Let’s start off with a quick overview over the disciplines to help you find your way:
1.Business Analytics and Reporting (BAR): Perfect for those who love diving into financial data and reporting. BAR covers complex accounting topics, managerial concepts, and economic influences.
Some of the areas covered in the BAR Discipline exam are:
- Addressing technical accounting and reporting requirements under the FASB and SEC applicable to for-profit businesses.
- Exploring financial accounting and reporting requirements under GASB that apply to state and local government entities.
- Examining financial statements and financial data with a specific focus on the CPA’s role in comparing historical results.
2.Information Systems and Controls (ISC): If you’re tech-savvy and interested in IT audit and data management, ISC is the track for you. Dive into cybersecurity, SOC engagements, and data lifecycle management with our specialized resources.
The ISC Discipline Exam section includes:
- Understanding and applying the Description Criteria for a Service Organization’s System and the Trust Services Criteria for Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy when planning, executing, and reporting on a SOC 2® engagement.
- Planning, specific procedures (excluding testing internal controls over financial reporting) and reporting for a SOC 1® engagement.
3.Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Are you a tax enthusiast? TCP focuses on federal tax compliance, planning, and personal financial strategies.
The TCP Discipline will cover:
- U.S. federal tax compliance for individuals and entities, particularly emphasizing nonroutine and complex transactions.
- U.S. federal tax planning for individuals and entities, encompassing considerations of proposed transactions and available tax alternatives or business structures.
- Personal financial planning, concentrating on planning strategies and opportunities typically identified by CPAs during the preparation and review of individual tax returns.
Becker’s Quiz Made it Easy!
If you’re still feeling a bit lost in the maze of CPA discipline tracks, Becker has your back with a handy quiz designed to help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit for your career aspirations.
To Sum It Up
Choosing the right CPA discipline is vital for your career. Whether you’re drawn to the intricacies of financial data analysis, the challenges of IT audit and cybersecurity, or the complexities of tax compliance and planning, there’s a CPA discipline track tailored for you. And if you’re still uncertain, remember that Morgan International offers free consultations to assist you in making the right choice.
