[MM_CPA]

I have 2 years experience in a small-medium (30-40 total employees) local accounting firm. The thing is, all I done there is basic tax returns and not too much of the complicated material. Yes I did corporations but I didn’t do it all. I also have an additional year in the private sector, and again, the job was not that challenging. Forward to today, yes I am licensed but I feel that I still lack real world accounting experience. I have a feeling potential employers think I have a done a lot (or what an average accountant) with three years of accounting experience. I only done tax, never done audits or financial statements. Never done quickbooks or a real bank reconciliation (which sounds easy anyways). Never done payroll. I still feel like I am rookie-somewhat, and I would want an entry level job, something that I can excel, where if I get a job like a “regular experienced accountant” would work at, I know I would struggle. Sometimes I feel embarrassed to show my “work experience”. Is this normal?? I do want a job but not get rejected. In conclusion, is it okay to ask for an entry -levelI am okay getting a 1-year experience level salary now but later of course work myself up.

Passed all 4 parts exam.

[Anonymous]

Similar boat. Looking to obtain an internal audit entry level job with a large hopefully Fortune 500 type company and then move within the company after 1-2 years. In conclusion, if you are willing to take pay cuts ( maybe) and start at the beginning then that's your personal choice not anyone elses

[FlipACoin]

I can understand your hesitation, but you shouldn't automatically assume you can't do a job just because you have no specific experience doing it. Employers can read your resume, they will ask you questions in the interview well before hiring you. They should have a good idea as to the specifics of your experience before ever offering you a job. Assuming you don't embellish too much in either of those (and from your post it sounds like you won't) their expectations should be about right. Have a little more confidence!

The other thing you should remember is that even for experienced people, companies always have to train on how they do it because every company is different (and every industry is VASTLY different). Don't be surprised if you get a hiring manager who knows you haven't done financial statements, for example, but recognizes the experience you do have, notices your CPA and says “Well this one has been around accounting and has proven he can learn, I see potential and I think I can train them up to where I need them in 6 months”. I'm one of those, I like the diamonds in the rough so to speak. Would much rather have the right attitude and ability to learn then an experienced person with a bad attitude and likes to be a pain in the ass.

If you do decide to go for an entry level job, I would definitely suggest a company with a strong brand if you can (it makes a bigger difference than you might think) and also try to find a company that is known for either moving people around or moving people up. Some of the giant companies still have 2 year rotational type programs and if your undergrad school and/or GPA is solid enough those are excellent for gaining a breadth of experience. good luck!

[Author]

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