Public Accounting at 30 – advice? - Page 3

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  • #171630
    jpump
    Participant

    Good News – I just passed my final part of the CPA exam

    Bad News – It took me awhile to finally find some direction and decide that this was going to be my career path. That being said, I’m 30 yrs old now and considering what to do next.

    I’ve been doing some corporate accounting for 4+ years and I report to a CPA, so they had no problem signing off on my work experience, which means I’ll be a CPA in a few weeks. But I feel like my experience is too narrow right now – I’ve only worked in the banking industry, and would like to diversify my base of exposure/body of knowledge. I thought a good option to consider was public accounting.

    It’s not typical to finally go for the CPA at my age, so I assume that large firms don’t get many 30 year old applicants. Can anyone shed some light on my situation? Is it not as weird as I think? Will having earned the CPA make them realize I’m serious about this profession and maybe help get my foot in the door? Would I be considered for a more advanced position based on my experience and CPA?

    Any sort of input would be greatly appreciated.

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  • #673948
    juuustin
    Member

    I was 26 when I started Big 4 but I look young so I don't stand out as older than the other first year associates. Most of the time when I tell someone my age (I just turned 27 so it has come up), they are more surprised because I look like I am 18 haha.

    Since I got hired in January there is a very good chance I'll get pushed for the “early” promote next July, which would have me on track for the Manager promotion just after my 31st birthday. At that point, if I stuck around until senior manager, I'd be the same age as everyone else in that pay grade, with the exceptions of the very young partners. No matter what, though, the longer you stick around, the more folks you are going to find that are your age at your level. The first and second year definitely seem to be the most “awkward”.

    MD Candidate: 10/1/14

    FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
    REG - 87 (1/30/15)
    BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
    AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

    Ethics - 100

    Experience - In Progress!

Viewing 31 replies (of 31 total)
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