[Sharpone]

I am a CPA interested in working for the federal government, but am concerned about the actual applicability of a CPA license to a federal position. For example, besides a CPA license being a way to initially qualify to apply for a position as an IRS internal revenue agent, do you really get the opportunity to actually apply your CPA license to the routine work of an agent? And does the IRS/Federal government pay for your license and CPE? What do you think is the best federal position for a CPA? Thank you.

[mackdaddy220]

Depends on the agency. My agency pays for you to get the CPA, and gives you a $1500 bonus once received. The CPE's are provided through annual trainings. Could be different across agencies though.

[Sharpone]

Wow, nice. Thanks for sharing. I was mainly concerned about being challenged enough at a government job and that is why I was asking about them paying for CPE, which, I believe, would indicate how much or little they might care about your professional growth.

[monikernc]

I am a CPA who works for the FEDs and federal accounting is a very different beast. You should see the journal entries that are required. Crazy. The credential is respected by peers and I will maintain my CPA license because I do tax and consulting on the side. I am also about to start on my CGFM credential. The CPA qualifies you for positions and the skills are transferable to fed accounting. I love my job. With a license and a year of experience do not accept anything less than a GS-12. Lots are remote now, too, though I telework and go in once a week. Don't give up your CPA just because you are doing fed work.

[monikernc]

I am a CPA who works for the FEDs and federal accounting is a very different beast. You should see the journal entries that are required. Crazy. The credential is respected by peers and I will maintain my CPA license because I do tax and consulting on the side. I am also about to start on my CGFM credential. The CPA qualifies you for positions and the skills are transferable to fed accounting. I love my job. With a license and a year of experience do not accept anything less than a GS-12. Lots are remote now, too, though I telework and go in once a week. Don't give up your CPA just because you are doing fed work.

[Sharpone]

Thanks, monikernc. You've given me great food for thought.

[monikernc]

I will add that doing tax work at the IRS understanding tax and financial reporting will be essential when you speak to preparers and review returns. Good accounting makes for better tax reporting. Being able to call BS on folks who think they know what they are talking about is a great skill to have. IRS would have been my last choice – so many accounting jobs right now. Be sure to consider them all. The government needs good accountants who take pride in the knowledge they bring to the table.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Skynet]

I don't like Consorting with enemy.

[monikernc]

Skynet. I am your friend.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Author]

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