[pfloyd]

Hey guys after searching for a job since June, and got plenty of no’s I finally landed a job at a cpa partnership, a very small firm. I achieved the job, by calling local firms in my area and this firm said come in for an interview. At first they were worried that I only had four months of accounting experience at a local firm during my internship. They said they didn’t have a lot of time to train, but felt I had the ability. They said I would have 90 days of probation, and if I performed well they would keep me. I start the job January 2.

Should I still keep looking and see if I find any other job offers, or stay put? Also what advice would you have for starting out a small firm? Thanks!

AUD 5/27/16 74 &#%!! 7/13/2016 86!
BEC 8/17/2016
FAR 11/04/2015 73, 1/4/2016 75 (phew!)
REG 2/26/2016 74. 4/2/2016 79

[Anonymous]

Congratulations!!! I guess some people would say keep looking but if I were in your shoe I would at least stay there for 3 months to get additional experience then start looking.

I too have very limited accounting experience, matter fact I only had 3 months of internship as an Audit intern and 3 months as a summer collections intern and I do VITA yearly. Its been tough for me to acquire an accounting position even temp. I hope after I or even as I am completing the cpa exams I will get something, anything I guess, just to get my feet wet and in the door.

Congrats again… and don't F it up!! LOL

[Birdman]

If they are very small, I'm assuming they do tax. They are hiring you at the start of tax season and your probationary period is ending right at the end. I would keep your eyes and ears open for another job, this may be a seasonal position they are disguising as a full time. I don't mean to be a downer, good luck!

FAR- 74, 78 (10/15)
BEC- 73
REG- 65, 88 (05/16)
AUD- 7/16

[Anonymous]

birdman93, how did you manage to study and pass all 4 parts from May to October?

[cpac]

Congrats! Try it out and see if you like it. My firm (mid-sized, edging on the smaller side) hired me with NO experience, just an accounting degree and a few years as a pharmacy technician!

[hasy]

Congrats! Definitely keep your options WAY open. You have the exams passed. Unless you have any other offers open, I would take it. Maybe start passively look after January? I've been jilted before by a firm and it wasn't nice at all since it was only for 5 months and it was very difficult to land a position afterwards.

But do your best to be a sponge and make the most out of it.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

-

BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[GitRDone2017]

My firm hired me last year in January, I had not quite finished my Bachelor's degree. I thought maybe they just wanted someone to help out during tax season as well, and I am still here and love my job! We do tax mostly, but also some bookkeeping, consulting, etc. I would keep your ears open, but just think, you will have a tax season under your belt if they do let you go, more experience for you!

"Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat and taking tartar sauce with you" - Zig Ziglar
Ninja book + Ninja MCQ + Roger
AUD Oct 2016
FAR Nov 2016
BEC ?
REG?

[pfloyd]

Thanks guys, my only worry would be that they would be too busy to help me out and I would make mistakes on my work papers. However, I will have to try my best to do my own research.

AUD 5/27/16 74 &#%!! 7/13/2016 86!
BEC 8/17/2016
FAR 11/04/2015 73, 1/4/2016 75 (phew!)
REG 2/26/2016 74. 4/2/2016 79

[letsrun4it]

It's interesting there's so many people who have a hard time finding entry level accounting jobs, in Seattle you can just show up at an accounting temp agency with a random college degree and get a full time job for $16-18 an hour. Not like that's big money but it sounds like so many people on this board would love the chance to get that experience for a year or two.

BEC: 85
REG: 74, 78
AUD: 86
FAR: October?

[letsrun4it]

Best advice: be accurate and slow rather than going so fast you make mistakes. I never heard (when I worked in accounting) anyone complain about a junior team member being slow, only heard people complain about them making too many mistakes.

BEC: 85
REG: 74, 78
AUD: 86
FAR: October?

[nigercpa]

Congrats on your new job. I had a similar experience with my current job. After searching for 6 months I got a job at a local small CPA firm with 2 partners. The job was advertised but I walked in to speak with the partner and owner without submitting my resume online. We do Tax, compilation and consulting for small businesses. So far its been a good experience being an individual with limited accounting experience . I was also given a three months probation period and was confirmed a couple of weeks ago. Though the pay is small, I figured it will be a good resource for me and I can leverage on the experience to land my next job. I am licensed and waiting to get the tax season under my experience, hence I am not seriously looking for another job now. Once tax season is over, I will start looking out for a better job. I also like the experience because at some point in the future I plan to own a CPA firm and this experience is very valuable to achieving that goal. So make the best of this opportunity, the tax season is a good experience to have and focus on the next three to four months till the end of the season and then you can start searching. Congrats again!

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

[MOAC]

Congrats! Google them up and see if anything comes up. I have read cases where people hire new associates during tax season, put them on probations and then fire them at the end of the season. I really hope that's not the case with you! How was/is their attitude in general?

FAR May 2012 81 (lost credit, didn't sit for other sections.)
FAR 86 Aug 2015
AUD 85 Nov 2015
BEC 84 Dec 2015
REG 78 Mar 2016

Passed ALL sections in first attempt!!

[pfloyd]

They don't have a website it's a partnership. It's only two partners and a junior accountant. They seemed friendly and liked my academic achievements and interpersonal skills. They only had a small sentiment about my lack of audit experience. They xgzgdc, they don't have a lot of time to teach someone one by one. However, they know I am knew and will offer assistance if needed.

AUD 5/27/16 74 &#%!! 7/13/2016 86!
BEC 8/17/2016
FAR 11/04/2015 73, 1/4/2016 75 (phew!)
REG 2/26/2016 74. 4/2/2016 79

[pfloyd]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm going to give it my all!

AUD 5/27/16 74 &#%!! 7/13/2016 86!
BEC 8/17/2016
FAR 11/04/2015 73, 1/4/2016 75 (phew!)
REG 2/26/2016 74. 4/2/2016 79

[DZagt]

Just go in there and dedicate the next 90 days to being the best damn employee they've ever had. If you don't understand anything try your best to figure it out, use all resources at your disposal. This is an opportunity like anything in life all of us can be fired or let go at any moment.

[laxman06]

Tip 1: Look at last years workpapers. They will give you lots of guidance.

Tip 2: If you dont understand something for a tax return, take initiative and read the instructions or do a little research, then ask for help. It sounds a lot better to say “Hi Partner, can you help with the Nexus rules for XYZ state. Here is the research I found but had no luck in deciphering the answer. (Then show them your research)” Instead of “Hi Partner, how is nexus established in XYZ State?

Tip 3: Come in 15 minutes early and dont leave right at close of business. Stay 15-30 minutes late. Perception is key.

[Author]

Replies