[Anonymous]

I recently passed the CPA. I have interned and currently work at a very small local tax firm. I have over 3 years experience, BA Accounting and MPAcc.

Recently I have thought audit would be a better fit for me and would enjoy traveling instead of going to the same office every day, and I feel I have hit a ceiling for training/experience where I am currently. Looking online there is currently a Audit Senior Associate position online in the city I am living:

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Audit Senior Associate

Minimum Years of Experience Necessary:3; BA in Accounting CPA exam must be passed for promotion to senior associate, license preferred

Although on the national job search a Assurance Core Experienced Associate is listed:

Assurance Core Experienced Associate

Minimum Years of Experience Necessary:3; BA Accounting CPA exam must be passed for promotion to senior associate, license preferred

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I feel the experienced associate position is more appropriate for my experience level, but I can not relocate at this time. Should I even consider the Audit Senior Associate job position with public accounting experience, at a much smaller firm, but no real audit experience? Should I apply for the local senior position or wait for an experienced associate position to become available? I think at minimum I’m going to start contacting recruiters and express my interest to enter Big 4 audit.

I know there are several threads with similar questions, but didn’t see this exact question. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[P or F.. I think Im gonna BARF]

Highly doubtful your tax experience will transfer to becoming an Audit Senior.

B - (08/29/2013) Passed
A - (07/02/2013) Passed
R - (10/17/2013) 73 - Rematch
F - (05/29/2013) Passed

[acamp]

The learning curve for audit is so steep, without 3 years of audit experience, I dont see you being able to fill that role. Just the same, I am very doubtful I would be able to jump into a tax position which required 3 years of experience.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice; I'm not going to bother with applying to the position.

If a Assurance Core Experienced Associate were to open in my location would this be worth perusing? I know the requirements for these particular positions on the listings are similar, knew the senior position was a long shot and much more demanding. Do interns take up most of the entry level associate positions?

I know I will be doing a crash course in new position but that is kind of what I'm looking for. An associate job is very similar pay to what I'm making at a small firm currently, but the opportunities to for extensive experience, learning, and have a set career progression path are very appealing. I feel I'll wait for an associate job to open, ask former classmates for reference, and talk to a recruiter if this is actually worth pursuing.

I know this isn't the most common path taken by professionals but I think I would enjoy the new experience.

Thanks again for the advise.

[acamp]

Your best bet might be to see if you can slip into campus recruiting as they are the ones who do most of the first year hiring. I mean you may qualify as a second year associate, but without the audit experience it will be a tough go. A guy I work with did corporate accounting for 5 years or so and got hired in as a second year associate, his first few months were NOT fun as right off the bat he was expected to be able to audit some of the more complicated areas.

You might try LinkedIn stalking some recruiters, ie: search for “recruiter” and then filter to the location you want and filter to the firm you want and you should find some recruiters in your area. Hit them with a very quick to the point message and see what you get, something with a title like: “Tax Professional with 3 years exp and CPA looking to change careers into Audit” and then something short explaining that you are interested in making a career change, and without any audit experience who would be the best recruiter to speak to. Who knows, they might refer you, or delete your message haha.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Anonymous]

I'm also thinking of finishing a couple classes necessary for a degree in Management information systems. This would help with on campus recruiting I believe haha.

I need to get going on the networking and talking to recruiters though. Sounds like will be necessary no matter which path I choose.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it.

[Author]

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