News

Blake Willson Group celebrates Kristin Heinle, the company’s newest Certified Public Accountant! After months of dedication and hard work, Kristin passed the rigorous CPA exam in June 2020.

We sat down with Kristin, BWG’s first successful CPA candidate while employed with the company, to learn more about her CPA exam journey and what the designation means to her.

Inspiration
Kristin graduated from Elon University with her degree in accounting, which put her in the perfect position with the required number of college coursework hours to qualify for the exam. Inspired by her Dad to pursue this certification, she always knew that the CPA would be in her future but stressed the importance of making sure the timing is right. For Kristin, the timing was perfect, having a solid support system and home life to help balance the demands along with the support and encouragement from BWG.

Preparation
While prepping for the exams, Kristin dedicated time to researching the exam online and discovered the value of CPA Exam Review Forums. She discovered that this resource was rich with material suited for each person regardless of learning style. No matter your preferred study method, there are resources available for you online. While studying is time-consuming and, at times, seemingly endless, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Kristin recommends planning mini breaks or vacations after each exam to allow yourself much deserved R&R before hitting the books for the next exam.

Advice
Thinking about taking the exam? Kristin’s advice: Go for it. Seize the moment when the timing is right and take it one test at a time.

Despite advice to take the hardest test first, she recommends starting with the section you are most comfortable with. Doing so not only builds up your confidence, but helps you become familiar with the material as you learn how to study.

No matter your learning style or approach to the exam, the hard work pays off in the end. Kristin is more proud of her CPA certification than any other educational achievement and knows that the sky’s the limit for her now as a Certified Public Accountant.

Congratulations, Kristin Heinle, CPA, CGFM!