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This is the holiday season edition of the Vancouver Accounting Experience! In this final podcast episode of the year, I have a really insightful chat with Rameez Nathu, a Partner at Johnsen Archer LLP. We chat about a broad range of topics including the job market, student recruitment, firm culture, the benefits of working at a medium-sized firm, and much, much more! I think there are some great insights in this podcast for students and aspiring CPAs about what working at a medium-sized firm like Johnsen Archer in Surrey, British Columbia is like. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

I recently met some college students through their university's local accounting club and mentorship program. I'm always excited to chat with students because they're extremely excited about their future careers and always receptive to the advice I have. I've made plenty of mistakes in the past and had to change who I was to become successful in life. In addition, I changed careers in my mid-thirties and began my accounting career in the Big 4. So, as a result, I have plenty of advice to give! Listen to the podcast to hear my top 3 pieces of advice to students. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Some CPA students have the opportunity to challenge one or more CPA exams. If chosen to do so, they may write a CPA course exam only and obtain an exemption from having to take the PEP course module. This is an opportunity for some new immigrants to Canada who are already qualified accountants in their home country. The question is whether one should challenge the exam? That was the question posed to me by a student who reached out to me for some advice on challenging the exams. Listen to find out more as we discuss the multiple considerations and much more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

3 weeks ago I ran a poll on LinkedIn asking what accounting students and aspiring CPAs were worried about entering the fall season. To my surprise, most were worried about passing the CFE/CPA exams. Should you be worried about the CFE exam right now? Absolutely not! You should be worried about getting an accounting job and honing your soft skills (interpersonal, communications and presentations skills) that will help you get that job interview.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Not everyone can become an entrepreneur. I know I've tried, but through trial and error and a bit of self-awareness, I know I'm more of a follower and advisor than a true-bred entrepreneur, although I do have an entrepreneural spirit and tendencies, which is what makes me a good business advisor - at least I think so. When I met Jay, I thought he was one of those natural business people who are young, bold risk-takers, so I was surprised he was interested in the CPA program. There's nothing wrong with trying things out really - there's no right or wrong answer, especially if you have time on your side. The moral of this podcast is to go with what feels right at the time! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

In this podcast episode, I speak to a career changer who is wondering if changing careers to pursue his CPA means giving up his past experience and starting from scratch. If you change careers to pursue your CPA will you be taking a step back? You could be, but not necessarily. One person's pursuit might be another person's folly. But, that should not stop you from pursuing your career dreams regardless of how old you are, your job, or your education. What you need is the right research and information to make a more informed decision. Listen in to find out how! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Are you planning a Big 4 public practice career? Are you going through fall recruit? Then, I know this podcast episode is for you. I share my thoughts on how to get noticed, how to talk about yourself, how to network, and how to gain rich personal experiences that will set you apart from your competition. It's the summer and your research and preparation need to start now!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Vivian is an aspiring CPA who reached out to me on LinkedIn to ask my advice on the best timing to complete his 10 prerequisite courses in order to qualify and enter into the PEP program and officially begin his CPA journey. Timing is important, yes, but I don't think it's crucial. It's best to have a good work-life balance and ready to go once his public practice job begins. Then you need to be mentally and physically ready to crush it in public practice and get the most out of the unique experience. I share lots more advice on the podcast so be sure to tune in. I really wish Vivian all the best in his pursuits and I hope you all get some value from this podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Are you an accounting student or aspiring CPA worried about how you're going to cope with your CPA studies and exams? According to my LinkedIn poll, this was #2 of the top worries for accounting students and people looking to kick start their accounting careers. How am I going to balance my work with studies, exams, family, hobbies, stress, and wellness? Well, on this podcast, I give you my thoughts on how you can manage your CPA studies and exams and still stay sane and well balanced: 1) Put in the hard work; 2) Organize yourself, and 3) Communicate what you need from the people in your life and their expectations from you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Are you an accounting student or aspiring CPA worried about how you can or will find the right job for you? According to my LinkedIn poll, this was one of the top worries for accounting students and people looking to kick start their accounting careers. What job will be a good fit? What if it's the wrong job? Will the job add to my career progression or hold me back? Well, on this podcast, I give you my thoughts on how you can go about finding the right job for you: 1) Do your research; 2) Network and ask questions, and 3) Go for it! Listen now to find out more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

In this podcast, I chat with Chetan, who is looking to change careers, start the CPA program, immigrate to Canada, get into entrepreneurship and buy a house one day! Noble aspirations indeed. Of course, there can be problems, obstacles, difficulties along the way but if you begin your journey with gratitude for what you have instead of what you don't have, then everything else in life, including starting an accounting career, is easy! Real easy!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

My guest Manson Ng - Senior Tax Manager at a Vancouver public accounting firm - joins me on the podcast to talk just about everything and anything: working from home during the pandemic, making mistakes, learning from them, empathy, compassion, resiliency... whether or not there's a perfect career path?! and whether you should even go for public practice!? but most importantly... Happiness! Because isn't that what life is all about? If you're an accounting student or aspiring CPA, I think there's a ton of value here on the podcast - think of it as food for thought - for you, as you begin your exciting journey to joining the profession. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

The path to your CPA designation is a long and tough road. In this podcast, I share 3 tips to stay focused and motivated through those long, tough, and stressful times when you lose focus and need a push: 1) Find your happiness 2) Where is your North Star? 3) Don't compare to others. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Accounting students and aspiring CPAs: If pursuing a career in tax has ever crossed your mind, then this podcast episode for you! Steven Flynn, partner at Andersen Tax, LLP (www.andersentax.ca) joins me on the podcast to talk about tax careers, why he loves it, what makes a good tax accountant, and much more. If you're the type of person who loves a challenge and applying a blend of analytical, logical and strategic thinking, then a career in tax might be the perfect fit for you... listen to find out! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

My guest on this week's podcast is Jason Tiessen, CFO of Westbow. 12 years ago, he made a career change into accounting and has never looked back. It's an extremely rewarding career and I couldn't agree more. I've invited Jason on the podcast to share his experiences, why he loves accounting so much, and more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

In this episode of the Vancouver Accounting Experience podcast, I have a chat with Mohit, who is in the middle of a career change and wants to know if not having a business degree in accounting or finance will be a disadvantage. Will the lack of a business degree set you back? The simple answer is no! In fact, I think it's an advantage. Listen to find out why. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

You've finished university, gotten your first job working as an accountant and you've started your CA/CPA professional designation courses. Now, what do you do? There's no time for relaxing because the real work begins now! Remember these 3 important steps to pursue: 1) networking, 2) professional development, and 3)career opportunities. Do NOT hold back. Be fearless and seek out the career that you want. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Beginning your career in public accounting definitely has its advantages. There's a lot on offer that comes with working at a public accounting firm: the prestige, the opportunities, the support and the experience. However, with these advantages, comes a lot of competition for only a limited number of open positions each year. So you'll need to prepare, do research, and practice for your chance to get noticed and ultimately get hired. In this podcast episode, I have a conversation with Muib, in which I break down everything he needs to do to put himself in the best position possible to be successful in fulfilling his career goals - to work at a public accounting firm. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Why did I change careers? Why did I choose accounting? How did I know it was the right choice for me? How did I make the decision? Was it the right decision?.. Believe it or not, I get these questions all the time. So if you're thinking about them - it's completely normal - I'm here to help. In this podcast, I chat with my guest, Echo, about the career choices I made that brought me into the accounting profession. I hope that in sharing my experiences, I can help Echo to come to her own career decisions. I think there's value here for lots of people out there thinking about getting their careers started, or re-started. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message

Omar reached out to me on LinkedIn and asked if I had any advice on whether he should pursue an MBA or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certificate. So in typical Accounting Coach and Mentor fashion, I invited him to chat on the "Vancouver Accounting Experience" podcast! For all you accounting students and aspiring CPAs, I hope you get a lot of value out of this one. For those of you who are confused as to whether you should take a course, a program or a designation, I hope this conversation will give you some ideas to move forward. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adrianlaw/message