[smyoung0521]

Hi, I just had 2 interviews….one with an accounting firm that specializes in auditing, the other interview was with a small family owned manufacturing company where I would do a variety of accounting both cost and financial. Both have pluses and minuses and either one I would like. I am trying to think career wise where each would lead….any thoughts? I know it is a rather vague question and the real question will be if/which one offers me a position even but from another perspective….what should I be looking at/thinking about.

Restarting my journey!
Using Rogers and supplementing with Ninja

[Anonymous]

Sounds like it's basically a question of public vs private accounting. If you look around, there's lots of threads on that topic! I work in public, am considering switching to private, and from what I've gathered, a summary comparison would be:

Public:

– Potential for more interaction with people

– Crazy hours during busy season, potentially lighter hours during non-busy season

– Similar work for many different companies (like, you might work on audits for 10 companies in a year)

Private:

– Potential for more solo work and less interaction with people

– Consistent hours throughout the year

– Varied work for a single company (like, the position you've interviewed for would be doing *everything*, but only working with one company until if/when you moved)

I've heard that one pays more, but I can't remember which one it was. haha. Guess I'm not too useful. 😉

For me, the main consideration is the timing of the work. Through tax season, I'll work 100 hours in a week sometimes, but through non-tax-season, at this firm, I work 34-40 hours. From what I've gathered, in private accounting, you're more likely to work 40-45 most of the year, and maybe 50 or more during certain times, like last week of the month, and last couple/few weeks of the year. I've been debating whether the consistent schedule would be better for my life/family, or the freedom of a light schedule through the summer.

[kmaahs]

Would you be working under a licensed CPA in the small firm?

If you don't have your 2000 hours in you will need to have a CPA sign off on your hours before you are an actual CPA…

Personally I'd opt to get some public experience before moving into industry. But that is really a personal judgement call.

C.P.A.

[smyoung0521]

There is two CPA's that I would be working under so getting that part of it will not be a problem at all. Both have comparable hours however the CPA firm has a lot of travel which adds into your daily time…..I don't mind the travel….. although what I always enjoyed in order of preference was cost accounting, then financial accounting, then audit work and my least favorite is taxes…..

I guess I didn't look at it from a public/private stand point. You both have made some great points!! Thanks for the feedback!

Restarting my journey!
Using Rogers and supplementing with Ninja

[smyoung0521]

Oh, and the corporation has an off season which is July-Sept but even during busy season they claim to only work 45 hours a week as they believe in working ‘smarter.' The CPA firm is all audit work and so it has a few busy periods but even during those supposedly the work is 8-5 but you could possible get 2-3 hours of travel time each way..

Restarting my journey!
Using Rogers and supplementing with Ninja

[smyoung0521]

Wow, just the waiting to hear back is so stressful! Good thing I have the CPA exam to study for to keep me occupied! 🙂 Bring on the BEC!

Restarting my journey!
Using Rogers and supplementing with Ninja

[kmaahs]

I think, in general, your entire career will not be determined by where you begin it.

Based on your last post, you like cost/financial more than audit/tax.

If this is the case, it sounds like the manufacturing company may be a better fit for you.

Go where you want to go, not where you think you should go. If it isn't everything you hope for, make a move later on.

The advantage of being a professional is that you are always in demand more so than those who are not, and this will allow for flexibility down the road.

Good luck!

C.P.A.

[mla1169]

What state are you in? Check on the experience requirement as some states specify the work experience must be in the attest function.

kmaahs, the experience requirement varies state to state. Not all are 2000 and I have a license and never worked under a CPA a day in my life (I do however have a masters degree in lieu of experience).

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[smyoung0521]

Thanks for all the replies! I did get offered the manufacturing job! The pay starts low but will be adjusted after 90 days. It is the type of accounting that I want to do so the experience is what I am going for. I will get to be involved in everything from A/R and A/P to inventory to ledgers and even later in setting prices and costs. Also after 2 years there is profit sharing…..coming from working only government jobs this is really interesting. The manager that I will be working under has been there 8 years and he was able to get his CPA while there so I know that it will count as experience. Am I crazy for taking it over the CPA firm? It is also a 20 minute drive in a quaint downtown house which will allow for a better work life balance since I have 2 younger kids.

Now I have to figure out whether to move my first test or not…it is set for August 30th and I start the new job August 19th. They are fine with me taking off for that day but I am aware that I will be learning and processing so much those weeks….on the other hand….it is a really good excuse if I bomb the exam the first time which could be likely regardless 🙂

Restarting my journey!
Using Rogers and supplementing with Ninja

[Author]

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