[Anonymous]

I’m a 45 year old JD working in the compliance department of a large car maker (we outsource the tax function). I’d really like to change careers and get into Tax or Accounting work either at a law or accounting firm. In an effort to improve my marketability, on top of sitting for the California Bar, I’m considering taking the course work to take the CPA Exams, and or a Masters in Tax.

Given my reading, I assume that I’m not someone the big 4 would consider, but what do you think my viability is with small to mid-sized firms? Corporate Tax departments?

Even if I took the Bar, and passed the CPA Exams, and or got a Masters in tax am I looking at a couple years as an entry level clerk or temp work at $10-$15 an hour? Not an absolute deal breaker, but want to be realistic about what my chances are, and the best way to economically and efficiently break into the bizz.

Thanks in advance for the advice,

bisognor

[Anonymous]

For what it's worth I was a teacher for years and then stayed home to raise my kids. Went back to school at 43 to get a MSA. Got hired at a small firm and started at 47K. I had no accounting experience at all. Good luck!

[mla1169]

Are you absolutely adamant about working in public? I don't think you'd have to work in the $10-$15 range but the combination of a JD and CPA would be perfectly suited to working in Contract Administration in a private company. I got my CPA when I was 42, and although I am often asked to review contracts I don't feel like I've got the strength in law that a person should have for that task.

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[acamp]

I don't see why Big4 wouldnt consider you, I've worked with much older people who were just starting out in accounting. Granted your “supervisor” will be a 25 yr old, but if you can get past that you'll do fine. Not sure how career changing people are hired in, ie: most entry level associates are hired through campus recruiting, and I imagine it wouldnt be a bad place to start for you either. Also, Big4 requires that you have all the coursework to sit for the CPA once you start, so that is also something to consider.

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[Anonymous]

Thanks for the comments so far.

CPA Driven- Your story gives me hope. I'm curious how you acquired your public accounting job. Campus interviews during your Masters in Accounting? Prior personal connection? Or, something else?

acamp- your post is encouraging too. Do you work in public accounting? Private? Big 4? If not what size firm?

mla 1169- I am not married to public accounting. My ideal would to get a job doing Tax Controversy work. Given the completive nature of hiring in most industries I thought it was important to be willing to work in Tax generally. As I researched, it appeared to me that I might even be better off taking a couple of years to acquire the CPA and try to work public accounting, which would give me the option to go in the direction of Tax (not married to this, considering it), but make me viable in a broader scope of jobs in the market. That said I am not sure I would want to do contract administration, I would have to research the job a bit to know my interest level over that type of work verses my present career.

I am presently just trying to determine whether the time effort and financial commitment is worth it.

bisognor

[acamp]

bisognor – I work at Deloitte

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Author]

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