[shanda98]

I am a week away from receiving my last CPA exam score and would love to be able to start my new career ASAP. However I am finding it really tough to receive a job offer without any full-time accounting experience. So far now, I have been on 3 job interviews which I have been called backed on or placed in the top 3 for consideration. However, I’m always the second pick based on the other candidate having the experience I lack. Having my Master’s in Accounting, 3 CPA exams done and 1300 hours out of my required 2000 hours job experience (from H&R Block) required for my license and yet I feel like I’m still at the beginning sometimes. I’m not boxing myself in because I’m open to tax accounting, auditing, or a staff accountant position. Any arena where I can learn and grow is all I’m asking.

Any advice or referrals would be immensely appreciated!!

You can find me on LinkedIn – Lashanda Stewart

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/lashanda-stewart-msa/44/204/50b

Thanks!!!

[EuroAddict]

Does your experience count at H&R? Thought it had to be under a CPA.

Anyway, I'm surprised you're having a hard time finding a job. With that said, getting a job isn't just based on experience and exams passed. Personality will play a large part as well.

-----------------------------
BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[shanda98]

Yes, we have a CPA working at H&RBlock thank goodness.

Yeah, I'm surprised as well, well kinda. I don't think personality is the issue.

Interview #1 at a CPA firm: Came back for the second interview, down to me and another person. Then got the email that even though everyone in the office loved meeting me, the other person had the experience. A few months later when I found their new hire on LinkedIn, I was like, whoa, this was who I was competing against. Her experience made it look like she was a Controller or something. I was surprised to be called back for a second interview against her.

Interview #2 at Toyota: They loved how much I knew about corporate taxes off the top of my head and he says he knew I would fit right in. He said, do you want me to be honest with you. I said sure. He said, right now you are in the #2 spot because of the prior interviewee who has years of experience, has the #1 spot. He said, if you only had just one year of full-time experience, I could justify putting you as the #1 candidate when I presented it to my manager.

Interview #3 Auditor with the State: Told by the hiring manager as I was walking out, you did great. Followed up the following week and spoke to the secretary who was in on the interview. She said your name was submitted as part of the top 3 candidates to the commissioner. Her excitement in her voice got me excited. Then found out later I was second fiddle….again.

Sometimes I feel like my 10 years as a Forensic Chemist is hindering me somehow. I know I will be taking a pay cut but I hate to take a drastic pay cut when I have the book knowledge and I'm quick to learn.

[ruggercpa2b]

Make sure you highlight some of the experience you have as a forensic chemist that would translate to the position. And also make sure if during the interview the person up your lack experience you tell them that you are a quick learner. Like you, I would always be in the top 2 or 3 and never got the job because I was not certified. It took me a year of looking and going on multiple interviews before I got something. Keep trying something will pan out for you. It's all about selling yourself.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[shanda98]

Thanks @ruggercpa2b.

I have not given up hope. Just a little impatient I guess and so ready to start.

[Missy]

Theres no reason to become discouraged after three interviews. Its competitive out there, and some of us have to go on dozens of interviews.

I have 21 years accounting experience including as a controller. I have a masters degree and am a licensed CPA. You'd think employers would be beating down my door but I was hearing “your experience isn't in our industry” or “the largest company you've worked for had 30m revenue and that doesn't translate to a company this big”.

Cliff notes: Lost job 1/31/14. Got out OVER 300 resumes between 1/31 and 3/31/14. Had 42 interviews and three so-so offers. Took one of those jobs 4/14. Continued looking and went on another dozen or so interviews. Interviewed here 12/14 and 1/15 and started 2/15.

Hope that helps.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[shanda98]

Thanks @mla11692. It really does help!

[EuroAddict]

Why don't you use a recruiter that specializes in finance/accounting jobs? I would rather do that than use all your own time sending out resumes and filling out job apps.

-----------------------------
BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[shanda98]

I have been @ EuroAddict

My recruiter at Robert Half says the right one will come. She doesn't want to send me on interviews making less than $40k considering I have 10 years professional experience. I agree that $40k give or take $1k is my limit on a pay cut.

My recruiter at Ranstand is also waiting on the right one. The only positions available now don't even require a degree.

[EuroAddict]

That's tough. I used Robert Half here in NY and the first interview I had I got an offer.

I feel $40k is pretty low starting point. Any idea what the starting salary is for a larger firm in your area?

-----------------------------
BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[nigercpa]

Have you tried Vaco. I noticed they have some openings on their website with jobs in Louisville and salaries ranging from $50k and above. You could connect with one of their recruiter on LinkedIn. A friend recently got employed through them, though in a neighboring state but in the same region. I have temped with Robert half in the past while they have a lot of jobs, I noticed that their pay is always on the lower level and might be hard to get you something within the pay range you desire. All the best in your search.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[shanda98]

@EuroAddict no idea about salary for the bigger firms, they don't ever advertise that.

@nigercpa, Thanks. I will definitely sign up with Vaco.

[EuroAddict]

While it's not advertised word does slip especially with new hires just out of college.

-----------------------------
BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[iddyrashy]

Here is my advise, I was in the same position like you 6 years ago, and I decide to increase analytical skills especial on excel. I decided that I will know excel in and out, and that increase my chances. Fast forward six years later i'm the accounting manager and those unique excel skills make me go to guy.

AUD 89 (07/06/14)
REG 83 (08/27/2015)
FAR 78 (04/27/2015)
BEC 75 (11/13/2015)

TEXAS 2016

[shanda98]

I'm on it. I know excel pretty well, now it's time to master it.

On a brighter note…I just received my last CPA score….I PASSED FAR!!!!

I'M DONE!!!

[Author]

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