Starting Again with Confidence: Shikha’s Journey Toward Global Careers
Wed Jan 14 2026
“Whenever I needed guidance, what to do or when to do it, Simandhar was always there, just one text away.”
This story reflects the real experience of a CPA candidate guided through structured preparation and mentoring support.
For many accounting professionals, career paths are shaped by reassessment rather than straight progression. For Shikha, the decision to pursue CPA came after reaching the CA Final level and realising that her existing path did not offer the clarity and global exposure she was seeking. Rather than viewing this as a setback, she chose to redirect her efforts toward a qualification with international relevance.
The US CPA emerged as a structured and globally recognised option that aligned with her long term aspirations. While the journey required sustained effort and discipline, CPA offered a clear framework and a renewed sense of professional direction.
Discovering CPA Through Peer
Recommendations
Shikha
learned about the CPA through individuals who were already pursuing the
qualification. Their experiences helped her understand the structure of the
program and its long term value. This peer insight played an important role in
her decision to move forward.
She enrolled with Simandhar Education, confident that structured guidance would be essential in navigating the CPA process effectively.
CPA Preparation Strategy with Becker
and Structured Guidance from Simandhar Education
At the
outset, the CPA pathway appeared detailed and procedural, involving multiple
steps such as eligibility evaluation, registration, jurisdiction selection, and
exam scheduling. Navigating these requirements independently can often feel
overwhelming, especially for candidates balancing professional
responsibilities. Shikha found that the structured guidance provided by
Simandhar Education helped simplify each stage of the process.
Clear communication and step by step support ensured that administrative tasks did not become distractions during preparation. This structured approach allowed her to focus her time and energy on studying, rather than worrying about process related uncertainties.
For academic preparation, Becker served as Shikha’s sole study resource throughout her CPA journey. She believes that Becker is comprehensive and sufficient when studied thoroughly. Instead of using multiple materials, she chose to rely on a single, well structured resource for conceptual clarity, practice questions, and exam readiness.
This focused approach helped her maintain consistency across all stages of preparation. By revisiting concepts systematically and following a disciplined study routine, she was able to build confidence and reduce uncertainty as she progressed through the CPA exams.
Balancing Work Commitments and the
CPA Exam Timeline
Preparing
for CPA alongside professional responsibilities required careful planning and
realistic pacing. Shikha found it challenging to switch between work and
intensive studying, particularly during demanding periods. Over time, focused
study routines helped her stay productive and composed.
Another demanding aspect of her journey was the earlier 18 month CPA exam window, which required candidates to clear all sections within a limited timeframe. Managing this timeline alongside work commitments added pressure. She notes that the revised 30 month exam window offers greater flexibility and is especially beneficial for working professionals pursuing CPA today.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Shikha has
now successfully cleared all CPA exams and is actively exploring professional
opportunities aligned with her qualification. Reflecting on her journey, she
emphasises the importance of clarity, consistency, and dependable support when
navigating career transitions.
Her experience reinforces that restarting after CA, even at the Final level, is
not a setback. With the right structure and guidance, it can become a confident
step toward global careers.