Earn Your CPA Faster with AAFCPAs’ Zip2CPA Program and Personalized Coaching

“One month after getting hired, Ingrid Goldbloom Bloch, AAFCPAs’ Director, Talent Advancement, met with me and changed my perspective on the CPA exam. She said do not look at this as an exam of 4 parts that you are obligated to take to be successful in life. Look at it as credentials that will open more opportunities.  Schedule one exam. Study for it and go take it. After taking it reflect on it and see if you can do it 3 more times. I took her advice. I wanted to quit before taking my first exam.

However, I met with our managing partner Carla McCall, and told her about my self-doubts. She encouraged me to believe in myself and connected me with my CPA mentor, Partner Jeff Mead.  Jeff helped me understand this is not another college exam, helped me create a study plan that worked for me, and supported me and pushed me… After successfully passing the CPA exam, I realized this exam is more about mental grit than anything else. You just need to put in the time to study and build a support system that will be there for you during those times where you are unmotivated and having second thoughts.

I was lucky enough to be hired by a firm (AAFCPAs) that is full of mentors and coaches. I did not only have a great support system at home but also at work. I cannot wait to see the fruits of my harvest.”

Daylene Pena Perez (she/her) AAFCPAs

“The Zip2CPA program was instrumental in holding me accountable and committed to the exams alongside my work schedule, making sure I prioritized the time needed to study—especially the weekly check-ins. I believe this was key to my success.

I greatly appreciated Jeff Mead’s guidance. He helped me develop a study strategy for the best outcome, and his guidance helped me develop a balanced study strategy tailored to my preferences while encouraging me to explore new learning approaches. Jeff also recognized that everyone in the program was on their own unique path, offering plenty of encouragement along the way.

One thing I wish I had understood before starting was how demanding it would be to juggle studying during busy season, especially in my senior role. While I passed two of the four exams prior to joining the program, it helped in pushing me through the remaining two—especially as I grew at AAFCPAs and became increasingly busy. The program was incredibly helpful in teaching me to advocate for my own time and set boundaries, ensuring I stayed committed to my study schedule.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Zip2CPA program to anyone. Family and friends can be a great source of support during this journey, but having the Zip2CPA program was invaluable. They truly understand how demanding day-to-day life can be during busy season and offer practical advice on setting boundaries to prioritize essential study time from being vanished in an increasingly demanding work schedule.”

Ulrika Haglund AAFCPAs