HP12C Finance Calculator

Hey all, not sure if this is the correct forum for this, but I'm wondering how important is it for me to learn and become familiar with the HP12C Financial calculator? I've never really used one before-a little bit, but not that I'm real good with it. For those of you who don't know I'm a accounting major in college, but would like to get a job on wall street. Thanks.

5 Comments
 
Best Response

Excerpted from LeveragedSellout.com:

To be fair, though, there is one redeeming aspect of the CFAs—one characteristic that is actually legit, the calculator. One of the two calculators permitted to be used on the CFAs is the HP 12C, and apart from the fact that its name sounds like some highly involved consulting framework, it is the epitome of Banker technology. The 12C embodies everything about us—elegant, bold, somehow clinging on to life in a world that no longer needs it. One look at its brushed plastic exterior and you think: “Damn, this thing is pro.”

Excel Mobile, it speaks a pure, unambiguous language: Reverse Polish, a postfix notation that eliminates non-commutative issues. So instead of having to enter 7 + (5 * 2) - 5, you’d enter: 7 5 2 * + 5 -. Direct and to the point, crisp even—exactly how Bankers think and speak. I met a model from Kraków once, and although we hit it off physically, her English struggled, blocking us from that real “same plane” level I like to reach. So as a gesture of cultural sensitivity, I decided I’d speak to her in something closer to her native tongue. Over Lil’s Wayne’s Lollipop, I pointed between us aggressively and instructed: “You, friends, 2, TIMES PLUS… panties MINUS“ Boom. “Same plane,” said her eyes.

 

While LSO is (was) hilarious, I think we all know that he was never a banker. He also might own the title of worst timing in the history of book releases. If you want to learn the 12c, fine, but only a true d-bag will think it is somehow a valuable skill. Get yourself a BAII+ and you can run circles around the 12c crowd. No MD in my office could tell a 12c from an abacus, nor would they notice. Get a calculator that does things quickly, correctly, and sanely.

 

12c is absolutely essential. If you don't know how to use it, you won't get a job on wall st. I suggest you start memorizing the manual right away

 

Fuga sunt nihil perspiciatis ut ut. Animi libero in suscipit aut. Est impedit explicabo accusantium. Dolores aut sed repudiandae. Voluptatem non tempore minima est. Ut sed molestias qui quo facilis qui fugit.

Rerum consequatur doloremque harum sapiente sit velit. Impedit illo quisquam explicabo commodi. Magni sed et et. Vel odio quos ipsum mollitia atque. Reprehenderit et iste ratione non. Ea soluta eveniet eius optio repudiandae accusamus culpa maxime. Eum sit ut ut soluta assumenda et sit.

Dolorem quod numquam recusandae quo. Qui cum voluptatum molestias hic. Quia et ipsum sint quo repellat consequatur. Sit illum dolores eum omnis aspernatur. Veritatis nulla magni debitis et. Enim exercitationem voluptate incidunt alias ex dignissimos. Cum consequuntur corporis soluta eos incidunt ad voluptas.

Follow me on insta @FinancialDemigod

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (66) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”