[Anonymous]

Hello All! I haven’t posted here in awhile.

I was hoping someone could help me. I am a CPA and have

been since 2010. However, I have never worked in Public

Accounting. I worked at a Not for Profit for 7 years as

an Accounting Manger and currently work as Controller for

another Not for Profit, have been there for almost 3

years.

I am trying to break out of this and get into Public. But

I am running into some major problems. Most companies

like me and my resume but either want someone with Public

Experience or recent graduates. I am willing to take a

huge pay cut to start off as a Staff Accountant, I even

say this on my Cover Letter (not about money, but that I

am willing to start off in entry level work). But I am

still getting nothing.

Any advice? How does someone who has been in accounting

for over 9+ years break into Public? And I don’t mean Big

4, I am happy at a smaller firm. Just want to get some

experience. At least I would be utilizing the skills I

have learned in school and during the CPA exam. Something

I don’t do now.

Thanks in Advance for any advice you can offer

[See Pee A]

More likely than not, you wouldn't be able to come in at a higher level than staff. The reason I say this, is because I've known a few people who joined with several years of experience. Most started at staff I and a few at staff II, because audit/tax work is so different in public than what you do in private/industry accounting. Given your significant experience, it may be tough to get noticed and taken seriously since you would be around the age of a senior manager (I'm guessing you're around 31 by your post). Regardless, continue applying and something should bear fruit given you are a CPA.

Big 4 may be more difficult, or may not, but it's likely going to be a challenge. We tend to hire mostly on campus, and a few from elsewhere. Regardless, start contacting recruiters and sending resumes and you're bound to hit something.

Another thing to consider may be another role in industry accounting? Working within financial reporting at Fortune 500 may also be a nice change from non-profit if you're not finding what you want there. Public seems like more of a stretch just because you would have to take several steps back, but nothing is impossible if you are persistent and can get your perspective heard. Good luck!

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FAR 84 (10/13/11)
REG 88 (11/08/11)
AUD 86 (11/29/11)

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[Anonymous]

Would your non-profit position allow you to cut down on their hours? If you can, I would recommend finding part time public accounting work. You may have missed the boat as tax season just finished, but a lot of firms hire part time tax staff.

At least it gets you in the door..

[Author]

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