[madagascar]

I try to find local firm information from yellow book, but most of them are really small ones (1-several people). How to target firms with 30-100 employees?

I would like to visit them personally to find opportunities in tax practice. I do not want to just sit in front of the computer sending out resumes. There are not a lot job postings out there, so I would like to be more aggressive. With the exams passed, I just want a step stone for public accounting. Is it that hard?

[Anonymous]

There's more firms that are just a few people than that are 30-100 people, due simply to the fact that there's more people required for a larger firm. So, I'd say yellow pages and Google searches are the way to go, you'll just need to research the firm to try to figure out which ones are larger or smaller. I found a Google search was more useful than the yellow pages for myself, due to how little people use phone books now and the resulting decrease in phone book listings.

[mhueycpa]

1 ) try using internet. (way more info then yellow pages) -Google “Top accounting firms in, (City), Or Midsize accounting firms in, (City).

2) I believe another member posted something like “CPA not a golden ticket for me, (paraphrased)” So when you say you have all the exams passed (presumably a licensed CPA) this gives you an edge over another candidates but its not a guarantee.

Good luck with your job search. You could try looking up posting on Craigslist.org, but be careful some are scams. Once you've found a few firms search names for size, etc.

THE 300 CLUB WILL DO JUST FINE!

[Kimboroni]

In Oregon, we have a business journal that tracks stuff like this, so I Googled “top accounting firms in Portland, Oregon,” and it pointed me to a page of rankings with number of employees, etc. Maybe there is a publication like that in your area?

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[MaLoTu]

Your state CPA society might be able to put you in contact with such firms.

[madagascar]

Appreciate all the ideas.

@MaLoTu,

I have not got the license yet, if I am not a member of CPA society, can I still get help from them?

[MaLoTu]

In CA they have a candidate designation for the CPA license. I believe that you can be a candidate member for 3 years. Then they have non-CPA members and CPA members.

I am sure that they would be willing to help. I have landed several opportunities by attending the functions of the local chapters of the state association. I do not know how other associations work though, CA has a really great network of professionals and the association has great staff that are always organizing opportunities to network.

If you don't know how to get in touch with your state's society, you can google the search terms and/or look them up on LI.

[madagascar]

@MaLoTu

Are you working in the public firm now? Did you find your job through the CPA society?

　

[MaLoTu]

I have been interviewing with a Big 10 firm for a month now! Lol.

I had made contacts with this firm just to learn about the culture. I met the director of recruiting at one of the events. I was able to talk to her about the company and share my personal interests and ambitions. She then referred me to the lead recruiter in my area, who I also reached out to. When there was finally a job opening I was able to submit my application and then let the recruiter know directly.

I am also in contact with 2 regional forms. They have both told me that they want to get me in, but because they are smaller they have less open positions. Public firms tend to do most their entry level hiring in fall, one year before the actual start date. So, I havent “landed” a job yet, but I have many prospects and I am not too worried about not getting a job… Even if I had to wait until fall 2016 🙁

I wish this board had a way to send private messages! If you have any more questions I will keep checking back.

[madagascar]

@MaLoTu

Thank you for your reply. I am planning to visit some local firms for job openings ( some of them do not have “career” section on their websites). Do you think it is an OK idea? I worry a lot about my job. I have been sending out resumes for two months now and I got no interview from the firm.

I do not think the CPA society is the right place to go, they charge extra money for events. I checked their calendar, the most recent event is for women CPAs, they charge $50 for both member/nonmember.

For interviews you attended, are there more technical questions or more behavioral questions? I wish I can send you private messages too, for I have many questions to ask.

[Ntw6817]

If you're in the Chicago area, I could refer you to my firm. We're currently hiring and have about 100 employees.

[MaLoTu]

What state are you in?

[madagascar]

I am not in Chicago, but thank you for your kindness anyway. May I know that how long it will take for hiring process? An interesting thing is that my husband has an interview in north downtown Chicago in mid May.

[Ntw6817]

When I got hired, they called me in for an interview on Friday. Then they called me in for a second interview on Monday. At the end of the 2nd interview, they told me I got the job but I had to wait another week for an offer letter with all the details. I accepted after a day or two and I started like a month later.

My firm is actually in a northern suburb, not the city itself. We get a bonus if we refer a person and they get hired 🙂

[madagascar]

@Ntw6817

My mistake, it is not in the city either. The company is outside the city but located at north, so I think it might be not far from your firm. Would you please help me submit my resume then? For I think there might be a good chance we will relocate.

[madagascar]

@MaLoTu

I am in great Denver area.

[Author]

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