[shanda98]

I’m stressing out about finding a job along with just having FAR remaining to take in April.

Here is my background: I am a Forensic Chemist going on 10 years. After a figuring out how to prepare my own taxes and just thrilled with preparing them, 5yrs ago I decided to attend the Tax Course with HR&Block. After getting hired immediately upon completion, fast forward two years, I decided to become an Enrolled Agent because I loved it so much. A coworker at Block, who happened to be an accountant at her full time job said to forget the EA route but go after my CPA instead. Going after my CPA wasn’t even an option on my plate because I didn’t think I had the smarts necessary for the job. However after further research and tired of the amount of down time involved with state work, I decided to obtain my Masters and get the required hours I needed to sit for the exam. Now Masters in hand and 3 exams down, I’m freaking out about what’s waiting for me around the corner, if there even is something waiting for me. I’m concerned mostly that even though I have 5 yrs with block (which is seasonal work), and 10yrs as a working professional, I will still be considered an entry level accountant. I’m scared of the paycut, but I’m hoping with my exams complete that it wouldn’t be that drastic. I’m really interested in Audits or Taxation or General Accounting works.

What would be the best way to market myself? Or what additional exams should I take? Because job searches are coming up empty when they require 2+ years of accounting experience.

Thanks for any valuable input.

[Tripp11]

I personally think a great first step to marketing yourself is joining your local state CPA society and attend events, and at those events, be the social butterfly of all social butterflies. Walk up to people and introduce yourself and just strike up a conversation with them. If the conversation goes well, ask for their business card. Research those firms, and see if they have any openings noted on their websites. Try to talk to those same people at the next event, especially those who work for firms that appear to be hiring. Explain your situation. See if there's any way to get an interview, even without any needed accounting experience.

Figure out a way to drive home the point that 10+ years a a forensic chemist means something tangible to them. That experience would benefit them. Perhaps it's because for those 10+ years, your work product has been poked and prodded by investigators, reviewers, etc.. and your work has always been remarkable. You have a proven track record of being given a project/case and working independently to achieve a desired result, with very little direction. You feel this experience would translate well into a public accounting arena where, at times, new staff accountants are thrown into the field without much direction.

AUD - 93
BEC - 80
REG - 86
FAR - 83

[Anonymous]

You will be entry level and there will be a pay cut.

The upside is that you worked for the state so the pay cut will be minimal and you'll probably pass your old salary in a short amount of time.

A real go-getter can clear a base of $100k in about six or seven years in public accounting.

[juuustin]

The paycut will be significant. I have a relative who works for the Feds as a Forensic Chemist (15 years) and cleared six figures years ago. I don't know if state government pays as well, but hopefully you have been squirreling away some cash to prepare for the cut. Your experience will help you get hired because you can present yourself as a polished professional, but that won't make you a senior or manager right away by any means.

I recently got hired in public after almost 5 years in a different industry. Getting the job was a shoe-in because I was able to present myself as a professional. I still started at the bottom, though. Honestly, I am glad they didn't even bring me in as an A2 because I would be so over my head once I made Senior. You will need the two (or 3) years to learn enough to become an effective Senior.

MD Candidate: 10/1/14

FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
REG - 87 (1/30/15)
BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

Ethics - 100

Experience - In Progress!

[Tncincy]

So Bill, you think it will take six or seven years? What about people like me….turning 50 and have been self-employed 20 years. I just want to get in an accounting atmosphere and get the experience…..Plus the tax business is very slow and even slower with the bad weather. Looking to make a change. Maybe I'll get my Phd and teach accounting….

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[mla1169]

Just because a job posting says 2+ years experience required shouldnt keep you from applying. Its just a filter to weed out people who have no business applying. My first 2 professional jobs (I started college in my 30s) listed a college degree as a requirement. I got both jobs without having set foot in a college yet.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[shanda98]

Thank you all for the feedback thus far.

From your comments it made me accept the fact that there is going to be a paycut. I started from the bottom before and now I'm at the highest pay grade, so I know I'm not going stay at entry level for long.

I am apart of the CPA state society and I've been keeping my eyes on the job postings. I also just volunteered for one of the committees a month ago.

So now that I've accepted I'm entry level and I'm open to public accounting, how do I get in? PWC, Crowe Harwarth, and a lot of these big names are using recruiters who are looking at university students. How do I get over that hump of finding a recruiter?

I was thinking about taking a day and going around to a few of the firms and dropping off a box of donuts/bagels with my info on the top and inside of the box along with my portfolio. But them I'm thinking I don't want to disturb the partners by coming by unexpectedly. I don't know what I should.

[Anonymous]

tncincy-

I can't guarantee it.

I can say that if you position yourself for success and play the game right, it's doable. Plenty of people take their eyes of the prize and don't make it.

[Anonymous]

shanda98-

I'd skip the donuts. Get on LinkedIn. Make sure you have a solid looking page and reach out to recruiters at the firms you would like to interview with. That's why recruiters are on LinkedIn (also, for them to find new jobs).

[Author]

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