CPA2b Magazine - Spring 2017

SPRING 2017 | VOL. 12, NO. 2

Sarah Hofkens, CPA

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Plus...

CPA EXAM & LICENSE REQUIREMENTS [page 9] CAREER SPOTLIGHT START YOUR JOB SEARCH HERE!

READY, SET, INTERVIEW!

CPA EXAM TIPS

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[page 40 & inside back cover]

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Spring 2017 | Vol. 12, No. 2 A publication of the WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. | wicpa.org

Table of Contents 4 b recognized | student profile

Going the distance Sarah Hofkens, CPA shares her experience working virtually as an audit supervisor for Cook & Haugeberg LLC, a CPA firm in Fairbanks, Alaska.

By Donna Pinsoneault

features 10 b hired | interviews

24 b tech savvy | social media

Ready, set, interview!

Arriving at the interview without being fully prepared is a rookie mistake. Follow 7 easy tips to be at the top of your game.

By Ann L. Daugherty, CPA

14 b hired | career path

5 ways social media can help you find a job Discover how to impress (or disappoint) recruiters on LinkedIn.

By Kristy McFaul

28 b in the know | industries & specializations So, you want to be your own boss?

Get yourself ready to be a self-employed CPA Review a few things you need to know about the road to self-employment.

By Kelly Sics, CPA

Research with your head, choose with your heart While there’s no official roadmap for selecting a career path, there’s a simple process that you can follow to lead you in the right direction.

By Wendy Potratz, CPA, MBA, CMA, CGFM

16 b educated | internships

32 b prepared | time management Calendar fitness: 6 doable time management strategies Explore simple strategies to help you work smarter, not harder.

By Robert Half

Accounting for success Explore helpful hints on how to navigate your first busy season.

By Briana Peters, CPA

18 b prepared | CPA Exam

36 b strategic | career planning Destination CPA CPAs share how they got their start in the profession, the resources that helped them along the way and misconceptions they had about being a CPA.

By Amy Gaeth

Conquering the CPA Exam Learn tactics on how to prepare for and pass the rigorous CPA Exam.

By Mitchell Jussila, CPA

22 b versatile | soft skills The shy person’s guide to building smart relationships A professional association membership offers a great opportunity for networking, building relationships and growing leadership skills.

By Christopher M. Cholka, CPA

departments 3

b in the know | member involvement

9 b educated | professional requirements 31 b affiliated | welcome new members BC b prepared | job search tips

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2016-2017 WICPA Educational Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors: President Renee M. Johnson, CPA Secretary/Treasurer Michael E. Friedman, CPA, J.D. Director Christopher M. Cholka, CPA Director Dorothy Conduah, CPA Director Elizabeth Hazi, CPA Director Kevin M. Heil, CPA, CGMA Director John R. Heindel, CPA Director Diana L. Henke, CPA Director Darci L. Middaugh, CPA Director Roberta Ward, CPA Director Randall J. Wichinski, CPA, MBA Director Boula Xiong Editorial Team: Editor & Vice President of Communications Amy E. Gaeth – amy@wicpa.org Design & Layout Brett Stallman – brett@wicpa.org Advertising Manager Ellen Engel – ellen@wicpa.org Copy Editor Joan Bahr

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Printing Special Editions CPA2b is a biannual publication of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Change of address should be sent to: Membership, W233N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Suite 201, Waukesha, WI 53188; Phone: 262-785-0445; Fax: 262-785-0838; email: jessica@wicpa.org. Statements or opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the WICPA. Publication of an advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of a product or service by CPA2b or the WICPA.

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in the know | membership

Making the most of membership

By Carol Rybak

T

he WICPA offers a variety of opportunities to help advance your career and get connected to the profession. To get the most out of membership, you’re encouraged to get involved and be aware of all that the WICPA offers. It’s true that the more you put into your membership, the more you’ll get out of it!

Here’s how you can take charge of your career and make the most of WICPA membership.

1. Attend an event. Networking is one of the primary reasons people join an association. The WICPA serves as a vehicle for CPAs and accounting professionals in Wisconsin to connect. Share ideas, ask for advice and have valuable conversations. Extra credit: Send a follow-up email to contacts you meet and connect on LinkedIn. 2. Read CPA2b and On Balance. These publications provide valuable information on the Uniform CPA Examination, jobs forecast, interviewing, mentoring, skill development, technology, industry specializations and issues facing the profession. Mention a topic you read about while on an interview, and you’ll position yourself ahead of the competition. Extra credit: Contact a recruiter featured in our Career Spotlight (on the last two pages of every CPA2b). Recruiters in this section are looking to hire interns and new graduates just like you.

3. Volunteer. The WICPA has opportunities to give back to the community and build your resume. Participate

in Reading Makes Cents, a program every April where members read a financial literacy book to grade school students; speak to high school students about accounting as a major; write for WICPA publications; join the Young Professionals Committee and more. Extra credit: By getting involved, you’ll be able to practice soft skills like public speaking or leading a meeting.

4. Save money getting your CPA. If you’re paying out of pocket to get your CPA credential, take advantage of the 10%-15% discount that WICPA members receive off CPA review courses. The WICPA partners with Becker, CPA Review, Gleim, Roger CPA Review and Wiley CPAexcel to provide study options that fit every learning style.

Extra credit: Once you become a CPA, attend the WICPA New CPA Banquet, a no-cost event to celebrate your accomplishment with peers.

5. Have fun! The WICPA is a professional association with hard working and dedicated individuals. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while connecting with others.

Extra credit: Talk to someone new and make a friend.

Carol Rybak is the membership development coordinator at the WICPA. Contact her at carol@wicpa.org or 262-785-0445 ext. 4511.

Want access to these valuable member benefits?

Visit wicpa.org/join.

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recognized | member profile

An outdoor enthusiast, Sarah Hofkens, CPA enjoys shooting her bow and arrows on her uncle’s land near Green Bay.

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

Photos by Adam Ryan Morris

Going the

distance

By Donna Pinsoneault

I

t’s roughly 2,600 miles from De Pere to Fairbanks, Alaska. Sarah Hofkens, CPA completes that commute in less than five minutes. Since 2008, Hofkens has worked for Cook & Haugeberg, LLC. From its only physical office, near the Chena River in Fairbanks, the firm serves clients throughout Alaska. According to its website, the company seeks “hands-on, detail-oriented individuals who work well in a team environment and lead by example.”

So it’s no surprise they value Hofkens.

Born in the Philippines into a military family that moved often, Hofkens lived the longest in Cheyenne, Wyo. She met her husband, Kevin, there.

He was also in the military, and it wasn’t long before the couple headed north for his tour in Alaska.

“We drove up through Canada and Banff National Park,” Hofkens said. “Alaska is beautiful! We met a lot of great people. We loved living there. After Kevin’s first tour was over, we requested to stay another three years.”

The Alaska years enriched Hofkens’ life professionally, too.

“I had been on the finance track and worked several different jobs, but didn’t ever feel as if I had a real purpose in my work,” she said. “That changed when I decided to study accounting. The profession offered so many different options. I could transfer my experience no matter where we lived.”

While studying at the University of AlaskaFairbanks, Hofkens was recruited for an internship at Cook & Haugeberg.

“I was a little nervous going in with two semesters of school left,” she said. “But the firm is really good at training and giving interns opportunities to be hands-on right away. Two weeks into the job, I went to my first audit. It was awesome!”

Hofkens also benefited from integrating real-world experience with her studies. “Now, I could really relate to what we were learning in class,” she said.

Hofkens graduated in 2008 and became a manager at the firm in 2015. She now supervises and performs audits, reviews, and compilations for service, nonprofit and government organizations.

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recognized | member profile

Hofkens' other favorite pastime is riding her ATV (all-terrain vehicle).

Her tax work includes research, preparation and review of individual and business returns. She also works closely with staff accountants.

However, Hofkens doesn’t live in Alaska anymore.

Kevin’s new assignment was in Wisconsin. It began before Hofkens could complete her licensing, and she was concerned about finding a job in De Pere where the couple would make their home. Cook & Haugeberg, long comfortable working with clients in unique circumstances, recognized Hofkens’ potential.

They suggested she set up a virtual office in De Pere and continue to work for them.

The arrangement has worked well for both the firm and for Hofkens, she is licensed in both Alaska and Wisconsin and also completed a Master of Business Administration in Finance at Lakeland College.

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

“I’ve had this virtual office for five years and we make the most of the flexibility,” she said. “I’m able to manage multiple engagements, to bring all the pieces together with clients, staff and partners. Plus, I can do my own things and start the day ahead of the game.”

The biggest challenge was learning to communicate effectively over the distance. “I can’t just walk down the hall and ask a question or get another opinion,” Hofkens said. “I had to learn how to talk things through without the other person always being able to see the material I am working on.”

That challenge became even more interesting as Hofkens took on increased management of staff.

“It’s important to communicate face to face, but younger staff tends to work differently,” she said. “E-mail often doesn’t get us to the point, however. I tell them: ‘Call me. Let’s talk about it. We’ll Skype.’”

Hofkens also travels to Fairbanks once or twice a year.

“A key piece of my work is helping staff move into more senior roles, helping them understand how to manage people and work effectively,” she said. “Clients appreciate being able to connect with partners and staff on a personal level.”

“... getting involved with the young professionals group has given me a chance to meet people who are doing amazing things...”

Hofkens networks with colleagues at a recent WICPA Mix and Mingle event at the Stillmank Brewery in Green Bay.

— Sarah Hofkens, CPA

Her long history of moves helps Hofkens understand how to make that happen.

“All those moves made me a stronger professional,” she said. “I love my job and the work I’ve been able to do.”

Although it took her awhile to pass the Uniform CPA Examination, Hofkens says it was worth it.

“People really value those three letters,” she said.

A member of AICPA, AKCPA and WICPA, Hofkens recently attended AICPA’s leadership conference.

“I wanted to learn more about how to give back to the profession in a meaningful way,” she said. “I’ve become more involved with WICPA’s young professionals group, and we’re going to be bringing more events to northeast Wisconsin. We want to help young professionals build their networking and leadership skills.”

Is there a downside to working from a virtual office?

“I kind of miss the water cooler conversations,” she said.

"But getting involved with the young professionals group has given me a chance to meet people who are doing amazing things like talking with students about accounting careers and financial literacy and meeting with legislators, things I didn’t even know CPAs were doing.”

Hofkens shares information with her peers about the benefits of being actively involved in the WICPA.

Donna Pinsoneault is a freelance writer in Brookfield.

Contact her at 262-821-9483 or dpinsoneault@gmail.com.

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recognized | member profile

SARAH’S Fun Facts I BECAME A CPA BECAUSE… I wanted to show the world that I am committed to and proud to be part of the accounting profession.

PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THIS, BUT… I’ve snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, but am a horrible swimmer (pool noodles were my best friend).

MY ADVICE TO ASPIRING ACCOUNTING MAJORS IS… to be very excited about the amazing possibilities an accounting degree will bring your way.

I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT… my sunglasses.

I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT… animal rescue.

IN MY SPARE TIME, I ENJOY… trying new restaurants with my husband.

MY FAVORITE MOVIE… any cheesy romantic comedy.

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educated | professional requirements

Wisconsin CPA Exam and license education requirements update Updated 2016 regulations Wisconsin Regulations which became effective on June 1, 2016 specify revised education requirements for CPA Exam and license candidates in Wisconsin.

The regulations were intended to merely simplify and clarify requirements by specifying credits and courses based

By Dennis F. on prior regulations and Tomorsky, regulations in other states.

CPA, J.D., CGMA An unintended result of the revised regulations was that many candidates’ applications for the CPA Exam or licensure were denied as a result of missing one or two courses under the revised regulations.

2016 Emergency Rule and expiration date In response to these candidates’ challenges, the WICPA Accounting Higher Education Committee (Committee) was established and recommended that the Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board (AEB) provide transitional relief for candidates who satisfied prior requirements and whose CPA Exam or license applications were (or would be) denied under the new requirements. This recommendation resulted in an Emergency Rule which became effective on Sept. 26, 2016. At its Nov. 8, 2016 meeting, the AEB expressed its intention to apply for extensions to the Emergency Rule so that the Rule will remain effective until June 1, 2017.

effective on June 1, 2016, be further clarified in revised permanent regulations to become effective immediately upon the expiration of the Emergency Rule. The WICPA worked with legislators to propose legislation in January to expedite implementing the Committee’s CPA Exam and license education regulation recommendations.

The proposed draft regulations provide for: 1. Expedited CPA Exam and license processing for candidates with degrees from institutions that have specific accreditation for either their business schools or their accounting programs, 2. Increased flexibility for individual required course subjects to be covered in multiple courses, 3. Continued CPA Exam eligibility for candidates who complete specified courses before obtaining a degree (which will still be required for licensure), and 4. Continuing CPA Exam and license eligibility for candidates who satisfy CPA Exam and license education requirements prior to the expiration of the Emergency Rule.

Conclusion CPA candidates need to recognize that: 1. Only the AEB has the authority to interpret prior, current and future CPA regulations, 2. There is no assurance that the draft regulations proposed by the Committee will be adopted before the 2017 expiration of the Emergency Rule, or that they will remain unchanged, and 3. Prior Wisconsin Regulations, the Emergency Rule, and recently revised Wisconsin Regulations include language that’s not entirely clear and may be subject to more than one interpretation.

Proposed 2017 changes At its Nov. 8, 2016 meeting, the AEB expressed support for the Committee’s recommendation that the CPA Exam and license education requirements, which became

Dennis F. Tomorsky, CPA, J.D., CGMA is president and CEO of the WICPA. Contact him at 262-785-0445 ext. 4519 or dennis@wicpa.org.

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hired | interviews

READY,

SET,

INTERVIEW! 10

CPA2b | wicpa.org

By Ann L. Daugherty, CPA

Y

our palms might be a little clammy or you may use a few more “ums” and pauses than usual no matter how you prepare for an interview. They are nerve-racking for most, stressful at least, but you don’t have to sweat them if you take the time to prepare and practice for the big day. Here are seven tips to help you prepare for your interview: 1. Research, research, research It’s not just for finding the job opportunity you want or school papers. Look at the company’s website, financials and current events. Know what the company does, and be confident in discussing why you want to be a part of it. Find out what’s happening in their industry. Also, research your interviewer. Find out about their career and experience via the company website or external sources like LinkedIn. You can better answer questions if you know the interviewer’s experiences and where their questions are coming from.

Solidify why you’re interested in this company and why you want this job. What drew you to this opportunity and why are you pursuing it?

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hired | interviews

Does the company’s mission, involvement in the community, dedication to employees, or product offering mean something to you? If you know why and how the company aligns or works with your career vision, you will have a clear line of sight for the interview questions as you work to show passion and enthusiasm for the position.

2. Prepare your answers Brainstorm your own questions or download a list of common questions asked in interviews.

Consider the simple questions about yourself and your interests, and type or write out your answers. You know all the answers now.

However, add nerves and the interviewers’ style, and you’ll be glad you wrote them down. With your list you will have a good range of responses to give you a starting point and allow your ideas to catch up in real time.

3. Practice like you play Grab a mirror or a willing friend and practice your interview. Sit up straight, wear the interview clothes, and use the vocabulary and tone you want to hear from yourself in the interview. If you

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

can experience the interview before it happens, you can knock down the nerves and build up confidence in converting your prepared responses into a natural conversation.

4. Prepare to interview your interviewer This is as much an interview of the company as it is an interview of you for the company. You may soon spend your 9-to-5 with this company, so come with your real questions. You want to know what it is like to work at this company.

How are you going to spend your day? Who would you reach out to for help on projects?

How do they provide feedback to employees?

Bring a few more questions than you think you will need, as some are likely to be answered throughout the interview. Stay away from compensation questions as this is a topic best negotiated once you have the offer letter in hand.

5. Follow up It’s a polite conclusion to your interview that will keep you on their mind as they go through any additional applicants for your desired position. Be ready to email or physically mail a follow-up thank you to your interviewer(s) for their time and ask questions that

may have come up since the interview. Have the contact information (usually a business card) for each interviewer before you leave the interview. You will want to get this out a day after your interview, so have the card stock on hand before you go.

7. Take a deep breath

6. Set your clock ahead

It takes research, practice and thought before your interview to have a successful day. Prepare a polished interview that will easily outshine any nerves or other candidates to score the next career step.

Know where your interview is and that you will have plenty of time to park and find the room.

There's nothing that will shake you up more than running into your interview late or being frustrated trying to find the building. If you're confused, email or call your interviewer for more detail a day or two before the interview.

Once you have done the legwork to prepare for your interview, be your best, calm and focused self.

Before you head into the room, pause, slow your racing heartbeat, and smile.

Ann L. Daugherty, CPA is an analyst at Rexnord LLC in Milwaukee.

Contact her at 414-643-2594 or annld13@yahoo.com.

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hired | career path

Research with your head, choose with your heart W

hether the question is private versus public or regional versus Big Four, students coming to me for career advice are often looking for an objective and clear-cut answer to their question. Unfortunately for those students, there is no algorithm for this decision. In the words uttered by all great accountants, the answer is always: It depends.

By Wendy Potratz, CPA, MBA, CMA, CGFM 14

CPA2b | wicpa.org

If you ask me “Which path is the right path?” I will often start the conversation with an aphorism such as, “There is no one-size-fits-all in the job market” or “Selecting a career path is not like following a brownie recipe.” My goal is to pull you out of the mindset that I will provide you with a definitive answer.

Using a less direct but hopefully more effective route, I will turn you toward a comparison that’s familiar to every student: The art of studying for an exam.

The approach to the selection of the best career path parallels the process used to produce a quality answer to an essay question. The first two phases of both

processes involve 1. conducting the research and 2. outlining the support for the various alternatives.

During the third and final phase of the career path selection process, however, we take a detour… to the heart.

During the first phase of the career path selection, you would complete online research for the various alternatives and talk to as many accounting professionals as possible. If you have been involved with Accounting Club, Beta Alpha Psi and/or the Student Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, this process has been ongoing throughout your college career. You are one of the lucky students and have positioned yourself miles ahead in the information collection phase.

For many of you, the career path process entails more than just the selection of one company or industry over the other. The decision is often further complicated by a location factor. You may come to me with a firm commitment to stay in one city over another. In this situation, I will not attempt to completely disrupt that ambition, but will suggest that you loosen your grip a bit and leave your mind open to exploring new areas. Ideally, you will take a summer internship in a location outside your preferred area. In a circumstance where that isn't possible, I will recommend that you interview with companies that rate high in all other aspects except location. I have witnessed many instances in which an on-site interview with a company removes the location barrier from the decision-making process and may even create an affinity toward that locale. Exploring all potential employers during the information-gathering phase, even if they fall outside your desired location, will help to ensure satisfaction with your ultimate choice.

Once you feel you have conducted a sufficient amount of research, the next phase involves

synthesizing and organizing information. Within this second phase of the process, it’s essential that you write down all facts and ideas that you have gathered. The act of writing, and the resulting visual, will often evoke additional questions and formulate conversations with professionals as well as friends and family.

With the information gathered and organized, you now enter the final phase or “heart” phase. Keep in mind both long-term and short-term desires and career objectives. Write down the relative pros/ cons associated with each alternative. The purpose here isn't additional accumulation of data, but instead, an exercise that will lead you to the choice of your heart based on the objective facts you have assembled. Invariably, at some point in that pro/con process, you will want to place more items into the “pro” side of one of the alternatives. You may make excuses to do so even if all of the facts don’t quite fit. At that point, the “heart” part of the process kicks in. You will clearly see where the objective facts are taking you, and feel the less logical tug of the heart toward one path over the other.

We as accountants tend to be a very logical bunch.

The act of gathering information and placing it into a coherent flow can be very empowering.

The resulting tangible document partnered with the intangible attributes of human behavior can together provide direction that will be unique to each student. While there is never a “one-size-fits-all” answer to choosing a career path, there is a process that can lead to the right path for you!

Wendy Potratz, CPA, MBA, CMA, CGFM serves on the accounting faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Contact her at 920-424-1454 or potratz@uwoshkosh.edu.

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educated | internships

ACCOUNTING FOR SUCCESS: 5 tips to navigate your first busy season

A

By Briana Peters, CPA 16

CPA2b | wicpa.org

ll the long nights of studying and hard work interviewing for internships has paid off and you have been hired by a CPA firm for your first busy season.

As the big day approaches, you may be wondering what you can do to prepare for your first audit. These five tips should help your first busy season go smoothly.

1. Find a mentor

4. Ask questions

Hopefully the firm you will be working for assigns you a mentor. If not, find someone you’re comfortable with to ask questions. You will never know everything, so it’s nice to have someone to help you learn nuances of the profession. Your mentor can also help you during busy season by letting you know if you’re meeting expectations or if there’s anything you can work on to help advance your career.

You’re not expected to know everything on day one or even on the last day of your internship. If you’re confused or don’t understand an audit procedure, ask questions. You will never learn without asking questions, so ask away! As long as you’re willing to learn, everyone you work with will be willing to help you. By the end of your internship, you may feel as though you have learned more in one busy season than you did in all of your accounting classes. Use the internship as fully as possible to learn all you need to be successful as you continue your career.

2. Review the prior year audit file Talk to the in-charge about the audits you will be working on to determine the audit sections you will oversee. Review those sections in the prior-year audit so you’re familiar with the work papers and have an idea of the work you will be doing when you go into the field. If you will be working on audits in a specific industry, such as manufacturing or financial institutions, research that industry and look for trends throughout the year. This will give you some expectations of what you should see during the audit.

3. Be organized and communicate Most likely you will be working on several jobs at one time, so it’s important to stay organized with each job and know the corresponding deadline.

By staying organized, you will be able to better prioritize and complete your work efficiently. If you aren’t sure of a deadline or if you have multiple jobs with the same deadline, ask your mentor to help you prioritize your workload. In most CPA firms, you are required to keep track of your time. It can be overwhelming trying to enter your time for the day if you aren’t organized and keeping track of it throughout the day. Communication is essential, especially during busy season. Stress levels are high and everyone has a big workload. Make sure you are communicating to your audit team the status of each job and, if needed, asking for help to meet a deadline.

5. Treat yourself You will be working a lot of hours, so take time for yourself. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you will not be as productive at work, and your personal relationships and physical health may suffer. Get enough sleep each night, keep up on exercising, and don’t forget to still find time for fun.

Also, many firms have programs or events that encourage everyone to take a break and have a little fun. Take part in these programs or events: It gives your mind a break and helps you build relationships with your co-workers.

If you can remember these five tips, your first busy season experience should be an enjoyable one, and you will come out of it having learned a lot. Hopefully, at the end of busy season, the firm will recognize your hard work and ask you to come back as a full-time employee.

Briana Peters, CPA is a senior associate at Hawkins Ash CPAs in Green Bay. Contact her at 920-337-4549 or bpeters@hawkinsashcpas.com.

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prepared | CPA Exam

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

Conquering the

CPA Exam I

’ll start by saying the same thing you’ve always heard: The Uniform CPA Examination is hard. If it wasn’t then being a CPA wouldn’t be a prestigious and respected accomplishment.

However difficult it may

By Mitchell Jussila, be, with hard work and CPA determination, it is well within reach for anyone who wants to succeed in this coveted profession.

2. AUD – Auditing and Attestation 3. REG – Regulation 4. BEC – Business Environment and Concepts.

I encourage everyone to read in depth about the exams, especially the recent changes and how it will affect your strategy going forward. Now I will address a component often underestimated: Once you pass a section it’s only valid for 18 months.

During this 18-month period, all other sections must be passed, otherwise you will have to retake the section “lost” by the 18-month timer.

Planning: Order to take the exam

The CPA Exam consists of four parts that cover a wide variety of topics:

One thing I’ve learned in my last few years out of college is if you expect a certain outcome, you need a well-drawn out plan. Give yourself time between each exam section, and schedule them in accordance with your own personal strengths.

1. FAR – Financial Accounting and Reporting

My approach was focused on preventing running into issues with the 18-month timer. By taking

Overview

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prepared | CPA Exam

the most challenging sections first it allowed me the opportunity to fail without putting me behind schedule. The order I used was FAR, AUD, REG, BEC for the following reasons: • FAR is difficult, but it also reflects the type of exam that your entire college education leads up to. It is essentially the capstone of financial accounting. Taking it while you’re still in school or shortly after allows a fairly seamless transition from student life to "studying-for-the-CPA-Exam life."

• AUD was the next section I took because it was the one that concerned me the most with my own strengths and abilities.

My internship experience was 100% tax.

Therefore, the only knowledge I had going into studying was the relatively limited audit content of my college classes.

• REG was most relevant to my internship experience. However, it’s still a section that’s often deemed to be one of the more difficult sections.

• BEC is a good end to the CPA Exam because while it covers a wide breadth of possible topics, it doesn’t go as deeply into any individual concept.

Planning: Review course It’s generally accepted that if you’re serious about completing the CPA Exam, you need a review course. There are many different options out there, and the selection process should be part of your plan. Research online

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and discuss among classmates, coworkers and mentors. Selecting the one that best fits your learning style is pivotal to your success on the exam. Look at all facets and features of the course. Determine how you will study, where you’ll do it, and the technology you have at your disposal.

I read online discussions and reviews of different courses assessing the pros and cons, and when available took advantage of free previews of each course. If you have a job offer already, contact your future employer before making any purchase. It is common for firms to offer reimbursements upon completion or even free enrollment to certain providers. This is important, as the course costs can range anywhere from $700 to $4,000!

My experience: Studying By this point in your education career, you will have found study habits that work for you.

Keep these habits, and don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Use your review course materials and the tools it provides to gain ultimate familiarity with the content and testing format you will experience on test day. My review course had all practice quizzes and exams in the same format as the CPA Exam, so the exam felt no different than it did practicing at home.

While studying for the exam, I was fortunate enough to only be working part-time, allowing me to devote 30-plus hours per week to studying. I had approximately one month to

study for each part, and I completed all four parts in three months, well short of the 18-month timer.

The time commitment needed to prepare for and pass each section is not something that can be avoided. Give yourself enough time to prepare, and be disciplined in staying on track with your studies.

There is no such thing as cramming for the CPA Exam. Putting in the necessary amount of time and effort is the only way to succeed.

Final thoughts The CPA Exam is something that should not be approached blindly. Read up on all facets of the

exam. Plan your approach, and invest your time into finding a review course that works for you. Use the tools provided with your review course. Don’t take the exam lightly, and don’t underestimate the commitment it will take to get it done. However, understand the endless opportunities you will have upon successfully completing the CPA certification.

Mitchell Jussila, CPA is senior tax associate at Chortek LLP in Waukesha. Contact him at 262-522-8236 or Mjussila@chortek.com.

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versatile | soft skills

The shy person’s guide to building smart relationships

A

professional organization membership can be just another bill to be paid each year, or it can be an opportunity for networking, building relationships, gaining new experiences, and occasionally having some fun too. For most people the thought of networking can be overwhelming. It’s even more so for a shy person like me. I found that by saying one simple word, “yes,” I used the WICPA to help further my career and teach me a lot about the profession.

By saying “yes” to opportunities when they presented themselves, going to events even before I knew people, and joining a committee, I have gotten so much value from the WICPA and cultivated new professional relationships.

By Christopher M. Cholka, CPA 22

CPA2b | wicpa.org

My WICPA involvement started when I joined the Young Professionals (YP) Committee without knowing anyone. Simply accepting an invite is a low-stress way to get involved. As you put yourself out there, you will find each event

“If you’re a member of the WICPA, joining a committee is a great way to build relationships...”

— Christopher M. Cholka, CPA enables you to grow professionally. I learned to say “yes” to more opportunities as they were presented.

For example, I participated when the WICPA hosted a volunteer day at Junior Achievement in Milwaukee and at Advocacy Day in Madison. Saying “yes” to these smaller opportunities made me more comfortable presenting to groups and talking to strangers, and provided me with great career development opportunities. During the WICPA High School Educators Symposium, I met the accounting teacher at Slinger High School. Through this connection, I became a guest speaker for her class to help teach high school students about accounting.

It was a great learning experience that helped with my fear of public speaking and made me more comfortable giving presentations.

After saying “yes,” there are several ways to make networking easier. When you arrive at an event, remember there are others like you who are attending solo. These are perfect individuals to approach because chances are they will be just as nervous.

Another option is to bring a friend or co-worker to your first event who can serve as your wingman and make conversation easier. For example, my wife accompanied me to my first WICPA Member Recognition Banquet. While both of us are shy people, having her there made it easier to talk to others at the table. The next event I attended was the New CPA Dinner, which was a totally different experience.

I was welcomed by several members of the Young Professionals Committee who were full of energy. I also had the opportunity to introduce myself to new CPAs who were attending alone. I realized there were several others who didn’t know anyone and were also uneasy about networking. Throughout the night, I began to feel more comfortable and made my first connections as a CPA.

Another technique is to make a point to talk to at least one new person at each event. I know from experience this is much easier said than done. However, with practice, it gets easier. When I have a hard time starting a conversation, I take advice from Dale Carnegie in “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” and try to get others to do the talking. I ask about their career, family or interests. People enjoy talking about themselves, and it will save you from coming up with conversation topics. I often see the same people at different events, so I make a conscious effort to remember something about each person. Finding common interests can help you bond with those you meet. A great way to become better at this is to practice with friends, family and co-workers. If you make a conscious effort when having daily conversations at work or during family gatherings, it will become easier.

As I talk about how saying “yes” has helped me, I challenge everyone to do the same each year. There are many networking events hosted by the WICPA and other professional organizations. These are great low-cost opportunities to practice your networking skills. If you’re a member of the WICPA, joining a committee is a great way to build relationships, as you get to work with the same individuals on a recurring basis. I started as a quiet member of the YP Committee, and as I attended more meetings my involvement increased and relationships developed.

Saying “yes” has helped my career more than I could have imagined. I have become more confident when meeting strangers, giving presentations, and taking on leadership roles at work and within the WICPA. I look forward to saying “yes” to the next challenge.

Christopher M. Cholka, CPA is senior accountant at Cousins Submarines, Inc. in Menomonee Falls.

Contact him at 262-250-2811 or ccholka@cousinssubs.com.

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tech savvy | social media

5 ways

social media can help you find a job

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

F

or a great number of hiring managers, it’s increasingly standard practice to use social media to screen potential job candidates. The trend will continue to grow as the aspects of our lives become more available and viewable online.

Imagine that we’ve just received your resume and cover letter. We’ve reviewed your credentials and found you to be

By Kristy McFaul a good candidate. But, we need to understand how you might fit at our organization. We need to bring your resume and cover letter to life to understand your experience and the success you might bring to the position.

Social media is the perfect way to set yourself apart from the competition. It’s a glimpse into who you are outside your resume.

When potential employers view your social media channels, they’re hoping to confirm basics such as your professional experience but also to ensure you’re a fit for their organization and see if they have mutual connections.

Use social media to your advantage and consider these five ways in which it may help you land a job: 1. Show us you’re professional.

Have a professional-looking headshot and a profile free of spelling and grammatical errors. There are many instances when I search for candidates via LinkedIn and they don’t have a profile photo. Professional photos show recruiters that you’re a puttogether and professional individual. If you need a headshot, career fairs will often offer the service for free. Or you may check with your campus career center for more details.

2. Bring your resume to life.

You told us about the projects you’ve worked on, but now you can show it! LinkedIn has made it easy to add presentations, links, documents and videos to showcase your professional portfolio.

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tech savvy | social media

Highlight the case studies you’ve worked on and the courses you’ve taken that would apply to the job.

This will leave most recruiters walking away with a positive response to your profile.

I even came across one creative candidate who created a YouTube page that included his elevator speech. The video not only grabbed my attention, but let me know they were thinking outside the box.

5. Most important, complete your profile.

3. Demonstrate your passion.

Through thoughtful online conversations you can validate your industry-knowledge and prowess by getting involved in forum discussions and sharing content that your industry’s audiences would appreciate. Become a social media influencer!

Another way to grab our attention is by following the company’s social media channels. Engage and interact with us so that you’re able to demonstrate you’ve done your research on our company and are in-the-know with company happenings.

4. Put your personality on display.

Company culture is very important to most companies, and they want to hire individuals that know how to collaborate well with others. List any volunteer experience and leadership roles you’ve held. Tell them about specific events that you helped to manage or plan and outline the results.

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It’s critical to make your profile as detailed as possible. Recruiters use special software on LinkedIn to search for candidates who might fit their job opening. Be sure to fill out the skills and endorsements section. Many times recruiters are able to use keyword search for industry-specific terms, and knowing you’re proficient in those skills keeps your name at the top of the list. If you have any certifications, place those designations in your name, i.e.: Joe Smith, CPA, MBA. List any and all internships that could be pertinent to the jobs for which you are applying.

A no-no? It may seem like common sense, but there are many times that candidates have compromising photos or posts visible on their social media channels. While recruiters may not be specifically looking for those things, it’s hard to ignore if they’re easily visible in quick searches of your name. Check your privacy settings, and be sure there isn’t anything on public display that you wouldn’t want your employer to see. You’d hate for this to be the reason you don’t get a job.

Once you’ve landed your dream job, don’t let

your social media presence go by the wayside.

Advance your career through thought leadership development or by becoming a positive brand ambassador for your company.

An extra perk? Most firms offer a referral bonus program. At Baker Tilly, our team members are our best assets when it comes to finding talent within their networks. And since employee referrals are our top source of hire, we can’t say enough how much we appreciate the personal connections that

are shared with our recruiters. Your actions to share our company’s job openings, benefits and displays of company culture through your social media channels could mean extra cash in your pocket and help us continue building our great team!

Kristy McFaul is a campus recruiter at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP in Chicago. Contact her at 312-228-7290 or kristy.mcfaul@bakertilly.com.

Interested? Contact Amy Gaeth at amy@wicpa.org or 262-785-0445 ext. 4515.

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in the know | industries & specializations

So, you want to be your own boss?

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Get yourself ready to be a self-employed CPA

Y

ou don’t want to work for "The Man." You want to be The Man. Okay, great.

The good news is that

By Kelly Sics, CPAs have skills they can CPA sell to individuals and companies. But, before you go designing your business cards, beware. There are a few things you need to know about the road to self-employment.

great opportunity in an unfamiliar industry. Build a network of other sole practitioners. You’ll be surprised how many people are doing the same thing. I’ve accepted work in industries that were new to me. However, I reached out to my network and got advice from friends who had experience in the industry in which I was working. I’ve also used the resources available to me through my membership in the AICPA and WICPA to get through the tough times.

1. Before you can walk, you have to learn to crawl.

Being your own boss is a perk of being selfemployed. However, your clients now become your boss, and chances are you now have more than one. You will have to juggle and prioritize client requests and deadlines. Honesty, communication and time management are key to being successful as a sole practitioner. Communicate well upfront so you deliver the high-quality service that will satisfy your client and land you a great referral. Get your clients’ expectations in writing, and let them know what they can do to help you get your work done.

If a client problem arises, you may have to make the difficult decision to prioritize one client over another.

My clients know I have several clients, and they know when I will respond quickly and when they may have to wait for a response.

Before you take the leap and quit your full-time job, consider a few things: How much experience do you have, which services will you perform, what types of clients will you serve, how much will you charge for your services, and how will you attract clients? Have a plan and a budget before you get started! I was fortunate to have a friend and mentor who walked me through the steps to form my business. She has been a great resource to me as my business has grown and evolved. Don’t forget, you are also the chief financial officer of your company, so plan time to do your own accounting.

2. Expect to feel in over your head.

You can’t do this alone, and being a sole practitioner does not mean you have to work alone.

Reach out to your network; spread the word that you’re venturing out on your own. You may find yourself in a situation where you have more work than hours in the day. You may also have a really

3. If you think it’s going to be easy, good luck.

4. Patience isn’t a virtue. It’s a requirement.

The perfect client may not be waiting for you the day you decide to take the leap. Be patient; accept project work to start with just to get your name

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in the know | industries & specializations

out there. Don’t sell yourself short, either. If an opportunity doesn’t seem like it will be a good fit, decline it. I worked with a client that wasn’t a good fit for about six months. I learned a lot in those six months, including what type of work I never wanted to take on again. That experience helped me develop a better focus and mission for the type of work I wanted to do going forward. I’ve been a sole practitioner for two years, and I now feel like I have a strong mission and a great mix of clients.

feel great! I started my business to enable me to balance my career and my family, and I am proud to say that I am succeeding at maintaining a great balance. I also really enjoy helping people. I work with small businesses to help them maintain their accounting records and use those records to make business decisions. I’m not saving lives, but I am saving small business owners a great deal of stress!

For me, it is worth it.

5. All of the above will be worth it.

Once you develop a rhythm in your new role and begin on the path to achieving your goals, you will

Kelly Sics, CPA is a consultant with Sics CPA Services in Milwaukee. Contact her at 414-737-0534 or kelly@sicscpa.com.

Take the

MYSTERY

out of your member profile!

UPDATE

your profile and stay connected.

Log onto wicpa.org/memberprofile with your WICPA username and password.

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affiliated | WICPA membership

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Matt Arend, UW-Oshkosh Jared Armington, Upper Iowa University Michael Baldwin, Marian University Tarrin Beck, Carthage College Alexis Belliveau, UW-Green Bay Anna Benzine, UW-Whitewater Hannah Bovee, St. Norbert College Dayna L. Conradt, Kerber Rose SC Nicholas Countryman, Marquette University Olivia M. DeNoyer, Carroll University Morgan Dolan, Loras College Aaron S. Douglas, Carthage College

Erin Mader, UW-Green Bay Derek Matthies, UW-Green Bay Joshua M. Merritt, University of Dubuque McKenzie Neal, Northern Michigan University Kelly Niemuth, UW-Green Bay Jared Nummerdor, Lakeland College Angela J. Otto, Carroll University Esai Powell, UW-Oshkosh Alyssa A. Prost, St. Norbert College Joseph B. Reichert, UW-Green Bay Matthew Rosenheimer, Concordia University Marissa Rukamp, UW-Green Bay

Alison Eggleston, UW-Milwaukee Dana Estrada, UW-Green Bay Jennifer N. Gander, UW-LaCrosse Nasstaran Ghasemi-Yaghar, UW-Milwaukee Courtney Hamilton, UW-Green Bay Mohammad Hayder, UW-Oshkosh Lauren Krohn, Carroll University Kristeen L. Krueger, Waukesha County Technical College Paige C. Krueger, UW-Green Bay Oluwatomisin Ladeinde, Cardinal Stritch University Alison Lambrecht, Carroll University Javier Lopez, MBE CPAs, Sun Prairie

Joe Salzman, UW-Whitewater Stephanie Sanderfoot, UW-Green Bay Marcus Schmidt, Carroll University Lauren Seifert, Lakeland University Scott Sibik, UW-Platteville Erin Sweet, UW-Stevens Point Dana Ver Kuilen, UW-Green Bay Lucinda Vondra, KMA Bodilly CPAs & Consultants, SC Ian Wallace, Concordia University Samuel M. Watts, UW-Milwaukee Andrew Wienke, UW-Green Bay Jillian Zimmerman, UW-Parkside 800-772-6939

31

prepared | time management

: s s e n t fi r a d n e l a C ime

6 doable t s e i g e t a r t s t n manageme

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

By Robert Half

W

e’ve all heard the expression, “Work smarter, not harder.” But what does it really mean? The fact is, it depends on the stage you’re in with your education or career.

Perhaps you’re an upperclassman preparing for exams; in your experience, working smarter might mean committing time for study groups, or meeting with your professor to go over a topic you’re unclear about. If you’re a mid-career finance and accounting professional, or you've reached the level of CFO, effective time management might mean maintaining a highly regimented calendar, an indispensable tickler file or perhaps a trusted administrative assistant who manages your hectic schedule.

Working smarter boils down to bringing a sense of order to the complexity of your day. It involves discipline in the form of adhering to a schedule strategy and delivering on your commitments.

Finding your time management mojo is like stumbling upon the Holy Grail. Once you’ve reached it, you’ll be better prepared to meet deadlines, impress your boss, ace the exam, get that promotion and achieve success.

Here are six doable time management strategies to help you work smarter, not harder: 1. Give your to-do list a makeover. Budget 15 to 20 minutes a day to set your daily and weekly priorities. What needs to be done, by when? Is that bookkeeping job application due by next Thursday? Do you need to make that hiring decision tomorrow? What are the necessary steps? Consider it calendar fitness. Management expert and author Tom Peters suggests having a “to-don’t” list that you keep next to your to-do list to keep you focused.

Being mindful about your steps along the way

is essential to any successful time management strategy. First thing each day, check your email (Respond to important messages within 24 hours).

Touch base with your boss and your administrative assistant to ensure you’re on point with your office’s priorities.

2. Get organized. Set a hierarchy for each task and focus on those that are most valuable to you and your employer. Have a pocket journal handy for note-taking, or use technology to keep track of brilliant ideas. A project management board (with tasks assigned according to deadline) can be a useful tool for tracking your progress. Make sure your workspace and computer desktop are neatly organized, and that you can find essential files and documents quickly. Get in the habit of leaving your office each evening the way you want to find it in the morning.

3. Get in your cone of silence. If colleagues or classmates are constantly bugging you or if your smartphone keeps chirping, move to a quiet place, set your phone to silent and only respond if it’s an urgent email or phone call so you can focus on the priority at hand.

4. Ask for help. You’ve also heard the expression, “No man (or woman) is an island.” Periodically, we encounter tasks that are too great for one individual, or jobs that could be accomplished more effectively with help from others. Learn how to ask for help, how to delegate and remember to recognize your colleagues for their support. Always be willing to return the favor.

5. Take a break. Carve out time for health and wellness. Minimize stress by taking a walk in nature.

Turn off all electronic devices and meditate. Take a

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prepared | time management

colleague or classmate up on her offer to attend a yoga class, shoot some hoops or grab lunch away from the office. You might solve a problem through conversation or from the boost of endorphins from exercise.

6. Assess your strategy. Remember that failure is sometimes part of success. The key is to learn from it. Did you put your best foot forward? Was your strategy effective? Ask a colleague, your boss or spouse to weigh in on your approach. Focus on delivering quality rather than berating yourself because the project didn’t turn out perfectly.

By fine-tuning your time management strategies, you’ll be able to work more efficiently, be more productive, better achieve your personal goals, and when the workday is finished, enjoy your wellearned downtime.

This article is provided courtesy of Robert Half, parent company of Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources. Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm placing accounting and finance professionals on a temporary, full-time and project basis. For career and management advice, follow our blog at blog.roberthalf.com.

Accountants’ starting salaries predicted to rise in 2017 Starting salaries for U.S. accounting and finance positions will continue to rise in 2017, reflecting high demand for skilled professionals, according to the Robert Half 2017 Salary Guide.

Increases in starting salaries will range from 3.0% to 4.3% in 2017, depending on the position, the company predicted.

Job functions with the largest projected increase in starting salaries include: • Controller • Financial analyst • Business systems analyst • Audit/assurance services positions.

Robert Half’s description of a competitive job market mirrors that of another staffing services firm. The 2017 Salary Guide

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CPA2b | wicpa.org

published by Accounting Principals, which focuses on salaries in general rather than starting salaries, predicts a continued upsurge in pay.

The Accounting Principals guide forecasts a 2.8% increase in pay for 2017, up from previous predictions of a 2.4% rise for 2016 and a 1.2% rise for 2015.

Meanwhile, management accountants worldwide expect their salaries to increase by an average of 6% in the coming year, up from 5% in 2015, according to a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants survey.

Generally, the guides and data agree that salaries will increase because of a shortage of job candidates. Competition for highly skilled candidates can be fierce, according to the Robert Half guide.

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strategic | career planning

Destination CPA

By Amy Gaeth

Destination CPA is a new feature profiling how young professionals got their start in the profession, the resources that helped them along the way and misconceptions they had about being a CPA.

NICHES

• Industry • Public • Non Profit Accounting • Government

RESOURCES • job board • people • resume • WICPA workshop

LAW

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BLOGS

Daniel M. LaFrenz, CPA How did you find your first job?

I interviewed for my first job through my university’s oncampus interview process, but I had already touched base with several people at the firm before interviewing. I was interested in tax, so I asked my professors for contacts at the accounting firms. I talked with as many contacts as I could.

When I interviewed, most people had already met me or heard of me.

Which resource was the most helpful in your job-search efforts?

I kept a list throughout school of people I had met and the companies that they worked for. As it came time for me to start looking for jobs, I would email or call those people to ask about the procedure and let them know that I was interested.

Which resource turned out to be less helpful than you thought?

Job information on websites. It

Job title: Tax Associate Employer: Michael, Best & Friedrich LLP, Milwaukee

seemed to me that most of the jobs listed on the websites were outdated or by the time the job was posted, the company already knew who it wanted to hire.

can’t take a vacation, but there are also times when you should.

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew before starting your first job?

The first few years of a professional job are a lot of work and can be very time consuming, but it gets easier.

That CPAs work with spreadsheets and numbers only. In the tax world, CPAs often do much more than just crunch numbers and fill out tax returns. There’s often a lot of legal research, analysis and writing.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

What myths about CPAs are actually true?

Stick with a job through the first rough patch; often, things get better.

That CPAs love spreadsheets.

At some point, almost every CPA I know has created a spreadsheet to manage some aspect of their life.

What’s the worst career advice you’ve received?

Take the job that pays the most.

Although money is a factor in any job search, there are many other factors to consider, including the work environment.

What’s one thing they didn’t tell you about the profession in college?

I interned through University of WisconsinWhitewater’s accounting internship program.

Which resource was the most helpful in your job-search efforts?

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession?

Don’t get overly frustrated during your first few years as an accountant. Your time at the bottom of the rung, i.e., as a new accountant, will be very small compared to your time at the top.

There are times of the year when you

James Boutelle, CPA How did you find your first job?

What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs?

Job title: Tax Senior Employer: Sikich LLP, Brookfield

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew before starting your first job?

You will learn something new every day.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

Work hard and be nice to people.

Networking with firms and developing relationships with recruiters through campus organizations.

What’s one thing they didn’t tell you about the profession in college?

Which resource turned out to be less helpful than you thought?

Learning doesn’t end at college.

Every day you will learn something new and will be challenged.

What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs? That we have no personality.

What myths about CPAs are actually true?

CPAs are very ethical and work hard.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Internet search.

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strategic | career planning

Barbara Vertein, CPA Job title: Supervisor l Employer: SVA CPAs SC, Madison

How did you find your first job?

When I looked for an entry-level position, everyone was hiring experienced staff. I applied for several jobs that I didn’t have the experience for, but eventually something entry-level opened up at SVA. Since they had my résumé on file, they called me for an interview. I was hired the same day I interviewed and started four days later.

Which resource was the most helpful in your job-search efforts?

I used Google to find accounting firms near where I was living, and then looked at their specific career postings. I wish I had used the WICPA as a resource when I was a student. They have networking events throughout the state for young professionals that could have helped me make connections.

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew before starting your first job?

Culture is important. When interviewing, most people get so focused on getting offers or on salaries and benefits that they don’t take the time to think about whether that firm is the right place for them. If you don’t feel like the culture is a good fit, you probably aren’t going to enjoy or excel at your job.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

For those looking for their first job or considering changing jobs, it’s important to remember that it isn’t just about salary or benefits. Accountants tend to get hung up on numbers, but it’s often the qualitative parts of a job that make the biggest difference.

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What’s the worst career advice you’ve received?

As I considered an accounting major, I wasn’t thrilled about having to take more tests after college.

Someone suggested not getting my CPA license.

I know that while that may be an option for some people, it certainly wasn’t for me. Without my license, I wouldn’t be able to have the career I imagined. It’s a lot of work, but getting your license is worth it.

What’s a dead-wrong assumption people make about CPAs? Accountants have a reputation for being anti-social recluses who love math and only do taxes. This stereotype is blown out of proportion. I have a lot of fun with my co-workers, and while we work hard during busy season, I think it would be hard to say we’re ever actually anti-social.

What myths about CPAs are actually true?

Tax season is intense and sometimes stressful. There’s a lot of work to get done, on the audit and tax side, which is all running up to various deadlines.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession?

Ask questions. As a staff, questions may include how to do your work correctly or why things are done a certain way, but as you move up in your career, keep asking questions. It’s okay to ask what your career path looks like, how to adapt your management style, or if you can shadow someone on a client meeting. You should never be expected to know everything, and one of the best ways to learn is to ask questions.

Adam Woznicki, CPA Job title: Sales & Tax Associate l Employer: Guaranteed Rate, Inc., Brookfield

How did you find your first job?

I found my first job using the online Career Center at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. I also attended the Accounting Career Fair. After several interviews with local public accounting firms, I decided to go into industry.

I looked for jobs with private companies in the Milwaukee area, and was able to find a match very quickly.

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew before starting your first job?

I've learned that the value of a business is more than just the assets and liabilities listed on a company balance sheet. People, ideas and continuous improvement are the true heart and value of a business and is what drives a company to continuously expand and improve upon the current products and services they offer.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

I was recently recruited to a new job in a completely different industry. After preliminary conversations I was invited to a meeting to discuss career possibilities.

The person told me, "Come to the meeting and keep an open mind." As a CPA, you will have countless opportunities to consider throughout your career.

Always keep an open mind.

What’s the worst career advice you’ve received?

I was about four years into my career, had just completed the CPA Exam and was considering more educational options. A friend of mine told me that obtaining an MBA "wasn't necessary." While I ultimately decided not to obtain an MBA, I knew that the advice was poor.

Continued professional development is essential.

Every individual needs to assess their own career path.

You'll find that those that put the time and effort into continuously improving themselves as professionals are the ones that get ahead.

What’s one thing they didn’t tell you about the profession in college?

Communication skills are critical. Executives rely on accountants not only to compile and explain financial data, but also to analyze that data for strategic planning purposes.

What are some dead-wrong assumptions people make about CPAs? One dead-wrong assumption about accountants is the old stereotype that accountants are "boring bean counters." Today’s accountant is viewed as dynamic and engaging, a strategic business advisor.

What myths about CPAs are actually true?

Accountants are problem-solvers. When there’s a financial issue, the accountants are asked to not only identify and fix the problem, but develop solutions and strategies so those problems don't recur.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mentor in the profession?

Learn everything you possibly can about the business that you’re in. Discover how to market your product, understand your customer base, and most importantly, know why your product or company is important to your customer base. This big picture is invaluable.

Upper management will realize that you’re a resource that goes beyond the accounting cubicle.

Amy Gaeth is vice president of communications and editor of CPA2b. Contact her at 262-785-0445 ext. 4515 or amy@wicpa.org.

800-772-6939

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CAREER START YOUR JOB SEARCH HERE! FEATURED FIRMS www.bakertilly.com

www.sattell.com

Tara Tomter, Manager, Campus, 608-240-2445

Leanne Buttke, CPA, 414-273-0500

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP is a nationally recognized, full-service accounting and advisory firm whose specialized professionals connect with clients and their businesses through refreshing candor and clear industry insight. Baker Tilly is ranked as one of the 15 largest accounting and advisory firms in the country. Headquartered in Chicago, Baker Tilly is an independent member of Baker Tilly International.

Sattell, Johnson, Appel was founded in 1954 on the principle of family first.

SJA provides a wide range of services, across all industries, to our individual and business clients. Due to the personalized nature of our firm, our clients benefit in receiving quality service that is beyond comparison. Our commitment to excellence continues to inspire and anchor us as we pursue our client’s success.

www.cliftonlarsonallen.com Toni Stangohr, Campus Liaison, Toni.stangohr@CLAconnect.com At CLA, we strive to provide a variety of work experiences that develop skills, knowledge, and expertise. Our industry-driven approach, seamless delivery of services, and focus on not just private businesses and community organizations but also the people who own and lead them, all give our team the chance to grow as professionals and create personalized career paths.

www.sikich.com Tim Mastrino, Talent Acquisition Manager, tim.mastrino@sikich.com Sikich LLP, a leading professional services firm, has more than 700 employees throughout the country. Founded in 1982, Sikich now ranks as one of the country’s Top 35 Certified Public Accounting Firms. Sikich Clients can use a broad spectrum of services and products that help them reach long-term, strategic goals.

www.HawkinsAshCPAs.com Becky Hughes, Human Resources Manager, 608-784-7737 Jump-start your career at Hawkins Ash CPAs. Our interns and recent graduates get the experiences and training they need to set the direction of their careers and excel. They work alongside our senior staff, ensuring they get the most exposure.

We have offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Learn more: HawkinsAshCPAs.com.

www.sgcpa.com Angela Hildestad, PHR, HR Manager, 608-836-7500 Smith & Gesteland, LLP is a local CPA firm who was voted #1 accounting firm

by Madison business leaders! We value life/work balance and provide a culture and environment where people want to stay. People stay because they feel appreciated, are challenged and know they are the future leaders of our firm.

www.meichercpas.com

www.sva.com

Blake Fritz, Partner, 608-826-1900

Sherry Gustafson, Human Resources Director, 608-826-2108

Established in 1981, Meicher CPAs, LLP has earned an unequaled reputation for professionalism, high quality service and attention to detail. We’ve built solid relationships with our clients by working closely with them to understand their individual situations and needs. We have extensive experience in a variety of areas and offer a full range of tax and accounting services.

SVA Certified Public Accountants, headquartered in Madison since 1974, provides professional accounting services for individuals and businesses. Services include: all accounting services, small business accounting software, audits, tax planning and reporting, strategy sessions, and business consulting. With offices in Brookfield, Appleton, and Rockford, our goal is to be a trusted advisor to our clients.

| wicpa.org IF40YOURCPA2b FIRM WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED IN THE FIRM SPOTLIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT ELLEN ENGEL AT 262-785-0445 EXT. 4513 OR ELLEN@WICPA.ORG.

SPOTLIGHT START YOUR JOB SEARCH HERE! FEATURED FIRMS www.wkmr.com

www.wipfli.com

Julia Geerdts, Firm Administrator, 262-797-9050

Kristin Kallies, Manager, Campus Recruitment kkallies@wipfli.com

Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp was founded in 1968. As a full-service CPA firm, we have been named a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for the past four years and have received special recognition for our dedication to ethical practices. We are committed to providing our employees with a “work/life balance” culture and the tools to succeed, grow and become leaders of our firm.

FIRM LISTING KERBERROSE SC www.kerberrose.com Contact: Melissa Olsen, PHR, Human Resources Administrator 715-526-9400

SCHENCK SC www.schencksc.com Contact: Jill Dequaine, PHR, SHRM-CP, Talent Acquisition Manager, jill.dequaine@schencksc.com

REILLY PENNER & BENTON LLP www.rpb.biz Contacts: Brian Mechenich, Partner and Laurie Olson, HR Manager, 414-271-7800

STROHM BALLWEG, LLP www.strohmballweg.com Contact: Gary Strohm, CPA, Managing Partner, and Renee Vedvig, Firm Administrator, 608-821-0600

RITZHOLMAN CPAS www.ritzholman.com Contact: Brian Wilson, CPA, Senior Manager, brianw@ritzholman.com

WEGNER CPAS www.wegnercpas.com Contact: Kari Nichols, Human Resource Manager, 608-274-4020

Wipfli is a top 20 Accounting & Consulting Firm and was recently recognized as a Top Internship Program by Vault.com! Our 1,800 professionals provide industry-focused assurance, accounting, tax and consulting services. Our commitment to college recruiting is reflected year after year with a new hire class of close to 100 individuals in 2016!

FEATURED INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES www.actuant.com Linda Salbeck, linda.salbeck@actuant.com Actuant Corporation is a diversified industrial company serving customers from operations in more than 30 countries. The Actuant businesses are leaders in a broad array of niche markets including branded hydraulic tools and solutions; specialized products and services for energy markets and highly engineered position and motion control systems. The Company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Wisconsin.

www.badgerlandfinancial.com Valerie Leake, HR Director, valerie.leake@badgerlandfinancial.com At Badgerland Financial, we have a unique insight into what it takes to deliver financial products and services for agriculture. That includes loans, insurance, tax and accounting assistance and expert advice. We are a cooperative with 17 branch offices across southern Wisconsin. We are also part of the nationwide Farm Credit system helping cultivate rural living for over 100 years.

IF YOUR FIRM WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED IN THE FIRM SPOTLIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT ELLEN ENGEL AT 262-785-0445 EXT. 4513 OR ELLEN@WICPA.ORG. 800-772-6939

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prepared | job search tips

ACCOUNTING STUDENTS: Review these tips before starting your job search “Be sure to research the firm before the interview and send a thank you note afterwards. As an extra tip, handwritten notes can go a long way.”

Tim Mastrino, Talent Acquisition Manager, Sikich LLP

“For accounting students in the beginning phase of their job search, I would recommend taking full advantage of the career services offered through the school. I would also advise connecting with faculty advisors, leveraging all networking relationships as well as maximizing experiences through the WICPA and Beta Alpha Psi. Also, if students had an internship or volunteering experience throughout their time in school, reconnecting with those employers and resources is effective and beneficial.”

Brian Wilson, CPA, Senior Manager, RitzHolman CPAs

Resume tips for accounting students: “Employers are drawn to candidates that like to be involved in things that supplement their education and experience. List them on your resume. Also, emphasize ways in which you have been a leader in your previous job experiences.”

Kari Nichols, Human Resource Director, Wegner CPAs

“It’s important to get exposure to many different areas of accounting. We certainly don’t expect new employees who recently graduated to know exactly what they want to do with their professional careers, that’s part of learning and growing with your first job.”

Ann Binzak, Tax Manager, Sattell, Johnson, Appel & Co., S.C.

Job search for internships?

"I’d suggest showing employers that you not only keep a great GPA, but also are active in the community. Today, employers don’t just look at your academics. Companies are looking for talent that will fit in their culture and will be active in company committees and events. If you show you’re committed to giving back or active in different groups in your university, this is a large benefit for the employer. It makes you stand out above another candidate with the same education as you."

Job search for post-college position?

"Having an internship is going to get you far in the application process. It shows the employer that you have experience in not only the accounting field, but also the business setting. It shows companies that you have been responsible for certain tasks, have worked in a team setting, and much more. This is probably the most beneficial item you can have on your resume when searching for a full-time position.”

Amanda LaPlante, CPA, Senior Associate, Hawkins Ash CPAs

“Understand what you want. Research companies to understand if they will be a fit for what you are seeking in your career, even if that means a different path than your peers. The recruitment process is a two-way street, you are interviewing the company just as carefully as the organization is evaluating you.”

Kristin Kallies, Campus Recruitment Manager, Wipfli LLP