CPA Exam Research Paper

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DATE: October 22, 2023 SUBJECT: How to answer a Certified Public Accountant Exam Written Communication Question – Business Environment and Concepts Section Understanding the Business Environment and Concepts Section According to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy website this section is described to cover “knowledge of general business environment and business concepts that candidates need to know in order to understand the underlying business reasons for, and accounting implications of, business transactions, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.” There are five areas of content that is also test under this section: corporate governance, economic concepts and analysis, financial management, information technology and operations management according to the Exam Blueprint – BEC Section Only that the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants released in July 2019. The Business Environment and Concepts section is the only section of this exam that contains a written portion. According to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy the Business Environment and Concepts section of the exam is comprised of sixty- two multiple choice questions, four task-based simulations, and three written communication tasks; in which you will have four hours to complete. This section’s weighted scoring is fifty percent on the multiple-choice questions, thirty-five percent on the task-based simulations, and fifteen percent on the written communication (American Institute of CPAs). Correctly Communicating in Written The written communication tasks of the Business Environment and Concepts section are formulated to showcase one’s ability to properly communication business concepts in a clear and comprehensible manner. After reading the scenario provided to you during the exam, you will be required to write a business memo or letter. Your response should reflect a strong understanding of accounting knowledge, sound accounting judgement, and a basis for accounting skills (Ng). It is said that there are three criteria to exceptional writing when it comes to the Certified Public Accountants exam; those are organization, development, and expression (Levine). When you think of organization, one tends to think of items being neatly in their place, having a flow, and seems to be cohesive. These same concepts should be put in place when preparing the written response of the Certified Public Accountants exam. The organization of the response should have good sentence structure that contains complete sentence. With good sentence structure comes the formations of paragraphs. A paragraph should consist of one topic and two to three sentences; along with using proper transition wording when switching between topics and paragraphs ( On Paragraphs - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University ). The development of the writing should contain detail descriptions of the topic(s) at hand. This will help clarify and explain the points and purpose. It is also important to focus on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and all the things that make reading flow smoothly with keeping the meaning. This is considered expression (Levine).

When responding to the Business Environment and Concepts section question it is important to stay on topic. Answering the question that is being asked and not “talking” around the subject is part of the grading percentage; along with provide relevant and up to date information. The grader also does not want to read a bunch a fluff sentences that could potentially lead you off topic. Avoid using any sort of lists, bullet points, and charts that are space fillers. Acronyms should not be used when answering the question on this exam. For example, you need to use CPA, you should write out Certified Public Accountant. Since your response should be relevant and to the point that means the expression discussed in the previous paragraph will be a huge focus. If grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word choice are not strong the focus will no longer be on the topic; the focus will become all of the mistakes or shortcomings with proper writing. Since your response to the Business Environment and Concepts section question should be up to date and relevant; making sure that the answer is clearly written and concise is imperative. Without providing too much additional fluff sentences adding in statements and details that support your answers will build a strong foundation. This is showing the grader that you have the knowledge, understanding, and judgement of business that is required by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Just like a traditional research paper that many people have written, they all started with an outline. Laying out the information prior to starting the writing can make the actual paper writing go smoothly and potentially quicker than not writing out an outline. Another important component to remember during your writing response is to have three parts, introductions, body, and conclusion. The introduction should explain purpose and along with possibly restating the question being asked. The body of the writing should contain the main point and supporting details of the purpose regarding the question. The final section is the conclusion, this section wraps up the entire paper, memo, or letter that has been written. The conclusion should be able to tie all sections and paragraphs together (Ng). Final Thoughts To reiterate the key points from this memo on how to properly response to the written communication on the Business Environment and Concepts section is to first make sure you read and understand the question that is being asked. Once you know that and have a game plan for your response; start by answering the questions clearly and concisely. Then follow that up by supporting details all the while staying on topic and relevant without adding fluff and unnecessary statements. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word choice are looked at heavily during the review and grading process. In your response you want to be able to show your strong knowledge of accounting, judgement, and critical thinking. Keep an eye on the time limit because you will want to make sure that your game plan for completing these writing tasks leave enough time for proofing the work and edits if needed. References

American Institute of CPAs, editor. “Uniform CPA Examination Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) Blueprint.” www.aicpa.org/examblueprints , 1 July 2019. Levine, Seth. “Writing Skills on the CPA Exam?!” New Accountant Magazine , no. 710. Ng, Stephanie. “CPA Exam Written Communication Tips: 7 Steps Toward Success.” I Pass the CPA Exam! , 14 July 2023, ipassthecpaexam.com/cpa-exam-written-communications. On Paragraphs -Purdue OWL® - Purdue University . owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/paragraphs_and_paragraphing/ index.html. TSBPA - Examination - CPA Exam - Sections . www.tsbpa.texas.gov/exam-qualification/cpa- exam-sections.html.

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