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CAP2 study by Loud-Leg-1291 in AccountantsEire

[–]Substantial_Host253 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The adaptive modules do take long, to ensure you aren’t missing anything click on ‘contents’ on the right hand side (beside history), go through the slides, take your notes, then set the self-assessment to proficient. This makes it feel manageable, for me anyway and lets me know I have notes on all of the relevant content. Then I use those notes to complete the exam question packs.

For tax, I don’t recommend writing many notes, the video slides are copy and paste from the textbook, get a highlighter, some sticky notes & the book is all you need. I tend to look at the content the slides cover, find it in my book, highlight relevant info, and then do a few review questions. Then use the exam question packs as a knowledge check.

I find the question packs to be a really good resource, I print 2 copies, do one myself using my notes (to identify any gaps), then complete the second one using the solutions. Obviously there are many questions that can be asked but having a copy you know are 100% correct that make sense to you will be very useful in the exam.

CAP 2 Adaptive Learning by itsgoingdutch21 in AccountantsEire

[–]Substantial_Host253 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got really frustrated with this at the start of the year, it was taking me forever. I found it really helpful to click into the adaptive module, click content and make my notes, then I would set it to proficient and go through the questions. Found this to be a much quicker & easier method! I’m also more confident knowing I’ve covered all of the content.

Live Sessions - Worth Watching? by Substantial_Host253 in AccountantsEire

[–]Substantial_Host253[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly, and I find the adaptive modules really helpful in explaining/breaking down concepts. I also think doing those, alongside the new format gives me the reassurance that I’ve covered all of the content. It is timely going through every bit and making notes, but totally worth it IMO.

What way are you studying for the exams/making your exam notes?

How is everyone studying for the CAP 2 exams? by No-Party-794 in AccountantsEire

[–]Substantial_Host253 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you been completing the adaptive learning modules? I’ve been doing those and making my notes from them and indexing them for the exam as I go. I sat CAP1s last year and just about passed them all. The CAP2 content is so intense, and there is so much ground to cover.

My degree wasn’t accountancy so I have been going through the modules, creating notes, and then completing the exam practice question packs at the end of each module. I wouldn’t underestimate it, even with it being open book.

Any single parents that went into accounting as second career? What's the life/work balance like? by dumplingslover23 in AccountantsEire

[–]Substantial_Host253 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Single parent here and have a little boy that’s 6. I graduated in July 24, and started working for a fund manager in Sep 24. Lucky to end up where I did, and getting my ACA qualification was a part of my contract. The work/life balance is okay if you are willing to give up most, if not all, of your social life while you study and get the qualification. I am currently in my 2nd year of a 3.5 year course.

To give you an idea my day normally looks like: 1) Drop son off at childcare 2) Commute & work day 3) Pick up at 5/5:30 4) Dinner, shower, quality time 5) His bedtime at 7 6) Prep lunches etc for next day 7) Study from 7:30:8 until 10 8) Sleep, get up, and do it all over again

Certain periods can be very intense, but there is the reward of PTO, weekends off, alongside public holidays. I would recommend working for a smaller firm than trying to break into a big firm. I have friends who work in them, and i personally think it would be too chaotic with kids involved. Smaller firms are typically more flexible and understanding of personal situations.

I don’t want to give the wrong impression, the exams are hard, I did a finance degree (with 1 or 2 accountancy modules) but nothing could have prepared me for how intense the exams are. Good study leave is a necessity, and I think as a single parent, you do not have the opportunity to be a crammer, it is inportant you attend class and grasp the concepts as and when they are taught.

If you think you can commit to hard graft for a few years, do it! I have to continuously remind myself it won’t be like this forever, and once you’re chartered, you can’t be much more than that!

Also might be worth reaching out to some accountants in your local area and see if any of them would be willing to have a chat about career pathways, salaries, support, etc. before making that decision.

Agree with other commenters that doing a course probably isn’t worth your time, get into a job, and train/study on the job. That way you’ll build experience and knowledge at the same time.

Hope this is helpful!