[Flamerhino]

I’m currently working for a private company that has no CPA. I passed my first part of exam at Oct and recently got an offer at a CPA firm that specializes in 80% royalty auditing and 20% financial statement audit. I’m hesitating to move because I’m not sure if I will like royalty audits as a long term career. It sounds nice on paper that I get to travel internationally and minimal overtime. The pay is mid low 40’s and benefit is barebone (health, dental, vision, 10 vaca, 8 sick, overtime pay, no 401k but profit sharing contribution plan). No cpa/exam bonuses or signing bonuses.

My question is should I start my very first public accounting job at such niche market as my first accounting job? Or continue to wait and see if I can get better offers down the road? Last thing I want is to do 1-2 yrs of royalty audit, hate it, and then start from scratch again at a different audit function because I have minimal exposure to regular financial statement audits.

Any ideas?

[samdiegoCPA]

Well you need the experience to become a CPA, so I'd take the job (AND because traveling internationally for work is part of my dream job, I'd take pay cut!) If you don't want the job, I'll take it 😛 Sorry I don't have much more advice.

AUD: 84
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FAR: 83

[Flamerhino]

Well, I'll be mainly flying to one destination (my home country). I highly doubt that I'll get to fly across the globe since it is a small firm. I'd take the job under normal circumstances, as in if they're not so specialized. I've always thought diversity is a pretty important factor.

[Anonymous]

I wouldnt necessarily say you need to take the first opportunity that comes your way, but you are going to have to make a change eventually since you dont have a CPA above you. If the work situation feels right currently then I would stick with what you have. However, you should start looking into a change to happen prior to finishing your 4th test.

[musicamor]

I would not make the job change to such a specialized and specific role. You will pigeon-hold yourself for later career moves. You want to be as diverse and general as possible so that your marketability in the future is endless. The more specific you get, the harder it will be to get a job, trust me. I would also discourage a job move while you're still testing. Stick it out until you finish the CPA exam and you'll be better positioned for a good job after you have your CPA.

Regarding the work experience issue, does your company not have an external CPA firm that does an audit or compiles the financial statements? If so, would they be willing to sign off on your work experience?

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[Flamerhino]

@musicamor unfortunately that route doesn't work for CA. I've emailed the board before and and they've confirmed that doesn't work.

[Author]

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