auec today february 2014
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A Proud Sponsor of AUEC
A Proud Sponsor of AUEC
All you need to know about CPA Reviews 4
Becker CPA Review 5
Kaplan CPA Review 6
Lambers CPA Review 8
Gleim CPA Review 9
CPAs in the Making 10
CPA 2013 Passing Rates 16
Interviews to Experienced CPAs 18
Summary of Past Activities 24
4
Are you ready to take the CPA Exam?
Becoming a CPA can open up unlimited possibili-
ties for your career, but getting there takes prepara-
tion, focus and dedication. Becker CPA Review is
here to help you through the entire process—from
understanding the necessary educational require-
ments to passing the CPA Exam.
The Becker Difference
There’s a reason that Becker students pass at dou-
ble the pass rate of non-Becker candidates. It’s
because they are committed to giving you quality
preparation materials and the support you need to
be successful—from beginning to end. It’s a fact:
Students who prepare with Becker pass the CPA
Exam at double the rate of non-Becker candidates.
Committed to Quality
Becker’s CPA Exam Review provides you the
tools you need to be fully prepared on exam day.
It includes the most current content covered on the
CPA Exam. The course functionality mirrors the
exam in every way to minimize any surprises when
you sit for the exam. And the CPA Exam Review
is completely integrated, so all textbooks, lectures,
homework, and simulations work together to help
you prepare effectively and helps ensure your suc-
cess.
Becker’s CPA Exam Review offers you the
benefits of:
A complete focus on student success, with
flexible course formats and comprehensive
academic, customer and technical support
Best-in-class instructors, with years of real-
world accounting experience and teaching ex-
pertise
A 50+-year track record of helping over
400,000 candidates prepare for the CPA Exam
A dedicated team of nearly 100 curriculum and
subject matter experts, focused on developing
up-to-date and relevant course materials
Study tools offered by Becker’s CPA Review
Puerto Rico
Live courses in the classroom or distance
(Wed), with the best teachers in the field and
extensive experience in preparing candidates
for the CPA licensure examination.
Textbooks that include discussion of issues,
multiple alternatives and supplementary study
material. Each party has a particular exam
study book:
Financial accounting
Regulation
Audit
Business concept
"Flash cards" for review at any time. This
product is the famous flashcards where on one
hand you have a question and the answer back
to that question. The complete course includes
over 1,000 'flash cards "and are the best alter-
native to review the skills necessary to be suc-
cessful.
Computer program (Windows and Mac) that
includes:
Interactive Study Planner - This pro-
gram allows you to prepare a study
schedule to maximize the time avail-
able to study for the test.
PassMaster ™ software includes
thousands of questions from previous
exams (with answers), summary execu-
tion, time clock and links.
Final exam software and Simulation
software – this program contains simu-
lations and final exam with the advan-
tage that is similar in format to the live
examination (the simulations are 30%
of the exam)
5
By: Genesis Rivera, journalist
As a third-year accounting student, my goal, and the
goal of most students in the Accounting Department, is
to become a Certified Public Accounting (CPA). When
we decide to become a CPA, the first questions that
come to our mind are: “How do you study for this
test?”, and “In what ways can I study?” These questions
can create a certain amount of stress for us. But luckily,
there are a variety of reviews that are available to us.
Sure, we constantly hear about how great review
courses like Becker or Lambers are, but there is one re-
view course that is hands down one of the greatest there
is, and it’s called Kaplan CPA Review.
Kaplan CPA Review is a leading global provider of
CPA review solutions to professionals around the
world, helping hundreds of thousands of candidates pre-
pare for the CPA Exam. They have a 93% recommen-
dation rate from prior students and the review provides
you with all the material that you need to pass the CPA
exam while offering a comprehensive, yet simple ap-
proach to their CPA review called the "Learn, Practice,
Retain" methodology. One of the greatest things about
this review is that it is tailored to fit your schedule and
learning style. So no matter if you’re a full-time student
that works or has a family to take care of, Kaplan will
make studying for the CPA exam a whole lot smoother
and it can all be done completely online. Their “Live”
and “Self-Study” Online Review Courses are built on
the principles of convenience, flexibility, structure, and
interaction. They help us develop the skills that we need
to pass each section of the CPA exam on the first try!
The cost of this review is $1,799, and it includes:
Online review course for all 4 sections Study manual guidebook Multiple choice questions MP3 Audio Review Over 2,000 practice questions and simulations Interactive study calendar
On their website, there is a section in where you can see
samples of all the materials so you can have an idea of
how studying will be. They also provide you with some
practice questions of each section to test your knowl-
edge for the exam. Their guarantee states that “Kaplan
CPA Review is committed to helping you pass the CPA
Exam. If you utilize Kaplan CPA Review and don't
pass, you may be eligible to receive the next edition of
materials for the cost of shipping and handling”. They
also state that “Candidates that purchase Kaplan CPA
Review packages are provided with Online Access, in-
cluding all online updates, for a full 24 months from
time of initial purchase. In addition to the 24 month
Online Access, the purchase of our packages includes
free access to study manual content updates which will
be posted on our website for customers during the 24
month active subscription.” Kaplan has a long list of
eligibility factors that determine if a student will qualify
for their guarantee and how much time they have to act.
Kaplan is also endorsed by the Big Four. As recently in
2013, their passing rate is a 75%.
Even though their passing rate is a little low compared
to other reviews, Kaplan is on the most recommended
CPA review of all time. If for some reason you don’t
want to continue using this review, they have a great
return policy that not a lot of other reviews have. Their
return policy states that “In fact, if our 30-Day Risk-
Free Assurance Policy, you can feel confident that
you’ve made the right choice, if you are not completely
satisfied with your purchase from Kaplan, we will re-
fund 100% of the purchase price”. How great is that!!
We as accounting students and AUEC members, are
sponsored by Becker CPA Review, but that doesn’t nec-
essarily mean we have to use their review. We have
such hectic lives that include college, work, family and
friends, that we might not have the time to just sit down
and study for this important exam. With Kaplan CPA
Review you don’t have to worry about when and where
you have to study because they make such a perfect re-
view that you can go and study whenever you want and
because of that I highly recommend this review, not just
for me but for all of us who aspire to be a CPA.
6
Lambers have been known for over 45 years be-
cause of their quality review materials, great cus-
tomer service, and affordable price.
Lambers’ accounting instructors are excellent and they
perfectly understand what students need to learn in or-
der to pass and succeed in the CPA exam.
Their products provide something that students value a
lot: “flexibility”, as they know that most of the students
have a busy life. They guarantee and provide a quality
review program designed in a small way to “maximize
the students’ time and make sure they pass”.
Lambers offer reviews for the 4 parts of the CPA
Exam: Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR),
Regulations (REG),Auditing and Attestation (AUD),
and Business Environment & Concepts (BEC).
As a student you can select which of their products fits
you best. For example, there’s an Audio Pack, a Video
Courseware, and last but not least, there’s the “Classic”
Textbooks.
Regular prices are:
Full Review : $1,525.00
FAR: $550.00
REGULATIONS : $550.00
AUD : $450.00
BEC : $450.00
Even though it is a sacrifice to spend more than a
$1,000 in a Review, trust me that not taking one will
make taking the exam very complicated. Because most
readers don’t have any experience in a CPA Review,
we think it’s convenient to present you some of the ex-
periences and testimonies from other people that took
the CPA exam and succeeded thanks to the Lambers’
CPA Review. Miguel A. Jímenez and Gustavo A.
Pérez, two men who are now CPA’s, addressed the
JLMA Learning Center Corp and had this to say: "First
of all, I want to thank JLMA Learning Center Corp. for
their excellent service during my CPA review. Just got
my fourth positive result and without a doubt the
classes offered by Juan Lorenzo Martinez and his
CPA’s team were key for these results. Teachers are not
only experts in the material that the exams cover, but
they also focus in those areas where candidates typi-
cally have more doubts. I only used the material pro-
vided in the reviews and it was enough because it is
very comprehensive. To candidates who are consider-
ing taking the courses with JLMA, I recommend it
100% and I wish you great success! Again, thank you."
"I take this opportunity to recommend the Lambers’
CPA Review Course. Even with all my responsibilities
as a Controller of a construction company and a father
of three year old girl at the time, I could accommodate
classes within my limited time. I am now a CPA thanks
to Lambers and it has opened many employment oppor-
tunities. Today, thanks to Lambers CPA Review
Course, I am practicing my profession of Certified Pub-
lic Accountant, and it is one of the most rewarding ex-
periences I have achieved in life. If I did it, you can,
too. "
Just like Miguel said, Lambers’ teachers are dynamic
professionals with several years of experience with the
material. They are specialized in various segments of
the examination and committed to the professional suc-
cess of each student.
As you see, this is only one of many reviews given by
people who decided to take the Lambers’ CPA Review.
Lambers iis currently catalogued as one of the best
CPA Review providers. Its owner and one of the pro-
fessors, Juan L. Martínez, is a very specialized man
with several important certifications, including the
CPA, CISA, CIA, CFE, CGMA, CRMA, CRISC,
CGAP, CCP, CDP, and CBM, just to mention some of
them. He is a Professor at the University of Puerto Rico
and in other universities’ Business Administration De-
partments, mostly teaching accounting courses. He is
also a Lawyer admitted to the practice of the profession
in Puerto Rico, Federal District Court and the Court of
Appeals for the First Circuit. As you can read, Lambers
is filled with well-trained staff who strive to achieve
success through the achievement of each student who
passes the test after taking their reviews.
Another great thing about Lambers is that they have the
most modern facilities, specially designed to offer the
refresher course with: audiovisual equipment, a “Bose”
sound systems, Wi-Fi Internet, an illuminated lounge,
air conditioning and much more. They have a study hall
for students interested in reviewing before courses or
on weekdays so that they can prepare better for the
exam. They also have a computer room with 12 ma-
chines for use by their students, which facilitates their
practicing.
Certainly, Lambers provides everything you need as a
student in order to feel comfortable, motivated, confi-
dent, and positive. Make your decision and choose
Lambers so you can have your own experience with
them and you’ll see you won’t regret it.
8
If you want to take the CPA exam and
don’t know which review to choose, here’s
the solution! If you’re motivated and don’t
need a live course or a video classroom lec-
tures then GLEIM is for you!
Gleim guarantees that you'll pass the most im-
portant test of your lives, such as the Public Accountant
exam. Dr. Irvin Gleim has been helping and coaching
candidates pass the CPA exam since 1966. It will cover
every possible topic that may show up, so if you com-
plete the Gleim system, there will not be any surprises
while taking the CPA exam and it gives the same guar-
antee and provides a similar level of quality than others.
Study everything you need and nothing you don’t,
which is why I assure you will pass with Gleim. It’s one
of the most affordable review courses compared to
other overpriced systems and yet still one of the most
comprehensive review courses available to CPA candi-
dates. Gleim’s system costs $989.95, and with a 10%
off promotion on their CPA Guide that you can find at
their page www.gleim.com in the section of TOP CPA
COUPON CODE DISCOUNTS, you now pay $890.96.
They also have affordable offers on when purchasing
the sections separately (AUD, FAR, BUS,BEC) at
$274.95 each. You have 18 months of guarantee to
pass on your first try and if you don’t pass the CPA
exam sections that you have purchased, you will re-
ceive your choice of either a cash refund for CPA
Gleim online or unlimited continued use and appropri-
ate tutoring until you pass while Gleim will upgrade
your materials for free.
The CPA Review System includes:
1) Gleim Online includes 1,800- 4,800 Multiple-
Choice and True/False questions per part, 360 task-
based and written simulations, Outlines from CPA Re-
view books, Core concepts, Audiovisual presentations
and Detailed Performance Reports.
2) Test Prep includes Over 8,900 multiple-choice ques-
tions, including hundreds released by the AICPA,
Unlimited Practice Exams,
Emulates CPA exam format,
Study Sessions with imme-
diate feedback and Detailed
Performance Reports.
3) Review Books include
Comprehensive Outlines
aligned with the AICPA’s
CSOs, Real-word examples,
International Standard’s dif-
ferences clearly highlighted, Gleim success tips and
question-answering and time-management techniques.
One of Gleim’s best features is the ability to access the
book while working in the test bank.
4) Audio Review Software Download includes an al-
ternative, succinct presentation of Review book out-
lines. Download to mp3, phone, tablet, etc. and listen
on the go!
5) CPA Simulation Wizard includes 330 task-based
simulations for AUD, FAR and REG, 20 written com-
munications simulations for BEC, Emulates CPA exam
format and functionality and thorough answer explana-
tions.
6) Exam Rehearsals includes Full-length, timed prac-
tice exams and Perfect for Final Review or material.
7) Gleim’s Personal Counselor can design a study plan
that meets your needs. They have the best customer ser-
vice in the industry! Call (800)-874-5346 or email them
at CPA@gleim.com. The counselor will provide en-
couragement, instill confidence, and ensures your suc-
cess.
8) Video lectures (updated on 2014, only for FAR) The
videos for other sections will be released in the near
future.
Some people used Gleim to pass all 4 parts the
first time and some have finished all 4 exams in 6
months, with an average score of 90. Others have used
it for FAR after other systems failed them once or
twice. When compared with students who have used
other reviews, Gleim students have passed the exam
quicker and with better results than most of them. The
Fisher School of Accounting at the University of Flor-
ida recently had this to say about Dr. Gleim: “Dr. Gleim
is an innovative force in the field of accounting not only
through his teaching and research, but also through his
professional exploits as a self-made publisher. Dr.
Gleim has published training manuals for budding ac-
contants that became the field’s authoritative learning
tool for accounting students. Dr. Gleim President of
Gleim Plubications, Inc., self-published his first CPA
Review book in 1974, and now has more than 200 titles
to his credit.” If you can’t spend more than $1,000 on a
review course and feel you can stay focused on your
own without a live course, Gleim is the course for you!
If you are not ready or convinced to buy Gleim yet, try
the CPA Gleim Online or Test Prep free (details at
www.gleim.com).
9
Interviews to UPRH students now pursing the CPA certification:
10
Rebeca Colón
Why are you studying to become a
CPA?
I decided to be a CPA for many reasons. The
first reason would be that the university con-
stantly instills the importance of becoming a
CPA and urges you to not just stay with your
bachelor’s degree. Also, becoming a CPA
really opens up a lot of doors for you to move
up in the profession.
How do you study for the CPA exam
and what materials do you use to
study?
The review that I’m using is Becker CPA Re-
view. Since I’m currently working at the
“Colegio de Contadores Publicos Autori-
zados”, I mainly use their online classes,
study guides and flashcards. In my personal
opinion, using the online classes are some-
what better than the live classes because you
can see them at the time that you most feel
most comfortable. But having both resources
gives me a good chance of learning even
more, especially if the resources are in Eng-
lish because it really prepares you for how the
exam is.
How do you manage the time to study
and work?
Since starting I started working, it’s been a
little difficult juggling studying for the exam
and working, especially when you come
home tired from working. But I try to at least
get 4 hours of studying in, take a break, and
then continue studying until bedtime each
day. Saturdays I study all day and on Sundays
I decide to take a full-day off from studying
to just relax and be with friends and family.
What advice would you give to other
accounting students who want to be-
come a CPA?
First off, pay attention to the classes because
a lot of what we see in college is what you see
in the CPA review, even if it is with a little
more detail. Second, really learn from the
classes, don’t just memorize what you need
an that moment instead of really learning
about the material discussed because you will
see it in the CPA exam. Most importantly, if
your dream is to become a CPA, just do it and
really work hard for it. Take your time but
don’t let that chance slip away.
11
What are the reasons you aspire to obtain
the CPA certification ?
More than a professional achievement , it's a
dream I aspire to achieve from years ago. It is a
very prestigious and respected profession. It's
also a big step in order to continue a successful
career in the profession.
How do you study for the CPA?
What review are you using?
How do you manage you’re time?
For my first part ( Regulations ), I studied a lot
and dedicated more than 4 hours each day. I use
Beckers CPA Review;s virtual program. To
study, I arrived two hours before my work, used
that time to study, and when I came home at
night, I would study some more if I didn’t have
an assignment or test for college.
What obstacles have you faced while
studying for the CPA?
I am not the type of person that focuses solely on
studying and ignores extracurricular activities. I
think handling this balance and modifying my
study methods in order to accomplish my dream
of becoming a CPA has been the biggest chal-
lenge.
Did you passed any parts yet? How did
you feel while waiting for
results?
Yes , I passed Regulations. The reality is I was
quite worried about the grade, but when I saw it I
could not believe it. I think it was one of the best
days of my life .
How did it feel to see you passed?
The feeling is incomparable.
What advice would you give to young
people who are studying for the
CPA?
To believe it can be achieved and to devote time
and effort to this professional step. Many distrac-
tions will come, but the courage to face and reject
them will lead to success . My recommendation is
to study, to finish the book review exercise a
month before sitting down to take the exam, and
to have a full month to review . It worked for me.
Giancarlo Esquilín
12
When did you graduate from the UPR-H?
I finished in December 2013.
Where do you work now?
I’m currently working with CPA Sergio Díaz Sal-
daña, doing bookkeeping.
What are the reasons you aspire to get
the CPA certification?
The main reason why I decided to study for the
CPA is because it provides more and better em-
ployment opportunities, including having my own
office. It is also one of my professional goals I
want to accomplish, and with much effort and
dedication you'll get it.
What review course are you using? How
do you manage time?
I decided to take the live courses with Becker in
January 2013, but once finished the courses, I
study on my own in my house and meet in groups
with other classmates. I study about 15 to 20 hours
per week, which includes reading the book, prac-
tice exercises and listening to Becker recorded live
courses.
What obstacles have you faced while
studying for the CPA?
Sometimes I find it difficult to study on my own,
because I tend to be distracted easily, and for that
reason I continue meeting with my colleagues. If I
do not understand something because the material
may becomes too difficult, I have the support of
my colleagues and we help each other.
Have you have taken any part?
I have not taken any part.
What advice would you give to young peo-
ple who are studying for the
CPA?
We advise you to concentrate well, to maintain a
consistency in what they study, and to look for
someone who can help when not understanding a
material. It is also very important to spend enough
time reading the material and to practice all the
exercises and simulations as many times as possi-
ble. This represents a responsibility to ourselves,
and going all out to achieve that goal is desired.
Jaime Martínez
14
Reasons for
studying for
the CPA?
The reasons
why I decided
to study for the
C P A a r e
m a i n l y t o
achieve a per-
sonal goal I set
at the begin-
ning of my
studies in ac-
counting and to
achieve better
e m p l o y m e n t
opportuni t ies
and have a bet-
ter salary.
How do you study for the CPA?
I study by reading the chapters one by one and then
doing practice exercises after each chapter. Also I try
to accomplish an itinerary I did so I can allow me to
manage time in the best possible way.
Which review, if any, are you using?
I'm using Becker Review. I chose them because they
are with whom I am most associated with and be-
cause of the references of people who have taken the
course with them and have done very well.
Which what parts have you started studying
for? In what order are you planning to take
them and why?
I started studying with FAR (financial reporting) be-
cause it is the part that has more material and is what
I think it can give me difficulty. The plan is to con-
tinue after FAR, with BEC (business), REG
(regulation) and finally AUD (audit). This order can
vary, but so far those are my plans. My decision re-
garding the order is based on recommendations from
others who have already passed the exam, but it also
has to do with the order of the live coaching reviews
established by Becker’s calendar.
How do you manage time?
All I've done is study two chapters per week. Usu-
ally, I study in the evenings or at night, depending on
the time I’m out of work. I try to spend at least two
hours studying each day, which will increase as the
date to of the exam approaches. During the weekend
I take a day off to clear my mind a little bit form all
the studying.
How do you handle time (hours that you
work, study, etc)?
I usually work four of the five working days of the
week and on these days I’m usually out around five
o'clock. Then, I study about 2 or 3 hours before bed.
And whenever I'm free, I study a little bit more, but I
do not have an exact hour in which I do so (study).
What motivates you to keep moving forward
with your training to be a CPA?
My biggest motivation to become a CPA is getting a
good job with good pay. Eventually my long term
goal is to have my own office and be a successful
CPA.
What advice can you share for young stu-
dents pursing to become a CPA?
Although I am just starting this process that is shap-
ing up as one a little bit long and tedious, I can say
that the key is to divide the material in the best way
that you think will better serve and manage your
time. My experience taking the course with Becker’s
live courses has been a good one. And basically the
rest depends on desire you have to achieve the goal
of becoming a CPA.
Jean Torres
15
16
18
CPA Ismael Antonio Vélez de la Rosa
Where did you complete your studies?
At the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo and I
currently study Law at the Interamerican Univer-
sity.
Are you currently employed?
Yes, in a law firm.
What committees are you currently I
nvolved in?
The Young CPA’s Committee.
What were the reasons you aspired to obtain the
CPA certification?
Since my childhood I saw my father working in
accounting. This led me to want to be a CPA from
an early age. I took the exam as a challenge, as
an opportunity to grow and achieve new career
goals.
What obstacles have you faced in the CPA
profession?
Not many so far because I've had little time in
the practice.
What advice would you give to college students
studying accounting in college?
If you want to be CPAs, it can be accomplished,
but they have to have compromise and fight with
all their might. It is not easy, but it’s possible.
CPA Luis Miguel Lebrón
Where did you complete your studies?
At the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao.
Are you currently employed?
Yes, at BDO Puerto Rico.
What were the reasons you aspired to obtain the
CPA certification?
The biggest reason was to have better job oppor-
tunities, more job security, higher pay in employ-
ment, and be certified to serve as a token of my
academic preparation.
What obstacles have you faced in the profes-
sion to be CPA?
I think the biggest challenge to the profession is
to constantly find different problems that require
analysis and creativity to be resolved in an effec-
tive and efficient manner. The profession is con-
tinually changing, and as such, a CPA should be
able to engage these changes.
What advice would you give to college students
studying accounting in college?
My advice to students at the university level is
that they leverage the skills and resources they
have while studying and to get involved in activi-
ties that go beyond academics. This will make
them more complete and competitive when enter-
ing the labor market professionals.
19
CPA Juan Lorenzo Martínez
What reasons did you have to become a
CPA?
The CPA is recognized throughout the world as
the professional who is an expert in Accounting.
There is a huge difference between the people
who graduate from Accounting and the people
who are certified. This difference not only recog-
nizes knowledge and expertise in the area, but it
also really recognizes those who dedicated the
effort and time necessary to obtain the certifica-
tion. Moreover, in Puerto Rico, around 200,000
people graduate from accounting, but there are
only 3,500 CPA. But behind all that recognition,
in terms of the financial benefits, being a CPA
means getting paid more than twice or even
three times the amount of a regular accountant
and that’s what makes people become a CPA:
recognition and financial stability.
What are the advantages that you have ob-
served in becoming a CPA?
First of all, starting with education, passing the
CPA exam gives you a better understanding of
what accounting is. When you study at the uni-
versity, you see the classes divided; elementary,
intermediate, advanced and cost. But when you
are studying for the CPA exam, you realize that
everything falls under a single topic and people
who go through the experience have a better
idea of what accounting really is. Secondly,
you'll have a competitive advantage in this mar-
ket.
In your experience as a CPA, what types of
challenges have you encountered in the pro-
fession?
The CPA profession has several problems, just
like any other profession. Number one, there is a
lot of work. The main complaint of many CPA is
that this is an area that involves a lot of effort
and its time consuming, especially if it involves
either an audit, consulting or taxes, and almost
all of them have deadlines unlike other profes-
sions that establish their own due dates. This
involves a great amount pressure and time man-
agement. Also you are dealing with many finan-
cial responsibilities of many people. If you make
a mistake, it can cost a person a lot of money.
But there is also an ethical responsibility be-
cause you learn everything from everyone and
you become a confidant of people, because peo-
ple trust you financially more than others. But to
become a person that people trust in financially,
this makes me feel very important to people, es-
pecially in these times of crisis.
What made to decide to not just become a
CPA but pursue other types of certifications?
It increases your knowledge and also gives you
an increase of recognition. When you are recog-
nized as someone who not only graduated in ac-
counting, but for example, someone who become
a CPA and an attorney, that puts you aside and
apart from the group. That gives you an advan-
tage from not only a public recognition but an
economically one as well.
20
Where did you complete your studies?
Bachelor’s Degree- Florida State University;
Juris Doctor - University of Puerto Rico
Present employer?
I currently work at KPMG as the tax partner
in charge of Tax operations in Puerto Rico.
What committees are you currently
involved?
I am involved in different committees such as,
the Tax Affairs Committee, Fiscal Reform
Committee - College CPA and the CPA Society
Foundation - President .
What were the reasons you aspired to ob-
tain the CPA certification?
The CPA certification was a goal I set for my-
self to complete my professional development.
Passing the CPA test distinguishes accounts as
professionals who are prepared for functions
that require analysis and critical thinking. It
also enables them to add credibility to their
work and the work which they review.
What obstacles have you faced in the CPA
profession?
Yes, I have had challenges. The biggest chal-
lenge is to keep abreast of technical develop-
ments.
What advice would you give to college
students currently studying accounting in
college?
The profession you have chosen to study re-
quires dedication and effort. It is a distin-
guished profession that contributes to business
development and economic well-being. There-
fore, it is full of great satisfaction. It is impor-
tant to recognize that not everything is learned
in college, that the training process does not
end with a diploma, and that the investment of
time to develop on you’re own, beyond what
any employer can require, represents one’s
own knowledge that will be with you wherever
you are. He who does this distinguishes them-
selves and has better chances of success.
CPA Rolando López
21
CPA Raúl Palacios
Where did you complete your studies?
At the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras.
Present employer?
I work at PwC.
What committees are you currently
involved in?
President of the Association of Latino
Professionals in Finance and Accounting.
What were the reasons you aspired to obtain the
CPA certification?
I wanted to pass the test in order to get my
"promotion" and grow within the company I work
for.
What obstacles have you faced in the CPA
profession?
The profession requires you to sacrifice your per-
sonal time, so you have many days you question the
reason why you’re working as a CPA. However, it
yields economic benefits and opens many opportuni-
ties to discover your skills.
What advice would you give to college students
currently studying accounting in college?
Do not be discouraged by the classes, as often the
theory is more boring than practice. Give yourselves
the chance to become a respected professional and
focus on passing the CPA!
CPA Diana Rodríguez Flores
Where did you complete your studies? At the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras.
Present employer?
I currently work at KPMG Puerto Rico.
What committees are you currently involved in?
The committees I’m involved in are the Young CPA
Committee, the Society of CPAs from Puerto Rico-
Caguas Chapter, and the Society of CPAs from
Puerto Rico’s Board of Directors.
What were the reasons you aspired to obtain the
CPA certification?
I decided to get certified as part of my professional
development.
What obstacles have you faced in the CPA
profession?
Some of the obstacles that I have faced in the pro-
fession are creating a balance in order to stay active
in professional organizations and managing the
long working hours.
What advice would you give to college students
currently studying accounting in college?
I advise students to try to get the best possible
knowledge out of their university courses and to ac-
tively participate in professional organizations.
They should also try to take the CPA exam as
quickly as possible, as it is very dynamic and it is
constantly updated to reflect those changes in the
profession. Students should also look for internship
opportunities while they are in college because they
will help them identify if they really like accounting.
Finally, I advise them to identify a mentor who can
23
Identity Theft
Thursday, February 6, 2014
The purpose of this activity
was to provide students with
knowledge on the relevant
and important topic of iden-
tity theft. We wanted to pro-
vide a space with a different
topic and one not so related
to our field of study. This
conference was held by Mr.
Joel Negron, of Banco
Popular’s Division of Illegal
appropriation of identity.
Mr. Negron explained to the
38 members that assisted
what identity theft is, how
the law protects victims,
which kinds of theft are mo-
re common nowadays and
how to be aware of them.
Through images, videos and
a very dynamic presentation,
he captured our attention
and interested us on the sub-
ject. We understand that is-
sues such as these reinforce
our mission to develop com-
petent professionals with
expertise in various areas.
Food Gathering for the
Center: La Casita
The purpose of this activity
was to raise awareness
among students about the
situations of people who do
not have the resources to
meet their basic needs. To
do this, we conducted a col-
lection of food for La Casita
Center in Humacao, a cen-
ter whose mission is to help
improve the quality of fam-
ily life eastern Puerto Rico
area. This place helps the
homeless and people in eco-
nomic need receive various
types of assistance, particu-
larly through food distribu-
tion. Through the help of 30
members that participated,
we collected different types
of canned foods and juices
that were donated to the
center. Activities such as
these meet our objective of
contributing to the develop-
ment of professionals
through community service.
Learn How to Secure an
AICPA Scholarship
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
In this activity Frances
Cruz, one of AUEC’s pub-
lic relations representatives,
talked about the AICPA
scholarships available for
acco un t ing s tuden t s .
Through a very dynamic
visual presentation, she
spoke to her classmates
about the scholarship’s
background, the general
requirements and deadlines
for applying, and also gave
a list of tips for those apply-
ing for these scholarships.
AUEC
Summary of Past Activities
24
My Dear Employee is a
Thief
Thursday, February 27, 2014
In this conference, the CPA
and CFE Eduardo González
Green and his partner
Yamil Sanabria Gautier
showed important concepts
of the fraud triangle to over
50 AUEC members. They
also explained the reasons
that lead people to commit
frauds. Some of these rea-
sons are that companies do
not have formal fraud pre-
vention policies and that
they lack internal controls
and external monitoring.
The activity was of much
use for those who wish to
make their career’s investi-
gating fraud. Through this
conference, we provided
our members with informa-
tion about different oppor-
tunities in the accounting
field of study, such as fo-
rensic accounting.
Fundraising for “Noche
de Logros ADEM 2013-
2014”
26 and 27 February 2014
This activity was carried
out in order to help the
Business Administration
Department raise the neces-
sary funds to make the an-
nual activity that recognizes
the most outstanding stu-
dents graduating from our
department possible. We
want to encourage and in-
still our members to help to
these causes. For us, it is
important to build leaders
with a sense of social empa-
thy. In this "fundraising”,
members bought their food
and 20% of the total cost
was assigned to the Depart-
ment. In addition, the mem-
bers enjoyed a casual at-
mosphere that allowed them
to know each a little more
and share amongst each
other
Basketball Tournament
College of CPA’s University
Chapters Committee
Saturday, February 22, 2014
This activity was held at the
Sports Complex of the Uni-
versity of Puerto Rico, Río
Piedras. 11 teams attended
this event, 10 teams from
different universities and a
team of University Chapters
Committee. After a day of
great sporty dynamics, the
finals came down to a game
between the students from
the UPR Humacao vs UPR
- Mayagüez. In the end, our
“Buhos” of Humacao were
crowned champions! Third
place went to students at the
American University, Met-
ropolitan Campus. The
tournament’s Most Valu-
able Player was Kevin
Navarro, a member of our
association.
Summary of Past Activities
25
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