[MsAvi77]

Hi All,

I’ve been looking into government jobs at the Treasury, SEC, and others. Does anyone here have a government job? I know that experiences vary drastically and I’ve heard some say that working for the state is a bit rough. I’m really curious about things like the work/life balance, office culture, and the stress level. Any input is very appreciated.

Thanks!

BEC 81
REG 81
FAR 76
AUD 76

Done Forever!!

[Anonymous]

I worked in public accounting for almost 6 years and now work for a local government in the Audit Department. Work life balance is extremely good – 9-5 job with an hour lunch break. No one looks down on you from taking a lunch either. The work ethic of my coworkers is horrible – my coworkers in accounting were much harder working and cared more about their work. It gets frustrating b/c change takes forever if it is going to happen. But the stress is minimal to nonexistent.

[FutureHokieCPA]

I just started working for the government a few weeks ago and love it. The work/life balance is ideal–I am even able to get quality study time in with a full time job. My company allows for flex scheduling so I get every other Friday off. The culture is very laid back and the only stress I've had thus far was my first client meeting, which can be expected at any job. I've only been here for three weeks so take my experience with a grain of salt but so far, it's great!

FAR-72,80
AUD-74,88
BEC-89
REG-72,82

[MsAvi77]

Thanks for replies 🙂 A work/life balance is so important to me. More than money, more than prestige. I have been applying online but I've been warned that the process takes forever and that I need to sit tight and keep trying.

Was this your experience?

BEC 81
REG 81
FAR 76
AUD 76

Done Forever!!

[ahugemistake]

If you want work/life balance, government is the way to go. I worked for a state school for a year before I realized that government wasn't the exact fit for me. I landed an accounting job right out of school and soon they had me doing monthly recons, and journal entries and other procurement related tasks. Which was great because I had my hands in everything. The thing was that after I already learned my tasks it was very repetitive and got boring real fast.

I wanted to see the big picture but for me to do that it would require years and years of waiting for the right spot to open up. I decided to get out and gain experience and come back. I work in public accounting and audit governmental agencies. I want to get my CPA and then apply for a director type of job with a city or district. I think this will help me get on a career path.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[OnMyWay732]

Don't attack me, but from what my understanding, you comprimise somewhere with almost every job. For government jobs, according to someone I know in it, you do get the great work/life balance, but your pay will go down immensely.

AUD - July 2014 - 76
REG - August 2014 - 82
FAR - November 2014 - 78
BEC - January 2015 - 81

DONE!!!!

Used Becker online. Who needs a text when you can burn your eyes out staring at the screen for months on end?

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you're hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"

[mena je twa]

Yeah pay will go down for sure, cause the perks are much better for eg, pension plan, free health care, every other friday off and the biggest one is minimal to no stress.

This all comes with a price, so a pay cut is justfied.

An auditor in mid size public acctg would make around 60-70K with a CPA, a senior auditor. I dont know what pay scale the govt has.

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[ahugemistake]

When I was interviewing for Auditor 1 jobs in the bay area, CA, they were all listed around 40k to 50k. So I assume as you move it will rise, but I can't imagine you will be getting bonuses or anything. However, the pension/benefits are unmatched.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[MsAvi77]

The truth is my salary is great now, I have enough money for everything and then some. But I have no time to enjoy it! I'm very simple with my needs and I would not really care about a rather large pay cut if it meant that I had time and less stress.

BEC 81
REG 81
FAR 76
AUD 76

Done Forever!!

[ahugemistake]

I know someone who joined our firm after working for the county's tax department for 3 years, and he is having a hard time with a lot of things. He was just really used to doing his own thing over there, coming in and going whenever, and not having to meet any harsh deadlines. He has had a very tough time making the transition, so for you going from a stressful job to the gov. job, it shouldn't be so bad.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[itsjustatest]

Government jobs are perfect for people who want to put in 20 hours of actual work per week and leave by 430/5 everyday. Aka – everyone.

AUD - 83
REG - 78
FAR - 69,73,79
BEC - 85

[MsAvi77]

Thanks! It seems difficult to get them though 🙂 I applied online and got an automated email about two weeks about that said I am qualified and they will out to me to proceed with the next step.

Someone have a similar experience?

BEC 81
REG 81
FAR 76
AUD 76

Done Forever!!

[Anonymous]

Currently work in state government finance. Applied for the job in June and received an invitation to interview in October of the same year. It took 4 months after the app deadline just to touch base for an interview. So yeah, you could be waiting awhile. Don't rule yourself out until you get a rejection notice.

[Herbieherb]

My pay actually went up when I made the switch. I feel so bless ed and I will retire here in a few decades of service.

NEW YORK- DONE

[Herbieherb]

Double

NEW YORK- DONE

[mena je twa]

The process of applying for a Govt job is so detailed and cumbersome, they i dont even get motivated to apply for the job.

Also, i feel they are just posting the job to meet the equal opportunity employer BS, most of these govt jobs are referal and are filled within, when a co-worker refers, cousins, aunts, sistr, brother, mother , father and so on

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[Author]

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