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NEWS FOR THE CPA2BEdiTor, Amy E. GAEThDirector of Communications Wisconsin Institute of [email protected]

235 N. Executive Dr. • Suite 200 • Brookfield, WI 53005262-785-0445, ext. 3005 • 800-772-6939 • Fax 262-785-0838 • www.wicpa.org

in this issue• The CPA Exam: How to prepare and pass with flying colors

• 2011 job market looks bright for accountants

• Build a solid resume while attending college

• Explore five easy interview tips

• Mentor or coach: Who needs one

• Helpful communication skills for the office

A publication of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Spring 2011

continued on page 3

235 N. Executive Drive • Suite 200 • Brookfield, WI 53005262-785-0445 ext. 3006 • 800-772-6939 • Fax 262-785-0838 • www.wicpa.org

By Laura J. Kayser, CPA

I distinctly remember the day I took the last section of my CPA Exam. After almost five months of studying and

taking exams, I was done. I knew I would be waiting on pins and needles for my scores during the next month, but at that moment, I felt a great sense of relief and accomplishment. The CPA Exam was one of the biggest challenges I have faced thus far in my career, but completing it was incredibly rewarding.

The CPA Exam is a very large undertak-ing, but there are many tips I have gained

from studying and taking the exam. First and foremost, decide on when the ex-ams will be taken and make sure there is enough time to study. The order of taking the exams is also important. I decided to take the regulation section first because I thought it would be my most difficult exam. I have little experience prepar-ing taxes because I work exclusively as a financial statement auditor. I reasoned that if I took this section first, I would be fresh, motivated, and determined to study and pass the exam.

THE CPA ExAm:How to prepare and pass

with flying colors

Spring 2011

wicpa.orgnews for the cpa2b • spring 2011

In October, students across Wisconsin were asked to send us their burning questions about the CPA Exam for a new column in CPA2B. Here are the questions we received, along with responses provided by our Young Professionals Committee:

Q:

After you take all four sections of the CPA Exam,

how many hours of work experience do you need before

you get your license?

– Kristi Simons, a senior at UW-Whitewater

A:

One year of service. There is no hour requirement, but internships don’t count toward the one year of service.

Q: I have heard rumors about the format of the CPA Exam

changing in 2011. Is this true? If so, how is it changing?

– Lori Malak, Lakeland College

A:

Yes, there are going to be changes to the CPA Exam in 2011. Some of the notable changes are summarized as follows:

• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) – The format will change from all multiple choice questions to include a simulation and essay.

• NewContentandSkillSpecificationOutlines (CSOs/SSOs) will go into effect for the 2011 Exam. For example, strategic planning and operations management theory have been added to the BEC section of the exam. In addition, the professional responsibilities topic has been added to the Auditing and Attestation (AUD) section. The new CSOs can be found at www.cpa-exam.org.

• International Standards, including International Finan-cial Reporting Standards (IFRS), will be integrated into the exam questions in all four sections.

• Business Structures, currently tested in BEC, will be tested in REG.

• OperationsManagement will be tested in BEC.

For more information on the CPA Exam, go to www.nasba.org. In addition, the AICPA has created a new Website for college students, www.thiswaytocpa.org. Here you can find out more about the CPA Exam and licensure.

Q&ACPA ExAm CORNER

Belong to something

more:BECOmE AN AFFILIATE mEmBER

As you leave college to begin your accounting career, make sure you stay connected to your most valuable resource: The WICPA.

The Affiliate membership category recognizes your status as a working professional. It also retains your access to discounts for CPA Exam review courses previously available to you as a non-CPA student member.

An Affiliate membership also offers you:• Access to our marquis member events hosted by the Young

Professionals Committee:o Milwaukee Brewers Basho New CPA Welcome Dinnero CPE with Social events and more

• The opportunity to network with nearly 8,000 members• Transitioning from student to affiliate membership is easy. • Simply e-mail Leah Grunewald at [email protected] prior to

graduation.• We’ll update your profile with your new information.• You’ll receive a membership renewal notice. Affiliate member-

ship dues are $115. (Most employers cover membership dues.)

The WICPA is the best professional resource for all stages of your career. We encourage you to explore our valuable benefits and services.

For more information, contact Leah Grunewald at [email protected] or 262-785-0445 ext. 3026,

or go online www.wicpa.org/join.

news for the cpa2b • spring 2011

continued from page 1

Secondly, research and purchase CPA Exam review materials that are suited to your studying habits. Ask co-workers about the pros and cons of the review materials they used. The review courses can be very expensive, but it is also expensive to take the exam multiple times because of poor review materials. I used the Becker self-study CD review course. This course appealed to me because the Becker CPA Exam Review courses have a high success rate, and it also gave me the flexibility to study at my own pace.

I was very happy with my choice. The course includes reading material, lectures on DVD, multiple choice ques-tions, simulations, and practice exams. The books are in an easy-to-read outline format. The lectures reinforce the texts and clarify the more difficult topics. The multiple choice questions and simulations are also very help-ful. Both were useful tools in helping me gauge my understanding of the material. All questions and answers are explained, and the testing software mirrors the software of the actual CPA Exam. This was especially helpful for the simulations.

The course also provides practice ex-ams for each section of the CPA Exam. I really liked this part of the course be-cause it not only gave me an estimate on how I would score on the exam, but also allowed me to practice time man-agement. The practice exams include the same time restrictions as the actual CPA Exams. Overall, the repetitive nature of the course really reinforces the topics well. I went into each exam feeling confident and prepared. The Becker CPA Exam Review Course was essential to my success.

It is important to prepare a study schedule and stick to it. Many chal-lenges surfaced while I was preparing for and sitting for the exam. However, the biggest challenge by far was time. It takes a long time to study for this exam. There is so much material that needs to be learned and reviewed.

Most material on the exam is not overly difficult, but gaining the amount of knowledge necessary to pass the

exam can be daunting. It should be treated like a second job. I studied on average two to three hours a night during the week and five to eight hours a day on weekends. I kept to this schedule for almost five months, which allowed more than a month of study-ing for each section of the exam. The amount of time may seem intimidat-ing, but it is necessary. Once the exams have been scheduled, budget the time available between exams to make sure all of the material is covered. Make sure to budget in some time for review and practice exams as well.

Time is also a factor while taking the exam. Each section has varying time restrictions. Before sitting for each sec-tion of the exam, I would plan out how much time I was going to use for each part of the test. I tried to time it so I would have 45 minutes for each simu-lation. I then adjusted my time on the multiple choice booklets. Before taking the exam, plan out the time accord-ingly so every question and simulation can be answered. It is easy to get stuck on a difficult multiple choice question, but remember that each question is only a small part of the exam. Answer the question to the best of your ability and move on. In addition, try to avoid taking breaks during the exam unless absolutely necessary. The exam time keeps running during breaks. This is additional time that could be used to answer questions or review answers.

Finally, stay motivated. It is easy to lose the drive to study after taking a couple parts of the exam. It is impor-tant to reward yourself. Take a couple of days off from studying between exams and celebrate with family and friends. More importantly, remember the reason you are taking this exam. There are so many job opportunities available to a CPA. The CPA Exam is tough, but it’s worth the time and effort.

Laura J. Kayser, CPa is a staff accoun-tant at Kerber, Rose & Associates, S.C. in Shawano. Contact her at [email protected] or 715-526-9400.

THE CPA ExAm:Are you ready?

Growing the CPA profession is a top priority for the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs. If you are on the path to becoming a CPA, take advantage of the following discounts for Society members to help you reach your goals. Whether you want live in-struction or self-study, these providers offer you many opportunities and tools to help you.

KAPLAN CPA REvIEWWICPA members receive 30 percent off the

purchase of the Live or Self-Study Online Review Courses for one or multiple sections ($279.30 per section or $979.30 for all four sections). A special discount code, which can be obtained in your WICPA membership packet or by contacting the WICPA Membership Department (800-772-6939), is needed to purchase online (http://www.schwe-

ser.com/portal/) or by phone (800-CPA-2DAY).

BECKER CPA REvIEWWhen you become a student member of the

WICPA, you will receive a $300 discount off the regular tuition of Becker’s in-class, online or CD-ROM CPA Review Course. The WICPA will forward your name to Becker, who will issue you a $300 voucher for the course. Live courses are starting soon in Milwaukee, Madison, and Whitewater! http://www.beckercpa.com/

ExAmmATRIx CPA ExAm REvIEWWICPA members spend less than $700! Course

includes software, books, realistic simulations, simulated exams and pass or refund guarantee.

ExamMatrix’s “Adaptive Learning” Exam Review software ensures every study session is tailor-made to your personalized study needs, optimizing your valuable time. Our powerful software continually evaluates your unique strengths and weaknesses in each subject area, focusing your studying on subject areas of dif-ficulty. For more information, visit www.Exammatrix.com/WI-CPA


Accounting

AICPA launches This Way to CPA Website

The AICPA’s new website, ThisWaytoCPA.com, aids college accounting students and CPA candidates in their pursuit of careers in accounting. The site offers a “virtual vault of accounting wisdom” for aspiring CPAs. Full of career tips, exam preparation strategies and more, ThisWaytoCPA.com helps guide students and exam candidates through their journey to becoming a CPA.

Here are just a few of the many dynamic features you may want to share with your student and academic members:

• Salary Calculator allows students to gauge their financial futures.

• Find Your Fit tool shows students where they’ll fit best in the profes-sion.

• Exam Guidance provides tips and timelines to help students conquer the CPA Exam.

• Interview Simulation gives students a chance to hone their interview skills.

• State Requirements offers details on becoming a CPA in each of the 50 states and U.S. territories, including information on exam and state-licensure requirements, residency, number of hours of edu-cation and experience, academic degree, age, and ethics.

AccountingWEB announces 2011 accounting student scholarship program

AccountingWEB, the Website dedi-cated to providing news and resourc-es for members of the accounting profession, has announced its 2011 AccountingWEB Student Scholar-ship Program, offered to accounting majors across North America.

Three scholarships will be awarded to students who are declared account-ing majors based on the submission of a brief essay not to exceed 500 words. The topic for the 2011 scholarship is, “There’s an App for That.” Students applying for the scholarship must have already completed at least one semester or two trimesters of full-time college and must be declared accounting majors, effective fall of 2011. Both undergraduate and gradu-ate students are eligible.

The $1,000 scholarship is a one-time award, payable to the education-al institution where winning stu-dents are in attendance as full-time students, have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and who are declared account-ing majors. Transcripts are required as evidence of status.

Applications will be accepted through March 31. Winners will be selected by May 6, notified shortly thereafter, and announced to the pub-lic on June 15. For information, go to: http://www.accountingweb.com/topic/education-careers/accountingweb-announces-2011-accounting-student-scholarship-program.

Book reveals the inside track to accounting careers

Students, young CPAs, and future business leaders can learn about the career paths available for accounting professionals in today’s economy in a book published by the AICPA. “The Inside Track to Careers in Account-ing,” includes career interviews from more than 50 CPAs specializing in public practice, business and industry, and government as well as the steps toward building a business as a sole practitioner.

Readers will learn how to:

• Select an accounting program at a college or university.

• Find their first job.• Navigate the certification process.• Compare career choices using the

detailed job descriptions, typical salary ranges, and career paths.

To purchase the book, go to www.cpa2biz.com/insidetrack. The cost is $59.00 for AICPA members; $73.75 for non-members.

career resources

Looking for that perfect fit?

WICPA Career C e n t e r

wicpa.org/CareerCenter

WICPA Career Center is the accounting industry’s resource for online employment connections.

Whether you’re looking for a new job, or ready to take the next step in your career, we’ll help you find the opportunity that’s right for you.

To find a job, visit wicpa.org/CareerCenter today.

An easier way to find a job. A better way to fill a position.


Becker Professional Education has helped accounting professionals pass the CPA Exam with confidence for more than 50 years. With Becker you can:

· Pass at double the rate of non-Becker candidates*

· Join over 400,000 successful candidates who prepared with Becker

· Tailor our program to the demands of your busy life with live, online and self-study formats

Becker’s FastPass and regularly paced Live classes are available in Milwaukee and Madison.

Visit becker.com/cpa to view schedules and enroll.

* Becker Professional Education students pass at twice the rate of all CPA exam candidates who did not take a review course from Becker, based on averages of AICPA-published pass rates. Date verified by an independent third-party firm.

©2011 DeVry/Becker Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.

®

PREPARED FOR

welcome new membersNicholas J. Allen, University of Wisconsin-PlattevilleFrank D. Barrie, University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeKevin Block, University of Wisconsin-Green BayRyan Broker, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterJill Brown, Marquette UniversityKeith Chmielewski, Marquette UniversityColette Countryman, Waukesha County Technical CollegeJennifer L. Eberhardy, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterJon L. Eckenrod, University of PhoenixAndrew D. Faust, University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeKaylin N. Flynn, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterPeter J. Gervais, Lakeland CollegeAmanda Gilbertson, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterEric R. Gronroos, Marquette UniversityCasey D. Haime, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterSavanna K. Hansen, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterDanielle L. Hull, Marian UniversityAnna-Lisa E. Hunter, MosineeNadine F. Inman, Pleasant PrairieJamie Jakubowski, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterCarey R. Jungkuntz, Waukesha County Technical CollegeHenry J. Knutson, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterDebra Kozeniecki, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterTyler C. Lange, University of Wisconsin-ParksideAndrew S. Marschall, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterTodd J. Paprocki, University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMayur Ranpara, Winnebago CountyKelli M. Schleis, Kerry AmericasPaul J. Schwartz, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterNancy G. Sherman, Lakeland CollegeKristi J. Simons-Boviall, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWilliam C. Smith, Lakeland CollegeRoss Stadelman, SVA Certified Public AccountantsAngela C. Thomas, University of Wisconsin HospitalsElizabeth Uecker, University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterSarah A. Van Slambrouck, Innovative Services, Inc.Mary F. Walls, Lakeland CollegeRachael C. Wendt, University of PhoenixErin Young, Marquette UniversityMichael A. Young II, Herzing University

membership


The job market for accounting and finance profes-

sionals is looking somewhat brighter in 2011. Public

accounting firms and corporate accounting and finance

departments recognize that these employees are at the

heart of an organization’s ability to ensure positive cash

flow, capitalize on business opportunities, maintain ac-

curate financial records and produce insightful data for

decision making.

According to the 2011 Salary Guide from robert half,

employers are seeking skilled professionals who can

perform core accounting activities and support growth

initiatives. many firms cut their staff levels deeply dur-

ing the economic downturn, which has resulted in the

need to bring in additional resources at the first sign of

improving business demand.

brightBy Robert Half International

2011 jOB mARKETlooks bright

for accountants

The hiring environment in the United States

Much of the workforce expansion of accounting and finance professionals that is taking place is driven by necessity, as existing staff can no longer manage ris-ing workloads or turnover has occurred in key roles and replacement workers are needed. As conditions steady and improve, hiring should become more broad-based.

Employment in the financial services sector is strength-ening, with large banks and investment banking firms on Wall Street driving the improvement. Most of the hiring in public accounting is occurring in response to pressing needs and mostly concentrated in tax and audit. Firms are beginning to restore some staff positions cut during the downturn.

A growing number of employers are responding to in-creased business activity by bringing in project profession-als, often on a temporary-to-hire basis until the economic forecast becomes more predictable. This strategy allows firms to meet fluctuating demand for products and ser-vices, alleviate pressures on current employees, maintain staffing flexibility, and control costs more effectively.


Following are other trends shaping the hiring environment:• Recruitingchallenges: Despite

high unemployment levels, many companies are finding that locating the precise talent they need can be challenging. Hiring managers have exacting requirements and are taking the time necessary to find pro-fessionals who have the ideal combination of skills, experi-ence and cultural fit.

• Retentionconcerns: Employ-ers will need to increase their focus on retaining key staff members. Employees who believe their contributions are undervalued are likely to consider other opportunities as the job market improves. In a Robert Half survey, 44 percent of workers said they are more inclined to look for a new posi-tion outside of their current firm as a result of their experi-ences during the recession.

• Compensationstabilizing:Companies have started to lift salary freezes and restore pay cuts. Still, compensation remains under pressure, with modest growth in starting salaries projected for most ac-counting and finance positions.

• Reformeffect: Recently passed financial reforms that will affect banks, investment firms and credit rating agencies are likely to spur demand for professionals with regulatory and compliance backgrounds. For instance, the U.S. Securi-ties and Exchange Commission plans to significantly expand its staff as it begins the process of implementing and enforcing new rules. Also, some account-ing firms see the potential for increased business as reforms take effect.

What employers seek• Versatileskills:Profession-

als who can perform a variety of accounting tasks remain in demand as companies continue to expect maximum value from every employee.

• Professionalcredentials: With employers intent on hiring the most highly skilled candidates, those with professional certi-fications have a pronounced advantage. The certified public accountant (CPA) remains the most in-demand credential. Other commonly requested designations include the char-tered financial analyst (CFA), certified internal auditor (CIA) and certified management accountant (CMA). A master’s degree in business administra-tion (MBA) is often an expecta-tion for senior finance roles.

• Technologyexpertise: Strong technical skills and aptitude with company-specific soft-ware applications are criti-cal. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access and expertise with enterprise re-source planning systems, busi-ness intelligence software and financial reporting applications are commonly requested. In ad-dition, small businesses often seek candidates proficient with Intuit QuickBooks.

• Communicationskills:Firms want to hire people who have both strong analytical and communication skills to help with conducting detailed financial and cost analyses and interpreting the data to both financial and non-financial audiences

Positions in greatest demand

BUSINESS ANALySTS: As companies seek to maximize their computer systems to improve efficiencies and profitability, business systems analysts are in demand by organizations of all sizes. Their expertise is needed to enhance existing systems and to leverage new hardware and software.

FINANCIAL ANALySTS: Businesses need staff with expertise in evaluating financial plans, forecasts and budgets and identifying opportunities to boost profits. Senior financial analysts who can effectively communicate their analyses to management and assess borrowing structures to ensure competitive funding costs are highly valued.

CONTROLLERS: Organizations are adding controllers and assistant controllers to oversee accounting operations, enhance accounting and internal control systems, and assist with growth initiatives.

STAFF ANd SENIOR ACCOUNTANTS: Companies are hiring accountants with two or more years of experience to perform a range of essential du-ties, such as maintaining the general ledger, compiling financial reports, and overseeing areas such as payroll and accounts payable and receivable.

TAx ACCOUNTANTS: New accounting standards such as FIN 48 and FAS 109 have kept demand steady for tax accountants who can help companies ensure compliance with changing rules and apply cost-saving tax strategies.

ACCOUNTING CLERKS: Versatile accounting clerks and bookkeeping profes-sionals, especially those with college degrees, are seeing broad-based demand from companies looking to add to their core accounting teams.

BILLING/COLLECTIONS STAFF: Companies are hiring staff who can improve collections and cash flow. In some markets, professionals with expertise in billing and collections for medical accounts are in particularly strong demand.

For further information about hiring trends, download a free copy of the 2011 Salary Guide from Robert Half atwww.accountemps.com/salarycenter.


You’re working hard for your degree: studying, learn-ing the accounting profession, and taking the initiative to get involved in outside organizations. Now, it’s time to market yourself to secure the job of your choice. You need the basics: a degree, experience, accomplishments, a resume summarizing these things, and most impor-tant, networking skills.

Creating a solid resume is a serious undertaking. It’s your chance to make a first impression and inspire a prospective employer to interview you. Simply applying online and distributing resumes doesn’t guarantee an interview. You need to make an impression. Making this impression before sending the resume is key to your job search success.

developing a solid resumeA resume is a document that summarizes relevant ex-

perience and education. Be sure to highlight your:

• Experience. For each position you’ve held, describe the dates you worked, your title, and the responsibili-ties for which you were accountable. Include volun-teer and extracurricular activities as well, if relevant to your degree, or if they show initiative or leader-ship.

• Achievements. Within or separate from your experi-ence, describe your achievements — a critical part of your resume. Accounting firms today are look-ing for those with leadership experience, outside involvement and activities that provide you with the opportunity to build people skills. Today, it’s rare for a firm to seek a 4.0 student who is not involved in any outside activities. We are looking for students who led, started, participated, developed and sold. Showing that you enjoy being around others suggests that you’ll enjoy working with co-workers, clients and prospects. The skills learned during your extracur-ricular involvement should be described as succinctly as possible.

• Education. Finally, you should briefly describe your education.

marketing yourself and your hard work

a solid resumebuilding

By Diane L. Roundy, MBA

RESUmE 101:


It is important to use action words — like organized, led, managed, developed, participated, attended and wrote — when describing your experience and achievements. Action words demonstrate energy and a drive to succeed.

Sharing a resume is only one component of the job search. Network-ing and setting the stage in advance of submitting your resume is the key to finding your most desirable job. Whether you are meeting potential employers at a social, at school functions, for an internship interview or for a permanent prospective job, preparing beforehand and following up are critical to your success.

How to work a room“The Ultimate Guide to Savvy Socializing in Person and Online,” by

Susan RoAne (Collins, 2000) is a great book about how a little planning prior to arrival and effort once you arrive, can make a great impact on the effectiveness of your meet and greets. Here are a few network-ing tips to consider when attending an event:

• Prior to your arrival, prepare for your presence• Consider who’s going to be at the event and who do you want to

talk to• Prepare a few things you can talk about • Plan your introduction: “Hi, I am Sharon, student from UW–

School and I’m an accounting major with a minor in marketing.”

Arrival• Bring paper (a note card in your pocket will do) and a pen

(to write down items you need to follow up on). • Wear your name tag on the right so it’s visible

when shaking hands. • Remember eye contact and smile

(avoid a “roving eye” during a conversation). • Make sure your handshake conveys confidence.• Enter the room with confidence.

Keys to a lively conversation• Stay educated on news in the local area, nationally,

and in the industry.• Read newsletters and professional journals.• Use tasteful and timely humor.

Find out the interviewer’s name(s) before an event or interview. Research them and the company. Think about conversation ideas and questions you can ask.

Asking for permissionAsking for permission to follow up is much more effective than

asking for an interview. The potential employer is going to be much more likely to say “yes” to a follow up request. Once you gain permission, you have an opportunity to implement your personal marketing strategy.

Rather than simply submitting your resume and hoping for the best, take a proactive approach to promoting your abilities. I believe it takes at least seven “touches” before an employer will consider

marketing yourself and your hard work

hiring you. If you embrace this, you can develop your own personal “seven touch approach” and maintain your motivation throughout the job search process. Examples of “touches” could be: 1. Meet the person for the first time. 2. Provide a student business card or another way for

the employer to reach you.3. Send a handwritten note within 24 hours. 4. Send your resume.5. Follow up with a phone call. A voicemail is OK.6. Send follow up email with pertinent information. “It

was very nice to meet you.” 7. Investigate the potential employer’s Website and the

interviewer. What can you find out about them via LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or other social media tools that you can comment on? Depending on what you find, make another touch.

8. Use social media to find alumni of your school who can help you learn about the firm of your choice and get an interview.

9. Use your entire network — parents, parents’ friends, siblings, former bosses, etc. to help you get in to a company — who or what do they know that could help you?

10. Make sure your social media profiles are up-to-date, accurate, and professional so that interviewers can learn about you.

In summaryYour resume is a key part of your job search — make

sure it presents your abilities and achievements in the best light possible. Ask your business contacts (especially if they’re working in the accounting industry or are re-sponsible for hiring) to provide feedback on your resume. In addition, to make your job search more productive, make sure you take the time to develop relationships with interviewers and other accounting professionals so they come to know you, your personality and your skills. While your technical skills are very important, what will set you apart are the aspects of your personality that make you you. Share your strengths and continue to de-velop yourself while building connections who can help you succeed.

Diane L. rounDy, MBA serves as director of Business Development for Schenck SC, an accounting and auditing firm with nine locations located throughout Wisconsin. She has been with the company for the past 13 years. Contact Diane at [email protected] or 920-996-1381.


Nicholas J. Allen, UW-PlattevilleAndrew D. Andrich, UW-Stevens PointSuzanne Baierl, Marquette UniversityIsabel Bartos, UW-MadisonKevin Block, UW-Green Bay; WICPA College AmbassadorJill Brown, Marquette University; WICPA College AmbassadorJessica Burg, UW-WhitewaterJisi Chen, UW-WhitewaterChristopher M. Colla, Marquette UniversityJamie R. Dudarenke, Marian College of Fond du LacJennifer L. Eberhardy, UW-WhitewaterJon L. Eckenrod, University of PhoenixKaylin N. Flynn, UW-WhitewaterAna Glaaser, UW-WhitewaterCasey D. Haime, UW-WhitewaterKelly S. Heilert, Ottawa UniversityKelcey Hoehnen, UW-WhitewaterKourtney Hunt, UW-WhitewaterHenry J. Knutson, UW-WhitewaterAleece Koller, UW-MilwaukeeTyler C. Lange, UW-ParksideBethany Manteufel, UW-WhitewaterAndrew S. Marschall, UW-WhitewaterAlexander Matveev, UW-WhitewaterTodd J. Paprocki, UW-MilwaukeeDaniel Pfankuch, UW-WhitewaterMichael Phalin, UW-WhitewaterNicole Rudolph, UW-WhitewaterNancy G. Sherman, Lakeland CollegePaul Stock, UW-OshkoshNicholas J. Sullivan, UW-MilwaukeeIsaac Thiel, UW-WhitewaterChris Vitella, UW-OshkoshTracy Werner, UW-Whitewater; WICPA College AmbassadorJames Zenisek, UW-MilwaukeeJennifer Ziegler, Marian College of Fond du Lac

*This list is comprised of WICPA Student members who have indicated to the WICPA their graduation date.

Congratulations graduates!The following students will graduate this spring

from their respective universities. We wish you

great success as you begin your accounting career!


1. Look the partSince first impressions are important, look-

ing the part of a CPA is the best way to start your interview. Dress as a professional who is ready to start their career. Wear a suit if you have one or other professional attire. Men should be clean-shaven. Women should dress conservatively. Also, make sure that your cell phone is off, or leave it in the car. It is embarrassing to have your phone ring in the middle of class, but it is even worse during an interview.

2. do your researchBe sure you know about the company

with which you are interviewing. Visit the company’s Website, and conduct a simple Internet search to see if they have been in the news lately, especially if it was for something positive or innovative. Being up to date on the current events of the company shows the

interviewer that you work hard and actually want to be a part of their organization.

3. Practice makes perfectPractice your interview skills just as you

do your problems over and over again to understand the concepts. Attend job fairs to improve your communication skills or set up mock interviews with friends. It may sound silly, but having a general idea of what an interview is like can help settle your nerves during the real thing. Search online for a list of common interview questions and think about answers beforehand. Apply and do as many interviews as you can. It’s a great way to practice your interview skills, and you never know when you will find the perfect fit.

4. Be honestBe honest. Never lie in an interview. If

you do not know the answer to a question, then admit it. The accounting profession is

bound by a code of ethics. The AICPA Code of Professional Conduct states that a CPA should “exercise sensitive professional and moral judgments in all their activities.” Moral judg-ment and honesty should be a practice that is followed before you start your career.

5. Be yourselfUltimately, just be you. Companies are

looking at more than just your educational and professional work experience. They also want to make sure that you fit into their corporate culture. Remember, you are the one being interviewed, and you are trying to sell yourself to the interviewers.

Following these few simple tips can help you prepare for an interview and curb the anxiety before it starts. While these tips may sound simple, implementing them can make the difference between landing the job or still looking for one.

TraCy Werner is a WICPA College Ambassador and student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewa-ter. Contact her at [email protected] or 414-828-1736.

interviewing

tipsBy Tracy Werner

Explorefive easy

Interviewing can be a scary experience whether you’re a college stu-

dent seeking an internship or a young professional looking for your first

job after college. The best way to relieve your anxiety is to be prepared

before you go into the interview. Here are five simple things that you can

do to help you succeed in an interview.


mentor or coach: Who needs one and when?

By Thuy Barron, CPA


Ithinkeveryonewouldagreethatit

isinvaluabletohaveasupportive

mentor in your life, especially in your

professional career.

Having a great mentor to share experiences and insights with helps guide you in your career, expand your network and open new opportunities. A good mentor is a sounding board who can help you choose the best path in your career.

I have been fortunate to have some very good mentors during my professional career. Some come from informal connections and others through formal leadership and mentoring programs at my organiza-tion, Deloitte.

Deloitte recognizes that mentoring is critical to our personal development and career advancement and provides tools to develop and sustain strong men-toring relations. The organization offers programs, web-based tutorials, and specific national and regional mentoring programs. My experiences with my men-tors and participating in mentoring programs at Deloitte really expanded my personal and professional development.

Connecting with a mentor is a great opportunity to learn about myself and the organization. I have formal and informal mentors both above me and in my peer group who help guide me through my goals and personal performance development. I have a great relationship with them and trust their feedback.

There are many opportunities at my organization to participate in mentoring opportunities; some by ar-rangement and some by invitation. One such example is the Midwest Mentoring program offered in our office.

This program pairs emerging manager leaders with experienced leaders in our region. Its purpose is to support career progression and improve communica-tion. It also facilitates networking among leadership and provides access to knowledge and leadership per-spective. This program is only one example of many that supports the development of a mentoring culture at Deloitte. It is a yearlong program with the overall group meeting at three times during the program and the mentor and protégé meeting about once a month. Guidelines and mentoring coaches are provided for a successful mentoring relationship.

I was really fortunate to participate in this program where I collaborated with one of our partners from

the Chicago office. I truly appreciated her commit-ment to develop our relationship and really appreci-ated having someone who listened to me and was in my corner. I believe my relationship with her changed my professional path and gave me renewed apprecia-tion for my organization. She was a great role model, a great listener and was very supportive yet practical. She challenged me. I believe that’s what a great men-tor should do. The opportunity was a stepping stone for further growth that expanded my development and opportunities at my organization.

Finding a mentor does not have to be in a formal mentoring program. I was also fortunate to apply for and be accepted into a leadership program at my organization called the Ellen Gabriel Fellows program. This national program was focused on leadership development through organized learning programs and special projects. Although this program was not intended to be a mentoring program, one of its ultimate outcomes for me was having a mentor at the highest level of my organization. My relationship with him expanded my network and gave me a new way to view and approach things.

The best mentors oftentimes come in the informal relationship building or sometimes in formal arranged matching. I’ve been lucky to connect with mentors both informally and formally. Don’t be afraid to seek out the opportunities and programs within your organization. Don’t expect that every mentor relation-ship will fit all your needs. It may take more than one mentor. Be open to the informal occasion to meet new people. You may be surprised how a relationship may start with just a hello in the elevator or discussion at the coffee station.

If you are in a mentor relationship, be really engaged and committed to making it work. If there’s no buy-in from mentor and/or protégé, then it’s re-ally difficult to develop the relationship further. Set realistic goals for your relationship, such as time com-mitment and expectations, so you can have an honest discussion with each other. Be open minded and will-ing to receive positive and constructive feedback. If your mentor can’t tell you, who can?

Thuy Barron, CPa is a senior tax manager at Deloitte Tax LLP in Milwaukee. Contact her at [email protected] or 414-977-2505.

Who needs one and when?


Helpful

communication

skills

for the office

In order to succeed in the current business environment,

a young professional not needs to demonstrate technical ability,

and to show proficiency in his or her oral and written

communication skills. I would like to share with you some skills

I have learned through giving speeches in Toastmasters

(www.toastmasters.org), which I have adapted to the

workplace and have improved my job performance.

By Ed M. Thelen, CPA


Maintaingood eye contact

Have you ever come away from a presenta-tion disappointed because a speaker was look-ing at their notes all of the time? Or to only look at a few individuals, ignoring the rest of the audience?

This can also be an issue at work, whether you are speaking during a group meeting or you need to have a meeting with another individual. In the latter situation, another problem could arise where you are constantly looking at the other person, and it feels like a staring contest.

When presenting information to a group, I make sure to pick out certain spots in the room to allow me to give eye contact to the audience. Everyone feels engaged in the presentation, and I earn credibility as the speaker. In an individual meeting, I make sure to take appropriate notes or look at the files or schedules we are reviewing to divert atten-tion briefly away from the other person. This also creates a more respectful and engaging environment.

Avoiddistracting mannerisms

I have listened to many speeches where the quality was diminished because a speaker was exhibiting a behavior, probably uncon-sciously, that impeded me from receiving the full impact of the speech. Some examples of this include the wringing or clasping of one’s hands, playing with a laser pointer intended to help clarify certain points of a presenta-tion, or tapping your fingers. I have had to work on eliminating some of the above man-nerisms.

Think about when you have to give a pre-sentation in class with a group of people. Do you put your hands in your pockets or fidget with your pen and paper? These distractions will not allow you to get your message across effectively.

To avoid making distracting mannerisms, I use a couple strategies. First, I sit up straight in my chair to avoid looking disinterested. Then, I set my pen on top of my notepad in my lap when I am not using it and rest my hands at my sides. Using these strategies keep me attentive to my boss, and she is more receptive to the input I offer.

Use a pause to speak clearly

Have you ever been annoyed when someone rushed through a presentation or stuttered with a lot of filler words such as “ah,” “um,” “like,” or “you know?” After many years in Toastmasters, I still encounter difficulties with some of these filler words.

You may encounter some of these difficul-ties at school or work if you are trying to provide a response to a question someone has asked you. It might be a difficult question that you have been asked or one that requires a detailed, formulated response. The solution is to take a short pause, maybe up to five to 10 seconds, to organize a response to the ques-tion you have been asked. This is a difficult skill to master, because people generally feel awkward or uncomfortable when there is silence in a meeting.

In the past year, my supervisor has assigned me a lot more ad hoc projects to research. After we discuss the results of the research I have put together, many times my boss asks me, “What is your recommendation on this issue?” I normally have some idea of how I’ll respond, but I still pause for a few seconds before providing a recommendation and sup-porting points. By mastering the pause, I have demonstrated thoughtful responses while considering the implications of my research. As a result, my supervisor expects quality input from me.

By Ed M. Thelen, CPA

I encourage everyone to work on these three skills – maintain eye contact, avoiding

distracting mannerisms, and using a pause to gather your thoughts when the op-

portunity arises at work. Mastering these skills will take some conscious effort, but

you will appear more polished and in control. It will also allow you to convey your

thoughts more effectively and stand out in the workplace compared to those who

cannot communicate as well.

eD M. TheLen, CPa is a financial analyst at Humana, Inc. in Waukesha. Contact him at [email protected] or 262-951-2652.

That 9 dollar lunch is worth more than you think. Like 19,000 dollars more.

Pack your own lunch instead of going out. $6 saved a day x 5 days a week x 10 years x 6% interest = $19,592. That could be money in your pocket. Small changes today. Big bucks tomorrow. Go to feedthepig.org for free savings tips.

Thank you to our CPA2B sponsors. Without these firms, this publication wouldn’t be possible. Make sure to visit their websites to learn more about the firm as well as career opportunities!

RitzHolman CPAswww.ritzholman.com

Komisar, Brady & Co., LLP www.komisarbrady.com

Wisconsin CPA firmssponsor CPA2B


Student membership is designed to involve and connect future leaders of the profession to today’s leading professionals. Student members have the opportunity to network with professionals who interview and hire on campus. The WICPA offers networking oppor-tunities and other valuable membership benefits that can help jump start your career.

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Student membership available

That 9 dollar lunch

is worth more than you think.

Like 19,000 dollars more.

Pack your own lunch instead of going out.

$6 saved a day x 5 days a week x

10 years x 6% interest = $19,592.

That could be money in your pocket.

Small changes today. Big bucks tomorrow.

AICPAF O U N D A T I O N

Go to

feedthepig.org

for free savings tips.

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