hand for events, and she's great at training her fellow reps on class visits and postering procedures. She truly carries that "Roger Pride" with her in all of her endeavors.

Grace Loi, SDSU

Grace has all the outstanding qualities of a stellar Roger Rep. She has a "go-getter" personality that makes others want to work hard as well. She really has been a key ingredient in the momentum we have at SDSU. Not only is she a proud Roger Rep in her classes, but she has also gone the extra step and become our San Diego Roger CPA Review classroom proctor. This has been great because she continuously shares her excellent CPA Review experiences with her fellow classmates at SDSU.

NORCAL

Jeff Tikalsky, CSUEB

Has shown triumphant leadership in his current rep position by assisting with campus activities and creating more opportunities. Jeff has made sure to make Roger CPA Review a well-known name on his campus by spreading the word with the usual marketing materials but always asking for additional ways he can help even more. He is an asset to the campus rep team and has excellent communication skills that will surely lead the way to a successful career as a CPA.

Jeff Sloan, SJSU

Is a model rep who embodies business skills and behaviors desirable of a Roger rep. He has been a wonderful rep and has learned from start to finish the best way to accomplish all of his campus rep duties with supreme accuracy and professionalism. Jeff has always been extremely well-prepared, efficient and through with all of his correspondence and duties as a campus rep. Jeff is a model rep who takes the lead and strives to achieve!

NORTHWEST

Sandra Groenier, UW Tacoma

Sandra has been a rep for over a year and is considered a veteran Roger Rep. She has come a long way, not only because she isn't from the USA, but in the sense of public speaking and spreading the word of the CPA Exam to her fellow students. She is the queen of class visits on her campus and a lead to other reps around! Thank you for all your dedication, Sandra!

NEW ENGLAND

Jess Glynn, University of Connecticut

This is Jess's second semester as a Campus Rep for Roger CPA Review. From day one, Jess hit the ground running. She has gone above and beyond in this position and made herself an invaluable member of the campus rep team. From class visits to postering, Jess has been and continues to be an ALL-STAR! Congratulations Jess!

Cesar Castope, Hunter College

Cesar has been with Roger CPA Review for over a year. Not only did Cesar excel in his responsibilities as a rep, he also took it upon himself to think outside the box and find alternative ways for Roger CPA Review to get involved on campus. Further, Cesar made himself available to our staff for campus tours, introductions to professors and class visits. He is a STELLAR rep and we are so proud to have him on our team!

Thanks again to ALL of our wonderful Campus Reps.
To find out how you can become a Roger CPA Review Campus Rep, speak to one of our University Relations Representatives, or visit the Campus Rep page on our website.

Here are our top 10 tips to help you become the best recruitment candidate you can be.

1. Join Accounting Club, become an officer
   

   For an accounting student, there is simply no better way to gain exposure to the industry than by joining your school's Accounting Club. Interact with industry professionals while gaining valuable experiences and skills that will last a lifetime. Remember: All the benefits of membership in the Accounting Club are magnified when you're an active member or become an officer!

2. Learn Banquet Etiquette
   

   Banquets are great places to demonstrate your personal and social skills. Make sure to learn the do's and don'ts of banquet or dining etiquette to avoid awkward moments and uncomfortable silences. Banquet etiquette is more than just knowing which fork to eat with, or whose water glass you're drinking from. A proper knowledge of banquet etiquette will mark you as a well-polished individual, worth getting to know.
   

3. Polish Your Networking Skills
   

   Networking is arguably your most important professional skill. Every person you meet and interact with is a potential contact, colleague, or opportunity. Make the most out of every networking event by practicing your social skills as often as possible. Make sure to carry a professional business card everywhere you go. You never know when a chance to network will present itself.
   

4. Attend Meet the Firms/Meet the Professionals
   

   It's impossible to understate the value of these events to any accounting student. Ranging in size from small affairs to conference hall filling extravaganzas, Meet the Firms (or Meet the Professionals) is designed to bring students together with professionals from a variety of public, private and governmental firms. Be sure to bring your resume and business cards, and be ready to learn about firms that you find interesting.
   

5. Learn How to Write a Killer Resume
   

   Your resume needs to be more than just a piece of paper with your vital statistics printed on it. It must be a finely tuned advertisement of your skills, talents and experiences. It should be written with the employer in mind, and answer their most urgent questions about you. Tailor your resume to suit the position you're interested in, but, above all, be honest. And, don't forget the value of a well written and personable cover letter!
   

6. Know Your Industry.
   

   Discover the differences between public, private, and governmental accounting. Each of the three different areas will attract different personality types. Are you an aggressive, outgoing individual willing to work very hard early in your career? Public accounting may be for you. Or, are you interested in a more stable environment with great benefits and job security, but lower pay and a potentially adversarial relationship with clients? If so, governmental accounting is a great option. Perhaps you'd thrive in a smaller business environment, working as an in-house accountant for a company with a goal of eventually getting into upper management? Private accounting could be your best choice.
   

   Try to learn as much as possible about each of the three areas before you decide what path to travel.
   

7. Attend firm tour if possible
   

   Nothing prepares you to work for a firm like seeing what it's like behind the scenes. Many firms offer special tours to students, providing them with valuable information they can use to guide their decisions and goals. These tours are frequently offered in connection with the Accounting Club, or other student organizations, and may be difficult to find as an individual. If you hear that your Accounting Club is arranging a tour, make sure to sign up!
   

8. Demonstrate multi-tasking by maintaining a good GPA, being active in Accounting Club, and participating in extra-curricular activities
   

   Show recruiters that you're a well-rounded, active person capable of achievement despite a busy schedule. These are highly desirable qualities in any industry, and will help you stand out from a crowd of mediocre competitors. The key is balance. Don't burn yourself out by taking on more than you can handle. Know your limits, and push them without breaking them.
   

9. Do your own independent research about firms
   

   As valuable as Meet the Firms events and behind the scenes tours can be, it's also important to remember that these events are when the firms are putting their best foot forward, and may not be exemplary of an average employee experience. Before you make a final decision to accept or reject an offer from a firm, make sure you do your own research. Look for honest reviews of the corporate culture by current and past employees, as well as client testimonials. Be on the lookout for opinions that are well formed and articulate, and avoid those who are overly critical, unprofessional, or insulting.
   

10. Dress for success
    

    It's not always what you know, or who you know… sometimes, it's what you WEAR that makes the difference. Learn how to make a great first impression by being well-groomed and professionally dressed. For great tips on this topic, watch our "Dress for Success" video!
    

Each of those tips will help you improve one or more the following attributes: your qualifications or job knowledge, your professionalism, and your social skills. By strengthening those traits, you'll become the type of candidate that's irresistible to recruiters, and on the fast-track to success as a professional accountant or CPA.