[an0112]

I’m halfway through the exam process and now I am thinking how to complete the one-year work experience requirement in California. I have a lot of business experience and an MBA but I haven’t actually done accounting. I left the corporate world a few years ago. At 50+ getting my CPA license has become a personal goal more than a career goal. I don’t think I would be considered by an accounting firm because I don’t fit the mold of what they typically look for. Any advice on how to get my one year of experience?

[jombe]

I used to work at a public firm w/ 150+ employees and they hired “older” folks. Don't write off the possibility just yet. Also, if you have a lot of experience, I suggest reaching out to your network. Just don't say you are only in this for 1 year though.

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[Silent]

CPA is really for anyone under 30. Anyone that is over 35 should not even attempt it. Unfortunately you are at the age where getting everything out of you is no longer possible as most people in your age group are not going to pull 80-100 hours a week during busy time.

[Jodie]

@Silent, you don't belong to this forum at all! How could you discourage people like that?! Shame on you!
I am not familiar with requirement in California. but in NY/NJ, as long as you work under the supervision of a CPA for a year or more, you will satisfy the 1 year experience requirement.
Age is not an issue, attitude is.

[MaLoTu]

You could research if any firms offer services to clients in industries you have familiarity with. That might help you have a competitive advantage and get your foot in the door. It will also help if you have a strong work history. I was older (in my early 30s) when I started in public. If you can show that you can put in the hours and are willing to start at the bottom you should have a shot. I think you have a better shot at public than getting a staff position in industry. And yes, you only have to work 1 year full time under the supervision of a licensed CPA in California.

[Mike J]

I don't think Silent was speaking for the group.

BUT I also think he's right about the age ceiling. There is a notion that entry-level staff is for youngER people because senior level personnel won't want older people under them because older people won't want to listen to younger. So it's a nonstarter. I'm going through that myself, despite saying on Interviews that as a journalist before I took my prereqs for the exams my editor in Chief was a good 5 years younger. There was always respect.

The hardest part of the job process is first to get in front of a decision maker. You get denied way before you can make your case for a plethora of reasons. Age is easily one of them.

[ultrarunner]

I was close to An0112's age when I took a job in public accounting. I didn't plan to get a job at one of the big firms due to my age, but my age didn't stop me getting a job at a big firm. Also, some clients loved to work with experienced accountants than just out of college accountants, so I took an advantage of being ‘older' and my previous corporate experience. Nobody asks me my age or tries to know my age. It is not legal to discriminate people based on age. I told some people that I was much older, but no one cared. I have seen firms hiring mid-career people all the time. As long as you work hard, nothing is impossible. In my company, I have never seen seniors giving orders to jurors. We all respect each other and work as a team. Just focus on finishing your CPA exams and do networking. All the best.

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[Silent]

I feel like i need to clarify my statement. I might been to brutally honest but age discrimination is real. In OP case, he currently does not have any accounting experience, and he got both business experience and MBA which in my opinion puts him in disadvantage. Many employer will ignore his resume because of his experience and they see it as mismatch. Person applying for intro accounting position while they have tons of business experience. I don't know about anyone else here but to me that raises red flag. Why in the world that this person with so much business experience and MBA want to work for this low level accounting job. Just because it's illegal to do age discrimination, it's not like it's hard to do it and not get caught. All employer needs to do is have multi step interview and anyone they do not like for any reason including age does not get called to next level interview. Also why would employer spend time teaching OP when most employer will understand that as soon he becomes CPA, he will leave

[MaLoTu]

Silent – you last sentence is absolutely true and applies to everyone. It is very important to not make it seem like you are only going to stay for the experience. I in general agree with your assessment, but i use to help hire when I was in public and at my firm we didn’t see age as an issue. That may not be the case everywhere. The OP needs to build a very strong narrative for why they are switching careers.

[an0112]

These are all good replies. Thank you. What about buying a small accounting practice that would come with one year of supervision? I wonder if there would be a business case for a five-year planning period, either to sell or close after that time?

[Puppykoala]

At this point I'm sensing everyone else on this forum is getting CPA to advance in life while you are just trying to have some fun 🙂 If you do buy a practice, can I go work for you?

[Asja]

This is just a hobby for me. I'm becoming a CPA just so I can one-up my sister-in-law. *kidding*

[an0112]

Believe me, I am not just trying to have some fun. I am trying to find my path as a CPA. It seems like everyone here is focused on public accounting and working for the Big 4. There are lots of other things CPAs do. Let's say you wanted to create as much value as possible in a five-year period. What are the alternatives?

[Silent]

@An0112

Your own company doing taxes. As long as you can find a way to save people thousand of dollars on their taxes you will have lot of business. They want to save as much as possible regardless of it's legal or not but at the same time not get caught(not get audited).

[Author]

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