[wanttochangejobbypassingcpa]

Hi all, I’m looking for advices for changing my job. I’m currently working in a small tax accounting firm in nyc for almost 5 years now. This is my first job after college. This company is very unorganized, and no benefits. I am currently sitting for CPA exam which I haven’t passed any of the section yet! My original plan was to pass the CPA then use my fully attention to search for job, but I am not sure if I could wait for this long considering it may take me few years to pass my CPA!!!!another concern I have is that I do not really have any references I could use. Appreciate any opinion!

[wanttochangejobbypassingcpa]

Any suggestions or thought could be appreciated! Thank you!

[Pete]

Are you looking to get into Audit? If so, you'll likely not be able to get into it, without an internship (at least in the northeast-it's incredibly competitive here). I'm moving into public accounting and am basically required to do an internship first; it's not ideal, but you'll gain experience that way. Basically, to move into a larger firm, you'll likely have to take a temporary position; if they like you, you'll get hired full-time. For tax, you might be able to transition into a full-time position at a larger firm, but your experience will be downgraded. If you're a manager now, you would likely be a staff to maybe senior at a larger firm; however, you will probably still earn much more.

I was at a similar firm to you. My firm provided “benefits;” however, I didn't realize that the deductible was $6,000. Basically, you wouldn't get any coverage, unless you nearly died.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[wanttochangejobbypassingcpa]

Thank you so much for your advice! I do not think I will ever want to go to Aduit field, I could probably continue working in taxation field or some accounting department. i feel like I am under paid in my current company considering how much works and responsibility they put on my shoulders. Sometimes I feel like I could not breath. Do you have any suggestion about references? I could only probably get one reference from my co-worker.

[Pete]

I have a suggestion, but you probably won't like it. Do you have friends that would be willing to serve as your references? If so, just prep them before the call. Tell them what to say (ie. we worked together in the accounting firm doing xyz). Then provide the new employer with that persons cell-phone number. You run the risk of the company directly calling your current employer and asking for that person, but more than likely, they won't. Most companies don't even conduct reference checks these days it seems.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[wanttochangejobbypassingcpa]

Thanks, I will see what options I will have at the time.

[Missy]

I'd never ask someone who hasn't worked with me to say they had, nor would I do so if requested.

Really references aren't a big deal, it's exceptionally rare an employer even asks to talk to your work peers. They either want personal reference which your friends can be, or more likely want to confirm your job title and dates of employment (sometimes whether your current employer would consider you eligible for rehire) but in that case they want HR or your direct supervisor.you can tell a potential employer your job search is discreet and you'd only consent to contact with your current employer at the point of offer acceptance. Or if you don't want them to talk to your current employer at all you can say they don't provide references but be prepared for that to be seen as a red flag unless it's in writing from your current employer.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[wanttochangejobbypassingcpa]

Thank you! I've never changed job so this is pretty new to me.

[Pete]

Surprised you've experienced an employer asking for “personal references.” I've applied to well over 20 positions; only a handful actually asked for personal references. Most ask for professional references. A few have explicitly stated that personal references are forbidden.

Of course, professors, etc. would be considered professional references, but if it's old reference, like that, it will likely set off a red flag. They usually ask for professional references because those individuals can directly tell the new employer how well you perform your job. Why would an employer care that your best buddy Joey thinks your a great guy? Of course he'll say you're awesome, but he can't attest to your job.

You can defer the problem, like MLA stated. I would simply write “upon request” on a job applications. Most employers will understand that you don't want to give out your references before a decision; however, I have encountered a few push employers. At the point they request it, you basically have to give up all that information or else you'll set off red flags. Same thing with salary. You shouldn't disclose, unless they ask, during an interview. I left that question blank. Some have suggested stating “i wish to be paid market value,” but this will definitely not appeal to them. A bunch of them will keep pushing for an actual number at which point, you either look bad or you give a figure.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Missy]

Oh gosh even if they ask about salary, don't share your salary. Deflect, say you're sure they'll offer a competitive salary or better yet do some research and say you know the average salary is x but you consider the entire package from insurance to benefits and salary is only one part of compensation.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Jdn9201]

Well, only you can decide if your job is bad enough to get out now. I would say if it's unbearable, then get a new job before attacking the CPA. On the other hand, your job could be a motivating factor for the CPA if you tell yourself you can get out once you've passed them all. If you're motivated enough, there's no reason why you can't be done in a year. Not sure about your hours, but I work full-time and knocked mine out in 7 months. I'm also surprised that you don't have any references. Do you still know professors or fellow students from college? How about some of your clients? Would you trust one or two enough to vouch for your work while maintaining confidentiality? Do not get friends to lie and be professional references for you – that could come back and bite you. I would try and not ask anyone I work with as references, but if so, try to get someone you trust who works in a different group than you do. Good luck!

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[wanttochangejobbypassingcpa]

Thank you for your advices! Unfortunately I do not have any contact with professors. I may be able to get one or two clients as references, I have never thought about that. Thank you.

[Author]

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