Meet Sarah, a Financial Accountant at Ocean Choice International, hailing from the picturesque town of Paradise, Newfoundland & Labrador. A graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Sarah’s journey to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) is both inspiring and insightful.
Why CPA?
For Sarah, the decision to pursue the CPA designation was driven by the desire for a career filled with diverse opportunities. “I chose the CPA designation because I felt it would give me a wide variety of professional opportunities in all sectors and would provide me with the skills to add value to my organization.” she shares.
A Surprising Revelation: Performance Management
Among the courses in the CPA program, Performance Management stood out as the most surprising for Sarah. It wasn’t just about numbers and strategies—it was about understanding how integral it is for all parts of an organization to work together to ensure success. This realization was both eye-opening and instrumental in shaping her approach to her role as a Financial Accountant.
Balancing Life and Learning
One of the aspects Sarah appreciated most about the CPA program was the flexibility it offered. “I enjoyed the flexibility of completing courses on my own schedule to accommodate important milestones and events in my personal life,” she notes. However, this flexibility came with a significant time commitment, which Sarah equates to taking on a second job. “I quickly learned that I had to dedicate a large portion of my time during evenings and weekends to my studies in order to be successful.”
A Prepared Professional
Did the CPA program meet her expectations? Absolutely. Sarah feels well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in her professional role. Her advice to aspiring CPAs? “Be willing to dedicate a reasonable amount of time to your studies as this will set you up for success in future courses and for the CFE exam.”
Inspired by Mentors
Interestingly, Sarah didn’t always envision herself as a CPA. It was her love for problem-solving that initially drew her to the program. Along the way, working with mentors who had already earned their CPA inspired her to push through, even when the coursework felt particularly challenging.
Reflections on the CPA Journey
Reflecting on her experience, Sarah describes the CPA program as challenging but incredibly rewarding. “I have seen first-hand that the coursework completed within the program provides valuable expertise and skills that can be applied in a professional setting,” she says. The program has not only equipped her with knowledge but also the confidence to take on new projects and continuously seek out learning opportunities. “I feel very proud to have completed the CPA program and look forward to representing the Association!”
Sarah’s story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to achieve the CPA designation. Her journey from Paradise, Newfoundland & Labrador, to becoming a CPA is a source of inspiration for aspiring accountants everywhere.