I am Japanese. Most of my friends told me that US CPA exam was easy and was worthless. Is that true?
818458
Easy? Tell that to all the people who fail it time and time again.\n\nWorthless?  I guess it can be construed as any other knowledge test.  Many people cram just to pass the test and they don't actually learn the concepts, but that could be said for any knowledge tests.\n\nThe reason for taking the CPA exam is to become a licensed public accountant.  Though it varies state by state, in most states not only must you pass the test, you must possess a finite number of accounting classes, a bachelor's degree or higher and a minimum number of hours "auditing" for a public accounting firm.\n\nEasy, I don't think so.  Worthless?  It depends on your reasons for taking the test.\n\nSo, how many of your friends are licensed to practice accounting and represent their clients before the Internal Revenue Service?
1018054
You will definately want to get your CPA. I have not seen very many or at all CFOs who do not have their CPA. Either way you mentioned are good. It all depends on your ability to prove yourself after you get your degree.
399333
There is more to being a CPA then simply passing the test.  Once you pass the test, you are entitled to use the letters after your name.  \n\nHowever, in order to do audits, you must be licensed.  Generally this means that you've worked under another CPA for at least a year in an accounting practice (in Illinois at least).  However, the amount of time varies by state.
807301
Make sure when you learn you learn in Kana. I treid to learn by the romanizaed version i.e. where it is all written in English so you learn the words without the added pressure of the kana on top. When I went to Japan I realised this was a mistake, everything is written in kana, and quite a lot in Kanji. If you are learning Japanese it is more difficult to learn it in Kana but well worth it in the long run, otherwise you have to learn the same stuff all over again but in the alphabets too if you see what i mean. I wouldn't worry to much about Kanji unitl you've mastered the basics of Kana and the anguage, most people I know who went to Japan are still learning the kanji while they're over there. Here's a couple of books I really recommend to help with the learning of the kana and kanji, as I found it hard to start with but these really helped, but please consider that everyone's way of learning is different so what's good for me might not be for you. http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/203-8697761-6892718?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=michael+rowley&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go this book gives the idea of pictures to help you associate the kanji more easily with memory, it also has loads of kana in the start so is well worth getting\nhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/203-8697761-6892718?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=japanese+busy+people+kana&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go This is the most recent version of this book, and although it does take a while to get into it's worth sticking at. Unfortunately the workbook for this edition isnt out until March, but there are still practices and exercises in this. Good luck and stick at it!
765924
CA or Chartered Accountant doesn't need English, even if you don't know you can do appear for the exam and become a ACA. If you are going for the American exam for Certified Accountants, then you need English, if working as a CA in India  don't worry. \n\nBut you should be well versed with accounting rules, that is foremost important one. \n\nGo ahead, Best of Luck!
818530
To answer your question -  yes.  You should check out the local Accountancy Board if you have further questions they would be glad to answer any and all questions regarding the CPA certification exam.
880976
Most (all?) Japanese students are required to take English as a second language. While some might not take it seriously, usually the ones traveling to the U.S. have and already have the basics down. Therefore, it shouldn't be *as* hard for them to learn than it would if they never learned a bit of English.\nTo be fluent, however, is another thing. Gaining fluency in a different language and being recognized as being fluent can be a difficult thing to do if it's granted that the test to prove it truly is difficult. Undoubtedly they would be able to speak and understand very well after a certain amount of time living and working in an English-only environment, but that doesn't promise the ability to allow words to flow and be eloquent as well as understandable.
1069699
I believe the short answer to your question is "not at all."  \n\nThe longer answer is that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is directed toward public accounting in the United States and publicly traded companies in the United States.  The general idea behind the act is to encourage regained trust in the credibility of US financial reporting.  As such, unless a foreign company is listed on a US exchange (and therefore under the jurisdiction of the SEC), this should have no impact on the firm.\n\nIf this is more than just idle curiosity, however, check with your attorney and/or CPA.
770185
Hey, there.\nDepends on how the teem is.If u r under a C.A then he'll be there to guide u.Since u r a junior better seek the advice of the seniors and do your best.Yes it is very stressful during the year end because of the Audits and income-tax cut off dates to comply with.If you like to learn new things then  it's fun and yes it is not a 9-5 job.The job demands lots of hard work.As u do it u'll learn to enjoy and cope with the stress.Pre- requisite of an accountant is high level of Honesty!!!!(if u want to rise up from mediocracy!!!)
344550
yeah, it was easy. That's the great thing about this country: if you study for an exam, you'll pass. BUt on the timing part, here's my advice, if you don't know what to do as soon as you finish reading the questions, then chances are you're going to waste time trying to figure out something. First work on all the questions that you know at least 90% how to answer, then go back and try to solve the other questions.
915985
Neither, I'm from Japan.  American politics are the silliest in the whole world!
676044
One of the previous answers mentioned speaking Japanese.  While you would probably find it easier and would probably gain much more respect if you spoke the language, I believe most educated Japanese, if not practically all Japanese, speak English -- probably better than I do.  Being familiar with Japanese customs and business customs especially would also be very helpful.  One of the first things I would suggest is contacting the  Small Business Administration and an organization which works with them called SCORE.  This stands for Senior Citizens Organization of Retired Executives.  Check with them.  They've generally "been there and done that."  I believe there are also Federal programs which can assist you in exporting.  The SBA also has a program where they might guarantee your loan with the bank.  What they can do may also be affected by your status: veteran, minority, women, age, etc. -- there are all sorts of things going on. You've got a lot of work to do and, among the things you can get from SBA and SCORE are tons of books and "how to" manuals, most of them free.  One of the hardest questions will be "what do they want and what will they pay me for it?"  I wish you luck -- Live Long and Prosper.
927943
Sounds great but how do you plan to study cultural difference without learning their language? You would be better off studying in an english speaking country other than your own. Sure there are some good english speakers in Japan but don't you think that they would be influenced by their experiences with english speakers and the english language and thus not necessarily representative of the broader society? I would give this a miss unless you are bilingual.
679918
My brother has been a CPA in private practice for about 17 years.  He earns well into the six figure territory.  He's in partnership with another CPA.  They have one CPA candidate who works for them and an office staff of about 6.  Our dad was also a CPA in private practice.  We grew up in a nice home and never wanted for much.\n\nYou need to have 3 years accountancy experience (after completing your BA) before you can sit for the exams.  That's like a medical internship and the employers know it.  Expect not a lot more than minimum wage during that period -- and expect to be worked nearly to death as well.  If you get lucky enough to land an internship with a "Big-8" firm, expect to spend most of your money on clothes.\n\nIt will probably take several shots to pass the exams.  Don't fret failure, very few pass these the first time around.  Once you pass a section, you don't need to retake it; you'll just retake the parts you failed.\n\nOnce you pass the exams, your income potential will be pretty much unlimited.  How much you can earn will be up to you.\n\nAfter 20 years in the biz, my brother loves the $$$ but hates the drudgery.  He's trapped by the lifestyle that he and his family have become accustomed to.  That's a hazard in many careers, though.
955222
Way too complicated for an answer here, me thinks.  Spend the cash for a good CPA or Comptroller.
718128
I put the link to the site I found under "sources."  I've studied abroad before (both high school and college) and it was a great experience.  Most programs will have you go to a language camp before you go.  The problem with studying in Japan is that the kanji, the written language, is incredibly difficult to learn; you wouldn't be able to learn this before you go.  If I were you, I'd look for a english-language program that allows you to live and study in Japan and gives you language lessons.
1173911
They are not as hard as everyone makes it out to be. I am a former Series 7, 63, 6 and 24 holder - who studied, passed all the tests with a minimum of an 88 score for all 4 respectively. \n\nThe reason many firms claim it is "harder than the Bar, etc" (which is complete BS) is that they are taking the first rate of passing for people who take the test. The difference is - anyone can qualify to take the test, therefore people with zero knowledge are taking it and failing it. It is more of a "scare" tactic and motivational tactic for you to study hard and pass. They like to compare it to other "difficult" tess, but again, the quality of the person, on a whole taking the test is no where near the quality of someone taking the CPA, BAR, etc  - for they have hundreds of hours of course study - just to qualify for the test, while the only requirement  for Series is 18 , sponsored by a  firm, broker-dealer, etc.\nIn other words the population of Series takers is "poorer", therefore more fail, than other comparative tests. \n\nStudy, pay attention - and heres a tip - Know your Options strategies, Bonds and Securities laws. These account for roughly 65% of the total test. The other challanging part is two fold a) sitting there for up to 4 hours, with a mandatory break in between the 2 parts - and b) the nerves of having cameras watching you and waiting that precious 15 seconds to receive your score. Study, take the practice exams - and again - know your Options, Bonds and Securities Laws. The equity portions are pretty straight forward.