[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to Another71. I’m Working towards getting my 150 hours for the CPA exam. I’m currently 26 years old, I graduated in 2009 with my accounting degree with a 3.5 GPA. Since May 2010 I’ve been working in industry for the same company, doing A/P, A/R, Bank reconciliations, payroll, and doing G/L maintenance. I will have the 150 hours to sit for the CPA exam in May 2014 (I will start sitting for the exam in August 2014), I will be 27 years old in July 2014.

Is 27 years old too old to try to get into public accounting for an entry-level staff position?

When is the “cutoff” age for entry-level staff positions at CPA firms?

Any advice/opinions given would be much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Are you looking for Big 4, or any small mom-and-pop accounting firm? If the latter, you're perfectly fine. There's no hard-and-fast age. My boss was a few years older than you when he got into public accounting – taught accounting in high schools, then worked in private in a position similar to yours, then started in public later on, I think when he was around 30. But, that was with a small firm. From what I've gathered, Big 4 recruits people who are new to public accounting almost exclusively out of the recent graduates pool.

So, if you're looking for public accounting, and interested in the smaller firms (even several accountants, several offices, but not one of the top national companies), you're probably fine. If you're looking Big 4, then someone else may have more advice, but that's probably going to be less of a chance.

[Anonymous]

Hi e_griffin87,

I don't think you should ever consider your age as a factor in pursuing your dreams. Once you are humble, willing to creep before you can walk and work diligently you can be successful in public accounting.

Btw you appear to be on the right path…keep working towards your dream!

[kmaahs]

Short answer: No, 27 is not too old for public accounting.

C.P.A.

[Anonymous]

I am 27 and I was one of the youngest in my review class! A lot of people don't take the CPA until after they get there Masters, which is around 25…I am one of those and have several friends who are doing the same. You still have plenty of time 🙂

[Anonymous]

27 is not too old for ANYTHING …follow your dreams and let age be just a number!

Good luck to you!

[acamp]

Plenty of people older than that starting at Big 4s

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Anonymous]

Only interested in small-medium size CPA firms. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice. This is a great community. I know I'm on the right path to accomplishing my goal to working in public accounting. I guess the important thing is to stay persistent and never give up.

[Anonymous]

Keep on at it- I am in the same boat as you but a little older 29- I am looking to go into a small to medium size public accounting firm- I am taking a few classes to get 150 and hopefully I will get picked up in the fall. I am trying to network and get out there. I am sure someone will be willing to help me out- It is my dream to become a CPA -I want it so much even after passing the exams already- Good Luck on the exams and finding a public accounting job.

[Anonymous]

[Author]

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