[TheblackCPAseeker]

Hello current & future CPA’s

I am seeking some career advice. I am 23 yrs I have a Bachelors and Master in Accounting, I got a job as accounting clerk after my undergrad at a private real estate (Home builder), I did my masters while working as an accounting clerk and graduated in July 2014. A few months after my graduation the Staff accountant who was above me got let go and I was promoted.

However the position is more like a glorified accounting clerk, I do the same tasks I did as an accounting clerk but with journal entries and bank reconciliations added. I get paid between 50-55K which is decent , but I don’t think this type of work will lead me to a better position at better companies.

I have an interest in public accounting and I have always wanted to start my career with the Big 4, I haven’t had too much luck with the recruiting process and I really didn’t attend career fairs when I was in school, which i realize now was a big mistake if i had hopes of working for the Big 4.

My question to everyone here is I want to quit this company but not before I find another job, I hate my job because it involves me coming in keying in invoices/cutting checks (AP/admin work) with my education I should be doing more meaningful work.

Any advice on how I could switch up my search and find something in public accounting or even corporate accounting as long it is a full time accounting role? I just want to set myself up for a better accounting career with higher earnings as I progress but I feel if I stay here my opportunities and earning potential will be greatly limited.

Thanks for the help.

FAR - 80 (05/2015)

AUD - 68 (08/2015, Retake (07/03/16)

REG - 77 (11/2015)

BEC - Sometime in 2016

We are destined for this.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried applying for any Middle Market firms? Unless your college allows graduates to return to the career fairs, this might be your best bet. You can work at a Middle Market firm for a few years then transfer to Big 4 as an Experienced Associate or higher. Most middle market firms are going to want to know if you are CPA Eligible and if you're currently seeking certification.

You can also look on Indeed, Glassdoor, etc. for openings in industry. Unless you get really lucky and find a TRUE entry-level accounting position, from my experience, most companies want at least 1-2 years experience for their Staff Accounting role (in industry). My advice would be to stick it out in your current role until you have this experience, then begin applying for jobs in industry, if that's the route you want to take.

If you don't mind me asking, what area are you in?

[TheblackCPAseeker]

WannaBeCPATX16 I'm in the Atlanta GA area. I have been at the current company for 1yr and 11 months. I have all the credits to take the CPA exam and I also have my NTS already. What do you mean by middle market firms?

FAR - 80 (05/2015)

AUD - 68 (08/2015, Retake (07/03/16)

REG - 77 (11/2015)

BEC - Sometime in 2016

We are destined for this.

[Anonymous]

Advice for Public Accounting:

Do you have 150 credits or a masters? If not, no public accounting firm is going to give you a job.

You are in a good place right now, but that won't last long. If you are set on growing in public accounting you need to get 150 credits and the exam under your belt. Assuming your priority is an entry level job in public 150 credits is initially more important than the exam.

First scenario is as follows. Since you are making good money, step one is to save it. Step two is to quit your job, move back in with your parents, and get an MBA CPA together while taking advantage of recruitment opportunities.

Scenario two is as follows. Simply start earning 150 credits online or at a community college, then start the exam as you feel comfortable while looking for a new job. However, it is paramount that you plan your timing. You are young so are probably still eligible for campus recruiting. Most firms other than small firms hire young, out of college, way in advance, at set times of year. Often times classes are hired 6-12 months in advance,. This can be good for you so that you have time to get the exam.

In terms of big 4, unless someone refers you into the Big 4 it will be difficult to get in. But remember that is only 4 of the thousands of firms in this country. After you have the MBA, or 150 credits, and the exam, (probably 2 years after you start the process) if you haven’t already found a job, get a long list of places you want to work then call each one on the phone and ask for a job.

Advice for corporate accounting:

If you want a corporate job get in touch with a corporate recruiter and apply. If you apply to 25 large corporations I am pretty sure you will get a job.

Overall advice:

My overall piece of advice to you is start earning 150 credits ASAP.

[Anonymous]

@CFOnotCPA i think u make it sound too easy. i will have my 150 credits soon, i am on my way to my cpa, and i have googled for local firms and not many seem to be hiring. maybe i just haven't found them all but that's part of the problem. how do u you find these firms??

[Anonymous]

I have 5 years experience in sales so that helps with the cold calling. I also live in Philly so I'm open to the entire northeast. Go the the library get a book of lists and call. Then all you have to do is sell! sell! sell!

I got a job in NYC by doing exactly that. I went to the library got the book of list and cold called Hr with this pitch:.

________________________________________________________________________________

Hi my name is X

I graduated form X with x # credits.

I passed X parts of the CPA exam.

I have X amount of experience in Y.

Are you hiring? If so please call me back.

My number is XXXXX

Again my number is XXXXX

Again my name is YYYYYY (confirm spelling so they an search my linkedin)

Thank you have a great day.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

If they don't call you back that simply means its not a good place to work.

[Vern -No what I mean]

Middle market firms = CBIZ, Grant Thornton, Mcgladrey, etc.

You should be able to reach out to the local managing partners fr these firms in Atlanta and talk to them about their recruiting and hiring practices. They could bring you on with the expectation that you would work towards your CPA license which would include the aditional credits.

There are also many small public accounting firms that would hire you with yor current credentials. Typically around November and December, small firms are looking for people to bring on for busy season.

At some point, many firms are looking for people becuase they know there is a high level of turnover.

Keep applying for jobs and you'll eventually find one.

AUD - 90
FAR - 71, 76
REG - 75
BEC - 76 (bubble sucks)

Becker + Ninja MCQ's

[Vern -No what I mean]

Who goes to the library these days when you can search the internet?

Here's an opening at McGladery in Atlanta. Look over the requirements and see what you need to meet them.

https://jobs.mcgladrey.com/#/jobs/SEMC12354/Atlanta-GA-2015-Audit-Associate?lang=en-US

AUD - 90
FAR - 71, 76
REG - 75
BEC - 76 (bubble sucks)

Becker + Ninja MCQ's

[Anonymous]

@CFOnotCPA I do not mean to be rude but did you even read his entire post? He stated at the beginning that he has a Bachelors & Masters in Accounting…

@TheblackCPAseeker Middle Market, as someone else stated, would be the BDO's, Grant Thornton, McGladrey, etc. I think with your credentials, this may be the best route for you to enter public.

[TheblackCPAseeker]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I forgot to mention that I'm interested in Tax not audit my MAcc was specializing in Taxation. I have the 150 credits to be certified as a CPA and I also already have my NTS, i plan to sit for my first section in early May.

FAR - 80 (05/2015)

AUD - 68 (08/2015, Retake (07/03/16)

REG - 77 (11/2015)

BEC - Sometime in 2016

We are destined for this.

[Author]

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