Goal: My major goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) within the next three years.
Specificity
This goal is specific because it clearly states my intention to obtain a CPA certification. Becoming a CPA is a well-defined professional milestone in the field of accounting, requiring specific educational qualifications, passing the CPA exam, and meeting experience requirements.
Measuring Progress and Goal Completion
I will measure my progress by tracking the completion of each requirement for becoming a CPA. This includes earning the necessary education credits, studying and passing all four sections of the CPA exam, and accumulating the required work experience. The completion of each of these milestones will be a clear indicator that I am progressing towards achieving my goal (Everything You Need to Know About the CPA Exam, n.d.). Additionally, I will assess the effectiveness of my goal completion by regularly evaluating my performance on practice exams and seeking feedback from mentors and professionals in the accounting industry.
Achievability and Overcoming Obstacles
Becoming a CPA is an achievable goal. However, there are obstacles that I may encounter along the way. One major obstacle is the demanding nature of the CPA exam. It requires a significant amount of time and effort to study for and pass each section. To overcome this challenge, I plan to create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time for exam preparation. I will also leverage study materials, join study groups, and seek guidance from experienced CPAs to enhance my chances of success.
Relevance
This goal is highly relevant to me because I am majoring in accounting. Obtaining a CPA certification will not only enhance my professional credibility but also open doors to a wider range of career opportunities in accounting, finance, and auditing (123helpme.com, 2021). Being a CPA will also allow me to provide valuable financial expertise and guidance to individuals, organizations, and businesses, aligning with my passion for helping others navigate complex financial matters.
Time-frame and Actions
Realistically, I expect to complete my goal of becoming a CPA within the next three years. To achieve this, I will set intermediary goals and metrics. Firstly, within the next six months, I will focus on completing the required education credits and ensuring I am on track with the CPA exam eligibility requirements (D. Lee, 2022). Secondly, over the following year, I will dedicate specific study periods to prepare for and pass each section of the CPA exam. Lastly, in the remaining two years, I will seek employment opportunities that provide the necessary work experience to meet the CPA requirements. These actions will be accompanied by a timeline and milestones to ensure I am progressing steadily towards my goal.
Accountability
To hold myself accountable for achieving this goal, I will establish a support system that includes mentors, professors, and peers who can provide guidance, motivation, and constructive feedback throughout my journey. I will regularly review my progress and update my study and career plans as needed. Additionally, I will leverage technology tools and resources to track my progress, such as maintaining a study log, using study apps, and participating in online CPA communities for accountability and support.
In conclusion, my major goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By setting intermediary goals, overcoming obstacles, and holding myself accountable, I am confident that I will successfully achieve this milestone within the next three years.
References
123helpme.com. (2021). Why Choose A Career In Accounting Essay. 1019 Words | 123 Help Me. https://www.123helpme.com/essay/Why-Choose-A-Career-In-Accounting-Essay-742949
Everything you need to know about the CPA Exam. (n.d.). AICPA. https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/toolkit/cpa-exam
Lee, D. (2022). How To Develop Career Goals for Accountants (With Examples). Indeed.com. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/career-goals-for-accountants