[ZM]

I graduated with an accounting degree and never got hired in the field. I’m trying to pivot from working all kinds of deadend jobs to working a white collar one. I’m currently in Lambda School’s data science and machine learning program and eventually will be combining accounting with programming.

Would 1 year of H and R Block be good enough to get the Big 4 to notice me? I’ve done research and I won’t be getting paid much working for H and R Block but beggars can’t be choosers in this environment.

I greatly appreciate the advice.

[Recked]

Probably not.
You'd just be doing basic to moderate income taxes using the H&R Block software which sort of guides you through the return.
H&R Block can get you some tax experience that you can then leverage to a small or medium firm, and from there try to springboard towards the B4.
Or you might realize you love tax, and try handing out your own shingle after you get a few years experience.
–
B4 isn't everything it's cracked up to be, but it all depends what path you want out of life.

[AGI]

The door to the Top 10 accounting fields are mainly from college or from networking (in my opinion).
I don't know how close in individual income tax to programming. I would recommend also adding a part time accounting job (which can be work remotely), to add you some extra experience (since it's off season).

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Skynet]

You might want to consider looking for mom and pops or small size firms other than H&R Block. At least the small size firms you might get slightly more varieties of tax returns and even some book keeping experience. H&R should be your last option especially in this pandemic.

H&R won't likely get you into B4 as they mostly hire out of college that are the cream of the crop.

You may want to consider getting and Enrolled Agent's license and use that to leverage for better opportunities and job positions.

That's how I did it. I went from AP to taxes for a few seasons and then into GL accounting.

[ZM]

https://www.business.com/articles/ai-and-accounting/

There's crossover for accounting and programming. Technology changes all the time. The saying is we overestimate what can be done in 3 years and underestimate what can be done in 10 years.

I agree with the general sentiment to shoot for small firms and H and R being the last option. I just filled out 16 applications and am contemplating filling out some applications in other states. I'm 99% sure everybody is staffing up for tax season now.

I'm kind of stressed out and should be meditating more. I hope to report back soon.

Yes, EA or CPA should be a next option.

[monikernc]

I think getting the EA and doing the Quickbooks online certification will help you get noticed. What states are you looking for work in?

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Parthamis]

I took the H&R Block course during my career struggles in 2017.

It is not worth it, and working at H&R Block will not help you in your public accounting career.

The course teaches only basic information which is far less comprehensive than Income Tax I in undergradaute, to start out. secondly, the ‘training' they provide primarily consists of interviewing the client to see if they are lying with scenarios of a disruptive work environment and arguing couples to make you ready for irate customers.

You will not learn anything technical to make you more of an asset..

wanna know something else? In Philadelphia, the starting rate of H&R Block first year preparers is $10/hour. What are interns at small accounting firms paid? $15. what are interns at mid tier & large firms paid? $24+.

Stay away from H&R Block. simply put

[Author]

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