[Noki]

Hello everyone. I would love some advice regarding what I am doing wrong or what I should be doing. I started my accounting career as an accounting assistant while attending undergrad school with this company I have been working for. I have moved on up to a staff accountant position within the company. Let me tell you that I have been with this company for over 7 years and I have finished my masters degree in accounting. I have out grown my position (mostly doing A/R) and I went to my boss and asked for a bump in more work experience and raises. I explained to my boss that I wanted to experience other work such as preparing the financials. Unfortunately, my boss told me that it was impossible for me to work on the financials because another accountant was in charge of that, and that my experience with A/R was needed due to the fact that I’ve gained so much. So with that I am stuck without a raise merit or more responsibilities. I have been looking around and applying to other companies with a senior role. I have landed some interviews but no luck at all. Most employers asked if I have experience with preparing financials and of course I don’t.
I have tailored my resumes and cover letters to each job posting I think I might be a good fit. I even landed a grueling 3 hour interview with a large company, mostly the interviews were in STAR format. I was prepared for that, and the next day I didn’t get any offer. I can’t even get an offer for a job that is similar to my current position.
At this point, I am frustrated that I can’t even land any opportunities. Not knowing how to prepare or have my hands on financials is very frustrating and I feel dumb. I must add that I do network and connect with potential employers, done a lot of reading and research on job boards. My only options left is to pass the exam, be certified, and hope and pray that I land some better opportunities than my current one. Any advice I can get is really appreciated. Thank you all.

[brainfried75]

@Noki Sounds like there could be a few things working against you 1) Timing of year isn't helping. Even though jobs are posted, people will start to be out for the holidays 2) You don't have experience with financial statements 3) You may not be a good fit for the job(s) you've interviewed for 4) Applying for lateral positions may not be appealing to some employers as they may want someone with more ambition or 5) You may be faced with hard competition in your geographic market. The list goes on. My advice to you would be not to give up. Sure you may be feeling discouraged, but you need to move on. Networking is key and will work more than spending time on online submissions. Also, be grateful you are employed. Sounds like you've been able to get your masters and if you keep it up, you will likely also get your CPA, which will open more doors. People land jobs they are not fully qualified for through sheer networking regardless of credentials. I see it everyday. People with zero experience get jobs just because of their connections. Tell everyone you meet you are looking for XYZ type positions. January is the best month to be looking for jobs. I would recommend that you indicate what exams you have passed on your resume and indicate you're a candidate for the CPA (if you are obviously). Be prepared to discuss your status on the CPA in an interview if you have added it to your resume. The other thing I would suggest is that if you don't have any experience with financial statements, what else makes you unique? You need more to stand out. If there is any volunteering work you can do pro bono then I would recommend you sign up to get exposure to this skill. In the interim, you must take exams before the end of the year and pass them to help your resume look attractive, but ultimately the networking is what's going to get you in the door. Good luck. I hope you land something better in 2019.

[ultrarunner]

Why didn't you apply for a job when you were in school? It's really hard to land a new job without any relevant experience unless you are still in school. I see many red flags in your resume. You work for one company way too long plus your experience is limited to A/R, which many people don't consider as accounting. People in industry switch jobs all the time. Switching job is one way people make more money and learn a new skillset. Also, large companies usually hire people with public accounting experience. If I were you, I would go for an entry level staff accountant position. Also, keep applying. Job interview is all about chemistry. Sometimes hiring managers just go for someone who they like most. If you are shy or introverted, try to be more people friendly person. All the best.

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[livealittle]

have you considered a head hunter? gone back to your college and talked to career development? they often have ongoing services for grads/alumni? join more groups and network even more.

good luck

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[Adeel_q1987]

@Noki, I would not trust your boss since “you have gained enough experience in your current role and are needed”….he is still getting someone with masters degree in accounting and not having to pay for it. He will never promote you or help you and since you have stayed at that job for so long, he does not have any incentive to move you up. Do you understand all the other concepts correct? I would put all my knowledge in cover letter and aspirations. I know right now HR's only look at your line items but this will come down to your persistence. Start networking and apply to as many jobs as you can since this is a numbers game now. Be confident even if you have not worked in certain aspect of accounting, always state that you have studied in school and are excited to applied in the real world. Honestly that is how I changed jobs.

[Pork Flavored Bacon]

I had the same thoughts as Ultrarunner.
Being hired as a senior comes with expectations. If most of your experience is in A/R and you've had limited or no experience preparing financials, how do you expect a company to hire you as a senior if that position requires you to prepare financials? Just using the financials as an example, imagine an associate asks you for guidance on something you have no experience in and you go and ask the manager. That isn't going to end well for you.
Although, I also agree with Brainfried75. Unqualified people get jobs all the time just based on connections.
I'm just basing my post on what you provided. I'm sure you have more experience than what you wrote. That said, you might be better off going for an experienced associate position rather than a senior so you can have more exposure to accounting. Just an idea.

FAR - 75 | REG - 87 | AUD - 82 | LAW - 81

[El]

@OP I think you are doing everything I would do under the circumstance. Get out quick! Your boss sounds pretty lousy..who wouldn't want someone with ambition, does good work, and is now ready to move up? Ideally a good boss would take work off his/her senior's plate and let you handle some and give the senior more work so they can move up, too.

Unfortunately, it does sound like a lateral move is necessary but I would indicate on my resume that I was an assistant for x years and staff for x years so they see that you did get a promotion at one point. During the interview make it clear that there is no room for growth at your job and you will do great job with your new employer because of the experience but really want to move up and gradually handle whatever tasks are needed to become a senior or manager.

[Noki]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I agree that I have been there too long. I made a career change in my late twenties and I don't regret it because I made this change for my family. This company was the only place that gave me a chance when no other place would. I started there while I was in my last year of undergrad study. I did get a little increase for finishing with a bachelor. The only reason I was promoted to staff position was because my previous co-worker was leaving the company and she was the one who was my mentor. I do have some knowledge of preparing financials, especially in consolidating. My current co-worker is the one who let me work on it, but it's not my main “position” to work on it. I do have other experience in asset based lending which I liaise with the bank on inventory and AR as collateral. I am disappointed my employer didn't even increase my pay or acknowledge my accomplishment of completing a master.
I have been applying to similar role I am in right now. So far I have received calls for a phone interview. Hopefully that will get me somewhere. but I know I have to work harder.

[Author]

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