[Kam123]

Hi Guys,

I am new to the forum and was hoping some of you could offer me advice. I am not sure accounting is the right fit for me. I work at a public accounting firm and I keep making the same sloppy mistakes over and over. I feel, sort of, obtuse when it comes to accounting concepts. I also have a difficult time setting up mathematical equations, which means I do not always trust myself when completing a substantive test.

I focused on accounting in grad school (MBA program – concentration accounting) because it was challenging to me and I enjoy something that makes me think. I am just losing confidence everyday. I am in my 30’s and wondering what else I could do for a career. I enjoy compliance and internal control testing the most, however, jobs appear to require more experience than I currently have.

If anyone can offer feedback, I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

[RandomAlt]

Added this topic to my favorites. This is relevant to my interests!

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[RandomAlt]

Added this topic to my favorites. This is relevant to my interests!

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[Mayo]

Working in public accounting can oftentimes be a humbling experience if you're not used to it. For your first year or so, you're basically learning how to be a professional, a good auditor/tax accountant, and a good staff all at once.

You'll soon realize that all your school studies amount to nothing more than a good base, but not much else. Almost everything will be learned on the job by making mistakes or by follow up review notes from your senior. That's true in any job, but it can be particularly acute in public accounting due to the amount of work and because it is probably very unlike any other job you've done before.

To that, add the fact that you have deadlines and time crunches to get things done, and you find yourself struggling with how to balance quality (how correct everything is) and quantity (how fast you ca finish it). I'd say it takes about a year before you get the hang of just doing that.

Don't fret about not getting everything right away. Just have a good attitude, try and learn from your mistakes, and focus on producing good quality work as efficiently as possible. Like I heard a football coach say one time, “Go out there and try and make 5 mistakes”, because when you realize you're not going to be perfect, you can relax and just work.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Working in public accounting can oftentimes be a humbling experience if you're not used to it. For your first year or so, you're basically learning how to be a professional, a good auditor/tax accountant, and a good staff all at once.

You'll soon realize that all your school studies amount to nothing more than a good base, but not much else. Almost everything will be learned on the job by making mistakes or by follow up review notes from your senior. That's true in any job, but it can be particularly acute in public accounting due to the amount of work and because it is probably very unlike any other job you've done before.

To that, add the fact that you have deadlines and time crunches to get things done, and you find yourself struggling with how to balance quality (how correct everything is) and quantity (how fast you ca finish it). I'd say it takes about a year before you get the hang of just doing that.

Don't fret about not getting everything right away. Just have a good attitude, try and learn from your mistakes, and focus on producing good quality work as efficiently as possible. Like I heard a football coach say one time, “Go out there and try and make 5 mistakes”, because when you realize you're not going to be perfect, you can relax and just work.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[surfer4life949]

If F/S auditing isn't the thing for you, maybe you could switch within your firm to an Internal Audit (Read: Advisory) position.

B-85 OCT 2012
A-84 NOV 2012
R-90 JAN 2013
F-89 AUG 2012
Ethics-92 (3rd try)

I am DONE BABY!!!
Used Roger 2012 + Wiley + NINJA Notes

[surfer4life949]

If F/S auditing isn't the thing for you, maybe you could switch within your firm to an Internal Audit (Read: Advisory) position.

B-85 OCT 2012
A-84 NOV 2012
R-90 JAN 2013
F-89 AUG 2012
Ethics-92 (3rd try)

I am DONE BABY!!!
Used Roger 2012 + Wiley + NINJA Notes

[vanadium3]

I totally get you. I feel the same way as I'm a linear thinker. When you tell me to do analytical procedures for the nth time I have no clue because I need a system/example. Some people just have trouble connecting dots/critically think until it's been formulated into a systematic way/steps.

I'm not in audit anymore and trying tax. It seems a bit better unless you are trying to correct books. It's still better than audit though.

It's never going to be perfect, so unless someone has better ways?

CPA

[vanadium3]

I totally get you. I feel the same way as I'm a linear thinker. When you tell me to do analytical procedures for the nth time I have no clue because I need a system/example. Some people just have trouble connecting dots/critically think until it's been formulated into a systematic way/steps.

I'm not in audit anymore and trying tax. It seems a bit better unless you are trying to correct books. It's still better than audit though.

It's never going to be perfect, so unless someone has better ways?

CPA

[mena je twa]

Vanadium

i am in audit at the moment, dont like it that much, was thinking of going to tax or internal audit, risk advisory.

Here in audit, looks like you are never done, some other manager or senior will come up with little excuses to make life difficult. How bad it is in tax?

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[mena je twa]

Vanadium

i am in audit at the moment, dont like it that much, was thinking of going to tax or internal audit, risk advisory.

Here in audit, looks like you are never done, some other manager or senior will come up with little excuses to make life difficult. How bad it is in tax?

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[vanadium3]

I just came out of audit from big4. I'm in a small firm doing tax/accounting, so it's a big switch in terms of the accounting world. honestly I think in tax you just have to deal more with the client than with your manager/partner. I feel like the hours are more just because you have more deadlines than the typical Jan-May busy season in audit. However you never travel so it averages out.

The only thing is less flexibility with career path in tax. Once you go couple years in tax you can't go back. Overall depends on your personality. Just look at the people in audit vs tax dept and you will get a feel of which category of people is more similar to you.

CPA

[vanadium3]

I just came out of audit from big4. I'm in a small firm doing tax/accounting, so it's a big switch in terms of the accounting world. honestly I think in tax you just have to deal more with the client than with your manager/partner. I feel like the hours are more just because you have more deadlines than the typical Jan-May busy season in audit. However you never travel so it averages out.

The only thing is less flexibility with career path in tax. Once you go couple years in tax you can't go back. Overall depends on your personality. Just look at the people in audit vs tax dept and you will get a feel of which category of people is more similar to you.

CPA

[Author]

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