Importance of being a CPA

[Syndee101]

I come from Australia and have been informed incorrectly by the staff at Macquarie University that I am able to complete my Masters in Professional Accounting course here in Singapore. I have contacted the Macquarie University and they said it is not possible to transfer my credits across from Australia. In order for me to apply for the CPA program, I need to finish my masters which was really my aim in the beginning.

That is fked!

So I want to ask all the Accountants out there, how important is it to be a CPA member in the finance job market? If I gain more experience in SG and not finish my studies, will I be highly disadvantaged when I go home?

I guess I'm trying to reassess my situation since this news has put me completely off track, the whole reason why i chose to come here is because I thought I wouldn't be behind in my studies.

Cheers,
S

[Mad Scientist]

I am no accountant but one think I do know CPA is a dime a dozen in SG with many locals and Gahmen produced them like in mass like manufacturing factory

[JR8]

How long would it take to finish up your CPA course in Aus?

My view is it is worth finishing, it is a qualification that you will have for life, you really do need it to get to something like director level in finance these days. Your time in SG will likely only be transient in comparison.

p.s. Agreed, a real cock-up you can't tfr the credits to SG...

[Syndee101]

i haven't started doing my CPA yet, I have to finish my masters first which will take me less than a year and then CPA will take me another 2 yrs.

So are u suggesting that I go home and finish my studies?

I do know that it will be good to have CPA on my resume but I was only planning to work here for 2 years, I just got sick of doing the same thing and meeting the same people in Aust. So I thought I try working in Asia since I want to travel around as well. I don't know if delaying my studies for a bit will make a major difference in my career because I know eventually I will finish it off.

[JR8]

OIC. So you do a degree, then a masters, then CPA? Jeez.... I'd have done the CPA and forgotten about the degrees.

By the time you reach employment your peers will all be living in condos.

Your risk is that you're gonna be like the 30 year old virgin. Qualified like hell, but no experience of penetrating the real world of work.

p.s. Advice to any random kids passing by. Son, F university and only do prof exams if you really have to. Your time is much better spent doing work, and making money.

[aargon]

OIC. So you do a degree, then a masters, then CPA? Jeez.... I'd have done the CPA and forgotten about the degrees.

By the time you reach employment your peers will all be living in condos.

Your risk is that you're gonna be like the 30 year old virgin. Qualified like hell, but no experience of penetrating the real world of work.

p.s. Advice to any random kids passing by. Son, F university and only do prof exams if you really have to. Your time is much better spent doing work, and making money.

so very true.....

[Syndee101]

LOL it's not that dramatic for me ... hhahaha i have been working as an accountant for the last couple of years, I study part time only.
Have plenty of experience working in the real world as I've always been working, even when I was doing my bachelors.

Even my Aunty who's a Group Financial Controller for a marketing company has done her CA and now going back to do a MBA. I really wonder what for? She's already at the top.

But then my last Pacific Finance Manager at my last job isn't a CA or a CPA.

I guess everyone's paths are different but I want to make sure I'm qualified in every way against the job market that's all.

[kuzyone.]

A Singapore CPA doesn't really do anything for you outside of Singapore. An Auzy CPA gives you a bit of an edge over the Singapore designation, but still isn't great.

If you are later interested in doing a more recognized accounting designation such as a US CPA, AU CA, UK ACA etc you would need to start from scratch having a CPA from AU or SIN.

It might be better just to do a US CPA to start with. Some research and I'm sure you'll find something where you can do it all online. That or do a CFA seeing it sounds you are more interested in Finance rather than accounting.