[jes7879]

Hi Everyone – I would love some opinions on a career move I’m thinking of making.

I am in my early – almost mid 30s. I have over 10 years experience in private accounting. I finished my BS a couple years ago and am in process of taking the CPA exam now. I passed AUD and am scheduled to take BEC in Feb with hopes to finish all 4 parts by Jul.

I don’t have any public accounting experience so am thinking to go into public but if I make the move now it will be going right into busy season and I probably won’t have time to study. Also, after talking to a recruiter yesterday I would probably have to take a pay cut of at least $10k but it may be worth it in the long run.

Maybe I should stay where I am, finish the exams and make a move in July?

My other thought is what is the point of having my license if I don’t have the public experience, right?

Any thoughts and opinions are appreciated!!!

-Joanna

AUD - passed
BEC - retake in July

[mgnyc]

License is worth it even without public experience. Mine helped me get a new job I'm in NFP. As far as the best time to change, I would say if you have an offer to go public take it. Worry about the exam later.

Aud 73, 79
Reg 70, 60, 67, 76
Far 70, 66, 72, 87
Bec 77

[mgnyc]

License is worth it even without public experience. Mine helped me get a new job I'm in NFP. As far as the best time to change, I would say if you have an offer to go public take it. Worry about the exam later.

Aud 73, 79
Reg 70, 60, 67, 76
Far 70, 66, 72, 87
Bec 77

[Mrs.Smith]

My story is similar. I started out in private accounting due to a unique opportunity, but after a few years I was always worried about outsourcing, career stagnation and becoming too specialized. I always wondered if I was missing something by not doing audit. i moved to a public accounting firm that could use my industry knowledge and teach me audit. The jury's still out on whether it was a smart career move or not.

Personally, I couldn't imagine starting at a firm during busy season. Everyone will be too busy to train you properly. Since you are experienced, their expectations for you will be much higher than a new staff. You will definitely pick things up faster.. But new to PA + busy season hours + experienced staff expectations + CPA study in you “free” time? Sounds miserable.

My vote would be for finishing the CPA and start searching for a firm that will be a good fit for you and your situation. Unless you are starting as a fresh staff, then go with the most money 😉

Ps. Any firm hiring this close to busy season is understaffed! You want to make sure you set yourself up for success! But if you make the leap, good luck… Keep us updated!

[Mrs.Smith]

My story is similar. I started out in private accounting due to a unique opportunity, but after a few years I was always worried about outsourcing, career stagnation and becoming too specialized. I always wondered if I was missing something by not doing audit. i moved to a public accounting firm that could use my industry knowledge and teach me audit. The jury's still out on whether it was a smart career move or not.

Personally, I couldn't imagine starting at a firm during busy season. Everyone will be too busy to train you properly. Since you are experienced, their expectations for you will be much higher than a new staff. You will definitely pick things up faster.. But new to PA + busy season hours + experienced staff expectations + CPA study in you “free” time? Sounds miserable.

My vote would be for finishing the CPA and start searching for a firm that will be a good fit for you and your situation. Unless you are starting as a fresh staff, then go with the most money 😉

Ps. Any firm hiring this close to busy season is understaffed! You want to make sure you set yourself up for success! But if you make the leap, good luck… Keep us updated!

[jes7879]

Thanks for the advice!

AUD - passed
BEC - retake in July

[jes7879]

Thanks for the advice!

AUD - passed
BEC - retake in July

[Study Monk]

I think Mrs. Smith hit it dead on. Wait until later in the year. Maybe you can read some helpful Industry guides after you pass the exam.

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 think Mrs. Smith hit it dead on. Wait until later in the year. Maybe you can read some helpful Industry guides after you pass the exam.

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"

[Author]

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