[Anonymous]

I recently passed the CPA exams and now I’m confused about what to do. I spent the last 6 months preparing for the exams and now that its done I’m not sure which route to take. I see that there are so many options available and I don’t know what would be best for me. I would like to ultimately hold a respectable position in industry . I don’t want to be in public accounting forever but, certainly don’t mind spending a few years there if that would position me for something better. I ambitious and would want to be a top grade professional some day. But don’t know where to start.

I hate that am so confused and really upset with myself for being this way. But the truth is that I just don’t know. Please help me, I’m losing sleep over this.

There are so many options available its overwhelming. Should I look for a position in external audit with a public accounting firm? or Internal Audit with a corporate? Or become a financial analyst? Or risk advisory? Please share your experience with me so I can make an informed decision.

[oilgaslb]

Let me get the cliche answer out of the way – do what makes you happy, not what anyone else thinks you should do.

That being said, I am a firm believer in only working in an industry/field/position that you have a passion for. I've done private accounting since I was 15. When I was getting ready to graduate college I thought there were two options: become a tax accountant in a big public firm, or an auditor in a big public firm. Last minute after applying to nearly 30 positions, I decided to apply to a small private firm. Best decision I ever made. I am in a very niche industry, where it's hard to get your foot in the door…but I have a huge love for what I do. I know that if I followed what everyone else said to do, I would have ended up miserable.

Granted, maybe your desire is being partner at a large public big 4…but from your post, it sounds like you may not believe that. Don't trick yourself into believing it. I suggest researching and thinking about an industry that truly interests you, then go from there.

[calicpa]

@oilgaslb, if you don't mind me asking, what is your niche industry?

BEC - 84, 4/6/13
AUD - 77, 5/28/13
REG - 83, 4/12/14
FAR - 83, 10/3/13

Ethics - 90% 4/24/13

150 unit education requirement met!
Work experience met!

[oilgaslb]

Oil and gas 😉 it's large, but by niche I suppose I just mean very focused and hard to get into unless you have prior o&g experience.

[P or F.. I think Im gonna BARF]

Let's cut to the chase… if you can hack it, do public accounting.

B - (08/29/2013) Passed
A - (07/02/2013) Passed
R - (10/17/2013) 73 - Rematch
F - (05/29/2013) Passed

[P or F.. I think Im gonna BARF]

Let's cut to the chase… if you can hack it, do public accounting.

B - (08/29/2013) Passed
A - (07/02/2013) Passed
R - (10/17/2013) 73 - Rematch
F - (05/29/2013) Passed

[fuzyfro89]

Broadest options will be open to those who begin their careers in external audit. Lets be real though, you will work A LOT, you will NOT get paid a lot, but the network you build with your peers as well as within the clients you serve will be invaluable. Some like to call it a training ground which I sort of agree with — not that you'll be even a remote business expert within 2-3 yrs, but your ethic and ability to learn will never be in question.

It's more like a badge of honor than a training ground. If you're able to navigate the corporate environment in Big 4, then you will have no issue in most companies afterwards.

It's an easy transition to internal audit or corporate accounting after a stint in audit. Financial analysis is more of a stretch, but only because its not as common. But if you go to a good company, you can make it in if you can prove you are sharp.

Good luck! And while you're recruiting, the best advice I can give is GET THE OFFER — then you can always decide for or against something. Don't start crossing things off your list so early.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. This is my first post on another 71 and its so good to know that there are people out there who take the time to help a total stranger. Thanks a lot.

oilgaslb – You’re absolutely right, I really need to figure out what I like. But, its so hard to determine that without trying it out, I’ve been to numerous company websites and looked at what the career section had to say about the kind of work involved but its all so diverse that I’m left even more confused. I guess on some level I’m over thinking this. Its really nice to see that you found your footing. I hope to get there someday.

fuzyfro89 – Based on you post it really seems to me that external audit would be the ideal starting point for a confused beginner like me. If nothing else at least its a place to figure out what I like. Its good to know that I wouldn’t have to start from scratch if I do choose to transition to Internal Audit or Corporate Accounting. I really like the part about getting the offer first. That’s definitely something that I will keep in mind.

[Anonymous]

You're right that you have to do the work to know if you'd like it or not. The good news is that you don't have to spend your whole career in whatever you do first! My goal post-college was just to get a job in accounting…well, and to stay local, because I live with and care for grandparents, so not quite a free agent. Anyway, just getting a job in accounting, in any aspect of it, will let you see what the work is really like. From what I've gathered, audit is more likely to get you into industry than taxes…but pretty much, anything you do will be experience and help you get to the next thing. So don't worry too much that you're committing your life by what job you take – any job will help, and a job can be changed when needed, if you decide you don't like it and want to go another route!

[Anonymous]

Congrats for passing, acpatoday!

Great suggestions above. I would also recommend working for a cpa firm for a year or two as a resume builder. It would then be relatively easy to transition into almost any other field of accounting and you will have a better idea of what interests you. Many accounting job openings prefer some public accounting experience to move into management.

[Author]

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