Expert: Consuelo Herrera, International Accountant and Fraud Examiner - 6/3/2008

Question
hi!
i have jus finished my graduation in an indian university. and i will be starting my CPA course NEXT month in doha qatar,and will be work side by side in an auditing firm for practical knowledge,exams ofcoarse i will be giving in U.S. but yet im still very confused as iv only been average in accounts in college. i still feel i dont know much in accounts. i had audit and taxation as a subject in my final year of college (bachelor of commerce),but i did not have costing as a subject. well,i wanted to know before i start off with my cpa,is it advisable to do another course in accounts to brush up my accountancy skills? or will CPA teach me all that i need to learn? im not that confident wit wat i know n fear im gonna make a fool of myself!! should i do another course in accountancy or audit and taxation..or costing before i start off wit my CPA??
i also want to inquire about CFA (certified financial analyst) wat is it about? wat wud my job be like?
please reply
thanks alot for ur time.
regards.

Answer
Dear Karyn,


Congratulations on your graduation! You have reached a milestone on your life and although I understand your confusion, you should be very happy and ready to apply what you have learned in the university.

Accounting is a field that makes me passionate since it has some many fields, all of them very useful. Do not have unrealistic expectations regarding your career development. Do not be overwhelmed either. Simply take un step at the time and learn the way all of us do: by doing; making mistakes, starting over, improving, keeping on going, etc.

The CPA designation is great; that is a learning experience that never stops even if you took all the courses related to that field. Regulations change so often that you just need to keep up with your standards every minute.

Being fearful of making a fool of yourself is not going to help you at all. Everybody has a learning curve and accounting firms are fully aware of it; they do not expect that you know everything because you earned your degree. It is better for you to fail several times and learn in the process than not even give it a try because of unfounded fears.

The CFA is an excellent designation that enhances the CPA designation. There are many other designations that complement the CPA designation. Before you pursue them, I would suggest that you become proficient in accounting learning from your mistakes and through the training that I am sure your company will provide for you.

Go for it, enjoy what you have learned and display your knowledge without fears. Embrace the challenges that every day brings to your table and grow in your profession. Soon, you will be amazed of your accomplishments.

I wish you the best in your professional affairs.

Sincerely,


Consuelo Herrera, CAMS, CFE