Meet Erica, a successful May 2024 CFE writer and Audit Senior at the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) NL. Hailing from Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Erica’s path to earning her CPA designation is a story of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Why CPA?
Erica’s CPA journey began during her time at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. “I had taken all my elective courses in the accounting focus required to start CPA once I graduated. I knew that I wanted to pursue a future in accounting as I have always been a numbers-focused individual and truly enjoyed the accounting courses offered at Memorial,” she explains.
Her decision solidified after joining a CPA-certified training office at the OAG NL. “While working here to gain real-life auditing experience and seeing how my coworkers progressed through their careers as CPAs, I knew this was something I also wanted for myself.”
A Surprising Turn: Finding Joy in Tax
For Erica, the tax module was the most surprising part of the program. “Personally, I was most prepared to not succeed with the tax module as this was my weaker subject area while attending Memorial. Surprising to me, I actually thoroughly enjoyed taking the tax elective module.” Her hard work paid off, as she successfully completed the module exam cases, obtaining strong results.
Strengthening Bonds Through CPA
One of Erica’s favorite aspects of the CPA program was the relationships she built along the way. “The CPA program allowed me to strengthen my relationships with coworkers and peers, who were also completing the program. These bonds created forever friendships and have allowed me to expand my network of contacts within my industry,” she shares.
Challenges Along the Way
Adapting to the program’s case-based exam structure was a hurdle for Erica. “The case-based writing was something new to me, and I was not familiar with how to structure my cases at first. This was something I had to learn as I go,” she says.
Despite these challenges, Erica’s determination never wavered. While she encountered setbacks, including being unsuccessful on her first attempts at the Core 1 module exam, Core 2 module exam, and the CFE, she remained steadfast in her efforts. “The CPA program was a real eye-opener for me to prove that my hard work and dedication would pay off if I continued the program and re-took the exams,” Erica reflects.
Advice for Aspiring CPAs
Erica’s advice to future CPAs? “Take good handwritten notes of each chapter you read from each eBook each week.” This practice helped her stay organized and focused throughout the program.
A Unique Path to CPA
Interestingly, Erica didn’t always envision a career in accounting. Before attending Memorial, she completed a Civil Engineering Technology diploma. Her eventual shift to accounting highlights her adaptability and willingness to embrace change.
The Power of Perseverance
“Overall, I found the CPA program to be the greatest challenge I have personally completed,” Erica shares. Her experience has taught her the importance of taking breaks when needed but also staying motivated to achieve long-term goals.
Erica’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and community. Her journey from Ferryland to earning her CPA designation is an inspiration to anyone striving to overcome challenges and achieve their professional dreams.