[Anonymous]

So I have been with an oil&gas company for about 7 years and for about 6 years the department I was in had no senior titles. We all had assigned accts to reconcile but no titles. So last year they created a senior lead level and chose two people based on tenure to take them, this year they added another and decided to let us apply for it. Well I have been there the longest so I thought I had a good shot since it was the same dept just a slight move up to supervise a few people. I didnt get it based on some things out of my control, I kind of am knowledgeable in one area of the business and the other person was better at another part so she got it even though she has only been in it like a year bc the other seniors already cover the part I know.. So I am kind of miffed bc I did what was asked of me and did ask to learn that part before but they wanted to keep me where I was knowledgeable at. They are offering to let me take the same mgmt course they are having the seniors take but an opportunity to get a position might be a year or two off. Should I continue to stay here based on hope or move on before I stagnate too long as a staff accountnat? This company never had a clear career path so I feel like I have just cheated myself out of some good years because I was comfortable. I am starting my CPA studies so should I hold out with my employer till I am done and then head out into the market? Or does it already look bad I have never been senior? I have a bachelors in accounting and a masters in business.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend starting your CPA journey as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more responsibilities you will have to manage in life.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend starting your CPA journey as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more responsibilities you will have to manage in life.

[fuzyfro89]

It's tough to be regarded as a “senior accountant” without getting your CPA (not everywhere, but in most public companies most of the senior-level folks in accounting will have their licenses… if not, it's the exception not the norm).

In any case, I don't know what type of company you're in, or where you would like to be one day, but in general, working in industry is a combination of skill and luck. A lot of it really is luck.

An example is my current manager who will be promoted to Associate Director shortly. She started at another Fortune 50 as an auditor, spent around 3 years there, then came to this company as a senior auditor. Her 4 yr anniversary is coming up and will probably be getting paid in the low/mid 100s shortly. Our AD just resigned, and obviously that had a lot to do with her being the obvious next choice, despite only being manager for a little over a year. She is definitely able to do it. Very smart and capable of the position, but my point is that if there's no opening, or if an opening comes up and the timing isn't right for you… too bad, so sad.

It's why a lot of people end up having to switch companies in order to move up. Some large companies do a better job of moving people around and creating opportunities, but most do not.

I wouldn't feel bad about yourself. You said it yourself… you were ready for the promotion, but in your group there was no available position. Tough, but it happens.

Time to get the CPA and bust down doors!

[fuzyfro89]

It's tough to be regarded as a “senior accountant” without getting your CPA (not everywhere, but in most public companies most of the senior-level folks in accounting will have their licenses… if not, it's the exception not the norm).

In any case, I don't know what type of company you're in, or where you would like to be one day, but in general, working in industry is a combination of skill and luck. A lot of it really is luck.

An example is my current manager who will be promoted to Associate Director shortly. She started at another Fortune 50 as an auditor, spent around 3 years there, then came to this company as a senior auditor. Her 4 yr anniversary is coming up and will probably be getting paid in the low/mid 100s shortly. Our AD just resigned, and obviously that had a lot to do with her being the obvious next choice, despite only being manager for a little over a year. She is definitely able to do it. Very smart and capable of the position, but my point is that if there's no opening, or if an opening comes up and the timing isn't right for you… too bad, so sad.

It's why a lot of people end up having to switch companies in order to move up. Some large companies do a better job of moving people around and creating opportunities, but most do not.

I wouldn't feel bad about yourself. You said it yourself… you were ready for the promotion, but in your group there was no available position. Tough, but it happens.

Time to get the CPA and bust down doors!

[Author]

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