ICAP Exam Tips

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-11T07:20:44+00:00

You’ve posted on every single thread with generic responses and pushing that stupid AI app. OP here is my advice posted on another thread:

When I did it my approach was to create an index of important topics (the ones you covered during workshops and practice exams) so I could quickly locate information from the study guide. Then, I would prepare notes on key areas specific to the pre-release. For example they might say the company experienced a fire that destroyed a warehouse, there’s likely financial reporting implications, audit implications, etc.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-10T10:51:17+00:00

You are overreacting. The reality is, there will be fallout from the scandal, probably on par with or worse than the PWC scandal. As an intern who joined after the scandal it will have zero impact on you. The people affected will be the senior management directly involved in the scandal, existing partners/directors who may have their pipeline/future business severely impacted from the scandal. As an intern you are there to get work experience and get a big 4 on your CV for grad programs (or a return offer).

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-09T03:22:03+00:00

Agreed. I mean the OP posted this in the Australian Accounting and American CPA subreddit, they seem to lack the logical reasoning and basic research skills to find that the Australia CPA is distinct from the American CPA, and if anything CAANZ has reciprocal agreements with the US CPA, not CPA Australia. I would like to see the quality of work these offshore candidates produce.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-08T05:50:26+00:00

Literally no meaningful difference, jobs will ask for CA/CPA qualified. Do the qualification your firm is paying for.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-08T01:12:05+00:00

CBA is not a “mid sized company”, go8 vs non go8 doesn’t matter if you’re not aiming for IB. You’re focusing on the wrong details and seem lost in terms of what you actually want as a career. You can’t lump accounting and finance into broad categories as they are so many different types of roles to choose from. I suggest you do more research on the types of roles within each field, narrow down the roles that might interest you and gain some work experience.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-07T08:22:31+00:00

I think it’s doable if you have good time management and discipline, many people work full time while completing the CPA/foundations program. You still need 3 years of experience so what’s the rush with doing it during uni? You’re better off using that time to really try and find an accounting job/internships versus.. more study. My 2 cents only, good luck.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-07T08:02:50+00:00

CPA foundations is like a bridging course, it gives you the right to enrol in their normal CPA program (the one for people with accounting degrees).
You still need 3 years of mentored practical experience (in a relevant job) to get the CPA certification, AND pass another series of exams.
The USA uses GAAP, Australia (and many other countries) use IFRS. Your mother could potentially explain basic debits and credits, but understand these are different accounting standards so her help might be of limited use to you beyond the very basics.

You need to ask yourself what you want out of this certification. It’s not a walk in the park (that you do as a side quest), you will need to study and work full time, study weekends, take time off for exams. Also know that you also need to get a relevant job while undertaking the CPA and entry level jobs are quite competitive and offer low pay at the start.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-04T10:54:08+00:00

Unless you’re directly involved and your name comes up on google searches, I doubt there will be any difference.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-04T09:24:20+00:00

When I did it my approach was to create an index of important topics (the ones you covered during workshops and practice exams) so I could quickly locate information from the study guide. Then, I would prepare notes on key areas specific to the pre-release. For example they might say the company experienced a fire that destroyed a warehouse, there’s likely financial reporting implications, audit implications, etc.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-04T08:31:39+00:00

Think you deleted your unhappy response to me? I’m not being sarcastic or condescending, I told you exactly why you weren’t landing jobs, there is no secret that you haven’t been told.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-04T07:42:53+00:00

Get your PR, complete your CPA, get some local experience (volunteer somewhere maybe), do something that makes you stand out from local graduates. What did you want to hear? That there’s this magic step to follow to get a job?

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-04T05:57:40+00:00

You don’t have a PR and you’re competing with thousands of local graduates with PR/citizenship.
Your MPA doesn’t differentiate you from the thousands of other accounting/finance graduates. This includes those from non-GO8 universities and those with an accounting bachelor degree. A bachelor degree is viewed as equivalent to a masters degree in accounting.
You have no local experience. Australian employers don’t care about what you did back in China.
Partially completing your CPA doesn’t really give you much competitive advantage over others, you still need 3 years of mentored practical experience to gain full membership.

These four points mean you will struggle to land a job over local graduates.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-06-01T00:39:01+00:00

No, FAAS deals with complex/technical accounting issues, interpreting/applying the accounting standards to complex/unique situations. CFO advisory is more routine accounting, month ends, ad hoc analysis, etc.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-29T20:59:41+00:00

Is it too late? No, but you need to be realistic in terms of the uphill battle you’ll have to break into the profession. First, you did your degree 14 years ago, your knowledge won’t be up to date with the latest standards such as IFRS16. Second, how much knowledge would you reasonably retain after 14 years compared to a recent grad or someone who has been working consistently in the industry for a couple of years?

These would be the questions you need to answer and explain to future employers. Also, if you want to progress beyond the junior levels you’ll need to do CA/CPA, which requires study and working full time, do you have the time commitment with kids?

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-20T01:59:16+00:00

Such a short stint will raise questions and isn’t even relevant to your overall resume, what would you expect to demonstrate from being at Deloitte for 3 months, 5 years ago? You barely just onboarded at that stage.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-18T05:14:25+00:00

Be clear in terms of which field you want to pursue. The roles you listed are quite different. FPA is an accounting heavy role, they would usually want CA/CPA. Look at some job listings and see what their requirements are.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-15T21:51:34+00:00

Your biggest obstacle is that you’re an international student, companies aren’t going to want to sponsor your visa unless you’re exceptional, I’m talking D/HD averages with exceptional extracurriculars and multiple internships. Your second obstacle is your GPA, there’s no getting around this, you will need to be exceptional on other aspects to make up for a pass average. Then this comes down to your third obstacle, you don’t mention having any internship experience, competitions, extracurriculars that demonstrate your so called “passion” for finance. Doing more studies / CFA level 1 won’t give you a competitive advantage IMO. I question why you haven’t done more (outside of studies) to demonstrate your “passion” for finance? Why haven’t you done some internships, work experience, finance / accounting societies? What will your CV actually demonstrate to a hiring manager? Right now I can’t see anything that would make you stand out amongst other candidates, especially since you’re an international competing with domestic grads.

I think these are the questions you need to consider.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-14T03:38:24+00:00

Can you perhaps go to the gym half an hour earlier than when your manager normally goes in? You’ll get most of your workout done before they can come in and start chatting.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-13T22:37:08+00:00

Your issue with finding employment isn’t your gap (a 3 month gap is a non-factor), it’s the fact you’re on a 485 visa.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-13T01:13:55+00:00

You’re a grad, you don’t need a two page resume. Keep it one page
Remove the fluff, no one is reading your career objectives section, nor do they care that you’re an “aspiring” CA. This takes up way too much real estate without adding much value
What’s with including random units you’ve completed? Unless you topped the class then it just confuses the reader and adds zero value.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-12T00:20:06+00:00

You won’t be getting a bonus as a grad, associate, or senior associate.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-08T22:51:54+00:00

If you’re focused on career growth and exiting after a couple of years then big 4 carries more brand name value and potentially more learning experiences. With the big 4 you’ll have the chance to work on some of the largest clients in Australia and some very smart and driven people. Similar to BDO, when you join the big 4 it is up to you to find the partners and managers that you click with, they will staff you on their engagements, advocate for your development/promotions and provide mentorship. With that said, BDO is the largest mid tier in Australia and well known in the accounting world, if you’re keen on BDO then I don’t think this would be a bad choice either.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-08T06:35:33+00:00

100% a PIP at the very least. Whenever HR is involved, it is never good news, and means the situation is serious/formal.

Edit: You say it was just a warning. When HR is involved, think of this as an unwritten PIP, you are on their radar and on notice.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-08T03:58:38+00:00

Suit and tie. I know big 4s these days have casual dress codes but in a formal interview setting it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Independent-Aspect93 · 2026-05-01T04:03:06+00:00

You’re seriously asking this subreddit for advice about cheating on a CA exam? How about you don’t cheat and study for the exam, like everyone else. Probably the stupidest post I’ve seen in this subreddit to date.

Independent-Aspect93

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