[sd2011]

I recently made the move back into accounting after working outside of business for several years. Prior to my original career switch out of accounting, my experience mainly revolved around more business-related work that included AR/bookkeeping, etc.,–not public accounting or staff accountant level work.

I was able to get my exams out of the way before coming back to accounting, and took a position at a very small firm to get my hours in. The pay that I took is quite low and I am doing everything from moderately complex individual tax returns to bookkeeping/year end review to financial statements–no audits, though, and my state doesn’t require them for licensure.

I am just not so sure where I am heading career wise. I think I would eventually like to eventually work as a controller for a small business, move into a private company with a large accounting department, or into move a larger (but still local, not even regional sized) firm.

I live in a large suburban area about an hour out of a major city, and I am in my late thirties, so not really a traditional age to be entering accounting . I am enjoying what I am doing so much more than my last career, but know that as soon as I get licensed, I have to make a jump to get my pay back up to something reasonable and get into a position that will put me on some sort of track where continues to increase (I def. see professional growth where I’m at, but don’t see the kind of salary growth I would want).

Has anyone started out at a small firm (handling the same type of work (small business accounting, no audits, etc.), and if so, where did you go from there? Am I really going to be able to find something without audit experience? How common is it during your first year to not be doing 1120’s and 1065’s (I do the prep work, but not the actual returns)?

Sorry for the rambling post, I just need some feedback!

A-87 Oct 2011 (Becker, Yaeger)
B-77 Jan 2012 (Yaeger)
R-92 Aug 2012 (Yaeger, WTB, Ninja Notes)
F-81 Jan 2013 (Yaeger, WTB, Ninja Notes)

[Mayo]

@amordiva, Haha, no but I thought since we were hijacking threads and all…

@gatorbates, chill Winston…patience is a virtue.

@OP, I'd say that if you were interested in Controller type roles then get out of tax as soon as you're able to. There's just zero opportunity for a financial reporting role if you specialize in that field. Here's one suggestion:

1.) At your current work, try and be proactive and do as much non-tax work as you can

2.) Start networking now (CPA society, linkedin groups, etc.)

3.) when you get licensed, leverage the relationships you formed in #2 and see about getting referrals for job opportunities at small to midsize CPA firms

4.) Do audit and work until manager

5.) leave to be an assistant controller or controller at a small to medium firm

6.) come to A71 and post an Italian meatballs recipe as thanks to me 🙂

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[tough_kitty]

Mayo, oh no! I want to be a controller and have a tax return preparation business on the side… why can't I have it all???

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Mayo, oh no! I want to be a controller and have a tax return preparation business on the side… why can't I have it all???

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Mayo]

@toughkitty, hmm…have your own tax business and be the controller of said business. Presto!

You now have two more wishes.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

@toughkitty, hmm…have your own tax business and be the controller of said business. Presto!

You now have two more wishes.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[tough_kitty]

Haha….nah, that won't work…Unless I make my business international somehow….

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Haha….nah, that won't work…Unless I make my business international somehow….

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Mayo]

Just curious, what other languages do you speak?

Edit: sorry to hijack thread once again!

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Just curious, what other languages do you speak?

Edit: sorry to hijack thread once again!

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[tough_kitty]

If you share your contact info with me, I'll tell you 🙂 or you can search for an answer somewhere on this forum……

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

If you share your contact info with me, I'll tell you 🙂 or you can search for an answer somewhere on this forum……

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Study Monk]

I just noticed those hiya buttons for the first time….

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[Study Monk]

I just noticed those hiya buttons for the first time….

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[tough_kitty]

Learning something every day 🙂

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Learning something every day 🙂

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Author]

Replies