@4EverInDebt
I get what you mean. Public accounting, law offices, and accounting firms definitely have the most CPA. However, you should consider ALL possible options. The chances to find a CPA out of the nowhere in private and small firms are much less likely, but is not impossible. Do look at EVERY post and search in LinkedIn if they got a CPA hanging out.
Consider:
1. If the CPA that contract out is willing to sign off for you. It does not have to be in the same company. In NY, as long as the CPA can proof that he/she oversee you, it works.
2. Find a job online freelance under a CPA. Look into non-profits. A lot of top CPA like to “give back” to the society and act as a board of trustees of some local social group.
3. Work during tax season, 3 years X 4 months = 12 months.
4. Work in general accounting for now and move on to CPA. Find a position that you can easily take off days to interview, do meaningful jobs that perhaps specialize in a particular field to increase your competition. Build networking. Highly recommend finding in contract / bids / commission/ royalties/ energy / transportation / factories (these kind of industries, if your state is not a “wall street city”). These kind of industries are either easy to move around and have an actual specialty. Stick to big / mid size companies that usually have at least 20 people in their accounting department. Someone in the department got to know a CPA that can refer you if friendly enough. In addition, just in case 3 years went by and didn't work out, you still got something in your pocket and move into management.
-Notes from the unlucky one that spent 8 years looking for the exp already and still hanging out.
New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.
.