[Anonymous]

Hello,
I passed my last exam in September and decided to look for a new job. Currently I’m working at a small company (15 ppl) and doing mostly bookkeeping. So yesterday I got an offer from a small CPA company. They are doing taxes for individual, flow-through entities, and corporations. This position starts in January. I always wanted to work in taxes so I thought it’s a good opportunity. Also I’m in CA and I need work experience to get my licence. But when I got an offer I stared to doubt about my future. Should I pursue my career in tax or in accounting (like revenue recognition or GL). Can someone explain me where I will be better off in a couple of years? Big 4 is not on the list because I have kids and family.
Thanks!

[TommyTheCat]

hi CPA,

I have been in public accounting now for 10 years in CA, all focused in tax. My 2 cents are to pursue the career in tax. You'll get exposed to a LOT, especially in CA, and I think the opportunity for growth in tax is greater than in just focusing on bookkeeping or rev. rec. / GL work. That stuff will all come in to play with your tax work, seeing how you need to understand the underlying financials and their methodologies to know therefore how to adjust under the tax code.

Good luck to you either way you go, and on the new gig! I find myself dealing with a new project or puzzle every day, I enjoy all of the interaction with the clients and its very rewarding to me to help them save money and see them plan for retirement or wealth succession.

Obviously I am biased towards tax, but its been a great career for me so far.

[Anonymous]

Thank you TommyTheCat.
I really liked taxes in college and always wanted to work in this area of accounting. Most likely I'll accept the offer!

[Author]

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