Chartered Professional Accountants Bermuda (CPA) 3

How do you become a CPA?

designation is earned. Every year many Bermudians successfully pass the exam, gaining a stronger grip on the direction of their future. Here are the stories of four such young Bermudians.

passed. I cried. I was a little bit in shock but also very excited at the same time." says it would be, "To create a work/life balance and also take at least one day a week to recuperate and do things I enjoy. Also, to be kinder to myself, and don't doubt myself because I can do it. And I did!"

When was attending Bermuda High School, she had a great accounting teacher, Ms. Redford, who math and was interested in business, so someday I knew that once I graduated, I was going to study accounting at university, then the next step would be the CPA.”

She earned her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. “I knew Canada was a good place to get my degree as my sister had gone to Wilfrid Laurier University. My sister talked with PwC’s David Gibbons (Partner and her previous manager) and he recommended going to a university in the Ontario area.”

“I worked at PwC in its Headstart Programme for a summer, and I have been working at global insurance company Enstar for most of my career.” but that was not until the following summer, and prior to that department at Enstar, where she had been employed during some summer breaks from university.

The accounting courses were crucial foundations for Michelle’s success, but she says “You don’t have to go to university to get the CPA, but it helps in laying the foundations.”

Bermuda College provided the starting blocks for to become an accountant and earn her CPA. She took an accounting course and says "I enjoyed the class, and I felt like I was good at it, which made me want to pursue an of pursuing an accounting designation and how companies in Bermuda are looking for Bermudian accountants."

She adds that she could continue along her auditing path, her own business, like her father, who owns a construction company. to Mount Saint Vincent University in Canada, and earned a bachelor's degree in business with a major in accounting and a work for PwC.

Why did she choose PwC? "I had worked at PwC previously as a co-op student. I really enjoyed the environment there, everyone is so friendly." "They were also very understanding when I said, 'I have to study

She says studying during COVID restrictions was both a blessing and a curse. “There were fewer distractions, but I also struggled. I would work all day, then study evenings, all while sitting in the same exact spot. That was very challenging, but I adjusted." just trying to stay positive. I studied all summer leading up to the exams in September. When I received the news that I had

her road through the exams was slightly more complicated, but she had great support from CPA Atlantic. “They answered all my questions, they were very approachable and responsive. Enstar was also very supportive and accommodating during my studies.”

What would Michelle’s advice be to someone studying for the CPA? “Make a schedule and stick to it. What worked for me was waking up very early and getting to work to write and review my notes. Committing to a schedule is important.”

She added that right before the exam, Enstar encouraged opportunity for success. “Every day, from 9 to 5, I was studying. self-discipline to do that.” my bike and went over to my mom and popped open a bottle of champagne. There is no better feeling. My sisters called, and accomplished.”

, 29, is thankful to a colleague and his company for helping him pass the CPA exams. "I would like to thank my working colleague and friend who wasn't my Arthur Morris & Co., which stuck by me through my studies and personal life challenges."

“I was blessed to have had industry experience before perspective that enhanced how I viewed and handled my job. I always say that knowledge building from the onset is better learned doing than reviewing. The real world is challenging and public duties, we must emphasise the need to be better and do better for future generations."

Justin, a graduate of St. Mary’s University with a commerce degree with a major in accounting and a minor in political science, stressed that he is thankful to be a CPA. "I thank my company for constantly reminding us students to work normal hours throughout the whole year (yes, that includes busy season) and to maintain our mental health while going through the programme.

He concluded, "Life isn't easy, but if we can make the path a little bit smoother for the next person coming along while continuing to enhance the requirements and knowledge levels,

's path to becoming an accountant wasn't as Alyssa was studying business at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada. It wasn't until halfway through university that she knew what she wanted to be. "I took business and accounting courses and liked them.”

Alyssa, 24, had multiple job interviews, "But the recruiter at KPMG, Wanda Armstrong, was very enthusiastic, kind and made me feel comfortable."

She said KPMG was fantastic as she studied for her CPA. "It people providing help and support."

KPMG provided a week of paid study leave just prior to the exams. "KPMG was very understanding of study schedules. A study schedule was sent out to our managers, so they knew who was taking the exams, so that we could prioritise studying.”

Alyssa praises Hugh Vickers and Adam Senos for helping her prepare for the exams. "They gave me a lot of advice on how to manage stress and anxiety. They told me what to focus on to study. They helped me with anything I may have been struggling with."

Alyssa says that for people who may be taking the exam, her advice would be "to relax before the exam. The week before my exam, I didn't study, and I didn't want the stress and anxiety of looking at my notes. If you have been studying diligently for the past two years, you know what to do." "I was so nervous leading up to the results," Alyssa says. "I was shaking. When I knew I had passed, I was so relieved. I was grateful and ran into my mom's room all excited. I was on track for the career I had planned."

She recommends that everyone who gets an accounting degree also get a CPA. There are a lot of things you see that you don't see in a lot of courses in university. It also looks very good to anyone hiring as it proves you have the discipline and focus to do the exams, so it will further your career."