How intelligent is Bard when it comes to accounting career advice?

I recently received an invitation from Google to try out its new AI tool, Bard. I heard stories about individuals trying to stump AI personalities, so I thought I might give it a shot as well. I wanted to pose questions that I had already answered, as a semi-intelligent real person, and see what Bard had to say on a topic I had already tackled.

I remembered the article I wrote for Accounting Today in March 2021 titled, “Which is more difficult: The CPA Exam or the Bar?” I am a licensed attorney and CPA, so I thought I could adequately convey my experience and opinion on the topic. I addressed some key issues such as qualifications to sit for the exams, exam structures, pass rates and finally the all-important question, “Which exam is harder?” My conclusion was they both are difficult, just different. I stated in the piece, “Both exams and professions need perseverance, intelligence and dedication to succeed.”

So, when asked to try out my AI buddy, Bard, I posed some of the same questions. Here are the questions and some of Bard’s responses.

Bard, which is harder, the bar exam or the CPA exam?

Bard: It is difficult to say which exam is harder, as they both require a significant amount of knowledge and preparation. The Bar exam is a test of your knowledge of the law, while the CPA exam is a test of your knowledge of accounting. The Bar exam is typically taken after three years of law school, while the CPA exam can be taken after you have completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

The Bar exam is typically administered by the state in which you want to practice law, while the CPA exam is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. The Bar exam is a two-day exam, while the CPA exam is a four-part exam that can be taken over multiple days.

The pass rates for the Bar exam and the CPA exam vary from state to state. The pass rate for the Bar exam is typically around 50%, while the pass rate for the CPA exam is typically around 45%.

Ultimately, the difficulty of the Bar exam and the CPA exam will depend on your individual strengths and weaknesses. If you are strong in math and logic, you may find the CPA exam to be easier. If you are strong in reading comprehension and writing, you may find the Bar exam to be easier.

If you are considering becoming a lawyer or a CPA, I recommend that you speak with people who have taken both exams to get their perspective on which exam is harder.

Bard, do you recommend becoming a CPA or attorney? Which pays more?

Bard: Whether you should become a CPA or an attorney depends on your individual interests and goals. Both professions offer high salaries and good job prospects. However, they also have different educational requirements, work environments, and career paths.

If you are interested in a career in accounting, then becoming a CPA may be a good choice for you. CPAs are responsible for auditing financial statements, preparing tax returns, and providing financial advice to businesses and individuals. They must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting and pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

If you are interested in a career in law, then becoming an attorney may be a good choice for you. Attorneys are responsible for representing clients in court, drafting legal documents, and providing legal advice. They must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam in the state in which they want to practice law.

In terms of salary, attorneys tend to earn more than CPAs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for attorneys was $126,930 in 2020, while the median annual salary for CPAs was $79,978. However, it is important to note that salaries for both professions vary depending on experience, education, and location.

Bard, who is respected more, an attorney or a CPA?

Bard: It is difficult to say definitively who is respected more, an attorney or a CPA. Both professions are highly respected and play important roles in society. Attorneys are responsible for upholding the law and protecting the rights of their clients. CPAs are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and providing financial advice to businesses and individuals.

There are a number of factors that could influence how much respect a particular profession is given. These factors could include the level of education and training required for the profession, the level of responsibility associated with the profession, and the public’s perception of the profession.

The results …

Bard went on to explain his answers in more detail, just like I had in my article. But after reading Bard’s responses, I now believe Bard is very intelligent. Why? Because it appears he learned many of the answers to the questions I posed by reading my article, “Which is more difficult: The CPA Exam or the Bar?” which can be found in a very trustworthy magazine, Accounting Today!