CPA Writing Skills.pdfVIP

CPA WRITING SKILLS CPA WRITING SKILLS CPA Writing Skills – Financial Question 1 POINTERS • Where to start? Restate question requirements o Identify format o Select language appropriate for the audience o Answer question directly o Identify technical requirements o Be on the lookout for other unique terms in questions Discuss means give reasons Give examples means give four or five When considering the effect of transactions or giving examples • Consider impact on all financial statements o Balance Sheet, Income Statement • Affected periods o Current period, Prior period • What to say? Prepare a keyword outline o Organize for coherence o Ensure concise presentation o Ensure ideas are presented clearly o Use standard English o Verify that you have answered the question o Ensure that your response is appropriate for the reader • How to formalize? Write your answer in outline form in short complete sentences • When are you done? Check the compositional accuracy of your response o Spell check your response o Re-read response to ensure you have answered the question • Other pointers o Consider practical effects of good theory o Write a logical statement even if it may appear to be obvious o Avoid absolutes, use words like generally, usually, etc. o Refer to FAS numbers only if you are sure of them o Do not abbreviate • Why do this?? Maximize your points!!