[Last Chance CPA]

I have an MBA/PMP and have been a business/IT consultant for over 12 years. I am finishing up the CPA exam, and am looking to utilize my CPA. I have zero (nada) accounting experience and am way old (37). I make six figures but don’t like what I do….

How do I apply for jobs?!?!?!? I live in So Cal. I am willing to take a step back BUT not all the way back. I have been in healthcare for the last 3.5 years, but am industry agnostic. No one is looking at my CPA, they simply don’t care I think…what do I dooooooooo?????

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[stag]

I was in a similar boat as you are in (similar age.) I bite the bullet and took a huge pay cut to start at big 4. Financially it hurts and I think it's going to take years to get back to where I was salary wise. I applied for public accounting positions through my school and was initially confused that no one would give my resume a second look then realized that i need to demonstrate again that I can work with and under people younger than me. I took a job as entry level staff accountant and was able to move to big 4 afterward. The biggest hurdle is take a HUGE step back though. You mentioned you don't want to be way back. But since you had no accounting experience, it would be hard to start at a comparable salary as most entry level job is around 50k. Trust me it's tough living on scaled back salary since mortgage and car payments are still the same.

FAR - Aug 2013 Passed
REG - DEC 2013 Passed
BEC - FEB 2014 Passed
AUD - MAY 2014 Passed

BSEE = who needs accounting degree to pass CPA exams?

[Herbieherb]

@op like what is your long term goal? Totally change career as a CPA or use your CPA as a credential booster?

NEW YORK- DONE

[leglock]

I'm in same boat as you but a few years older. Been self employed for many years and just got the CPA license and want to transition into accounting work full time. Bascially, you are going to be considered entry level. I just had a second interview and the pay is 65K. Major step backwards, but all of the individuals who got their CPA out of college have much more experience than you and I, and will be first in line for those jobs that pay higher wages.

I find that my past earnings are a hindrance bc there's almost an assumption on the employer's part that the pay cut will be too steep for me to accept, even though I'm of the understanding that an entry level cpa job is not going to pay me what i've been making.

[soyanks]

Starting over at your age would be unrealistic and unreasonable.

My recommendation is that you look for a niche role that requires IT background and accounting/finance within IT Finance or IT Compliance of a large corporation. Such roles require understanding of IT infrastructure, etc as well as accounting/finance background. It will take some time to find a role that is a perfect match and may even require relocation (depending on where you can find open positions), but that would be your best bet

FAR - 86
REG - 85
BEC - 90
AUD - 84

[CPA50]

Hi Lastchance!

I feel like the grandmother here. I am 50 and have passed 2 exams. I have been self-employed for nearly 15 years as a fraud investigator and need to get my hours working for a licensed CPA. I'm in NoCal with a family and not willing to relocate. My billable rate does not translate well into a W-2 salary and I expect to take a major income hit. I am working with several recruiters who helped me rewrite my resume so it doesn't scream old, too experienced and too expensive. I have a Linkedin profile, and a professional Facebook page. I have worked hard to appear approachable, self directed, but manageable. My licenses, credentials and technical knowledge are all up to date, so I don't come across as set in my ways or frumpy 😉 When managers ask me why I'm making the move, I can honestly explain that this was part of my plan – to work for myself and be flexible while going to school and raising my daughter – and now have a career with a company where I can use my skills and get my hours.

I've been at this for about 2 weeks and have already had several interviews and a firm offer, which I am negotiating. I've had several mid-size CPA firms interested in my help during tax season with the possibility of work beyond April. I am trying to only target firms who have, or want to grow their litigation support side, since forensic accounting (CFF) is my goal.

With your IT background and an MBA, you have much to offer. Maybe it's time for you to do some informational interviews to get a lay of the land. I also recommend recruiters who have access to positions that outsiders don't see.

I think the link to my Linkedin profile is on my user name if you want to connect.

And the best news is that this is a great time of year to be getting a new job!

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2015!

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Last Chance CPA]

@Stag – I am willing to a take a step back but can't take a $80K pay cut! My goal is to get back into a Big 4 (I used to work at KPMG but in IT Advisory). I figure I can come in as a Sr Associate even in accounting since I have an MBA and IT experience. I used to make six figures even as a Sr. Associate. But I really, really can't go back to entry level.

Question: How did you tweak your resume to get the attention of recruiters?

@HerbieHerb – My goal has always been to be a CPA. I would love to do something where I can combine my consulting and IT/business knowledge.

@LegLock – Yep, I hear ya. I don't mind taking a step back closer to $80-100K living in CA, especially since my wife will be finishing up law school next year, but I literally would go broke under $80K.

Question – How are you getting interviews? What's your approach?

@Soyanks – That's the plan. I would love to combine what I do now with accounting. But you are right, those jobs could be hard to find.

@CPA50 – I will definitely be connecting with you! I found your LinkedIn profile. My cousin's husband does forensic litigation, but he is on the East Coast working with a Big 4. He is a Director and loves the work. That type of work would definitely be right up my alley. I am 37 years old, so I think landing something in accounting on this side of 40 would be best…

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Fil-Am]

Hi Everyone. I am just taking a ride on Last Chance CPA's post. I have passed the CPA Exam but no public accounting experience. I need to get a break in public accounting and has hard time getting one. I had an international educational background and my work experience in the US is all on local government (4 years). I understand that I would start in an entry level of which I am willing to do.

I would really love to move back to Los Angeles (currently on the East Coast). Any help? suggestion? resume tweaking?

Thank you.

Anything worth doing is probably not easy, but the rewards are worth it. (unknown)
Please feel free to add me on LinkedIn just to say hello or stay in touch.

CPA Exam - PASSED 2014
CALCPA Ethics - Passed 2014
CA CPA License - Pending

To God be the Highest Glory. Little Miracle happens every second!

[Tncincy]

@cpa50

Very good points. I would like to know more about how the recruiters helped you. I tried your linkedin with no success. How can we connect.

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

[CPA50]

Hi, try Linkedin again. They changed their website and I had to update my public profile url.

I'm happy to share my experiences.

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Tncincy]

@cpa50…still can't connect. Need an email address unless I'm doing something wrong.

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

[exerciseimportant]

Would like to know as well. Once I am done, I would be belong to this group as well. LOL

[Author]

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