Spotlight on HSCPA’s Surgent CPA Review Course Grant Recipient

Cherrie Liu

By Kira Kaneshiro

The HSCPA is proud to partner with Surgent CPA Review to offer CPA candidates resources, including a grant to offset the cost of the Surgent CPA Review Course and a free mock exam. I interviewed one of the first HSCPA DEI CPA Exam Review Course Grant recipients, Cherrie Liu, to learn about her experience preparing for the exams and how the resources available supported her in obtaining her CPA designation in March 2023. Cherrie is currently a Tax Supervisor at CW Associates, CPAs.

KK: Congratulations on earning your CPA designation! Why was becoming a CPA important to you?

CL: Becoming a CPA allows me to be more confident in my abilities as an accounting professional and fulfill a sense of achievement for my career.

KK: How did you decide to pursue a career in accounting?

CL: I started off as a part-time clerk in a small accounting firm in Philadelphia when I was in college, where I discovered my interest in data analytics and a passion for problem solving. I wanted to become a trusted advisor to others when they have to make business and/or personal financial decisions.

KK: How did you prepare for the CPA exam?

CL: For the one year that I was studying for the exams, I carved out two hours each day to study. I utilized the Surgent CPA Review Course.

KK: What was the significance of the Surgent

CPA Review Course Grant in helping you to obtain your license?

CL: The journey to obtain the CPA license by itself is a huge commitment and is stressful. The grant relieved my financial stress because CPA review courses are expensive in general, so I was able to focus on my studies and did not have to worry about paying off the expensive bill for the study material.

KK: Is there anything you would like to share with someone who is considering applying for the Surgent CPA Review Course Grant?

CL: If becoming a CPA is one of your personal/career goals ultimately, you should definitely take advantage of the Surgent CPA Review Course Grant. However, the journey to becoming a CPA requires dedication and persistence, so I think you should only apply for the grant when you are ready to be committed and be prepared to give up some of your leisure time.

KK: How did the mock exam help you to prepare for your CPA exams?

CL: Practice makes perfect! The mock exam allowed me to be familiar with the exam format and to gauge the time I would need for each section of the exam.

KK: Is there anything you would like to share with someone who is considering taking the mock exam – next offering is on June 22, 2023?

CL: Definitely take advantage of it if it is available. Not only it can help you to get familiar with the live exam situation, it also allows you to gauge your readiness to take the exam.

KK: What advice would you share with students or young professionals preparing for the exam?

CL: Choose the right study tool based on your study style and schedule; Set up a study plan/ schedule and stick with it; Take advantage of any available resources, such as grants and mock exam opportunities; Let your friends and family to be part of the journey, it can eliminate distractions; Find study partners and/or mentor, so you can share helpful tips and provide emotional support to each other.

KK: What would you tell high school and college students considering a career in accounting?

CL: There are many different career paths in accounting. Don’t be afraid to take on different opportunities, it will allow you to learn aspects of different accounting roles and help you to find the path you are passionate about.

Apply for the Surgent CPA Review Course grant! Click here to apply for the Surgent CPA Review Course grant. Submit completed applications to info@hscpa.org by June 30, 2023. Sign up for the next mock CPA exam!

The mock CPA exam uses actual multiplechoice questions and simulations to replicate the format of an exam section of your choice. Exam results are available in real-time and candidates receive their ReadySCORETM and a diagnostic report showing areas of strength and weakness aligned with the Uniform CPA Examination Blueprints. The next free virtual mock CPA exam is scheduled for June 22, 2023. Click here to sign up by June 16, 2023.