[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I am currently studying for CPA/taking online masters classes through my state school. I’ve been in a temp to perm staff accountant role for a few months, and the Sr. Accountant just snuck me the info that the job likely will not go permanent. (They’d rather cut the position down to a clerk type role).

So I’m back to the job hunt. I’ve been considering looking for a part time role at ~30/hrs a week, which would give me more time for CPA studying and would let me bump up my grad school to full time from the six credits it is now. I’d fill in the financial gaps with student loans as I go. I hope to be done with the exams and a good chunk of my Masters by the 2014 recruiting season.

So how would a recruiter view this? Does it help/hurt/not matter if I only work part time while working on my Masters?

Thanks.

[kmaahs]

A recruiter for what type of company?

I haven't heard of a part time public accountant… But maybe certain industries might be more flexible.

C.P.A.

[kmaahs]

A recruiter for what type of company?

I haven't heard of a part time public accountant… But maybe certain industries might be more flexible.

C.P.A.

[Anonymous]

My thought is always that some experience is better than no experience, so I'd definitely opt for part-time work over no work.

But I'm also a big believer that living off loans is a BAD situation to be in. I would rather take the Master's and CPA a bit slower and not be living off loans…and that would also give you full-time experience. But maybe that's just me… I took time off school and used alternate methods to get my undergrad in order to avoid loans, so I know I'm a bit more anti-loans than the average person. But, if you don't get the total dream job post-graduation, then those loan payments can really suck. I think I've heard you pay about $100/mo for the 10 years for every $10k of school debt…and $100/mo can hurt in a tight budget! Especially since you probably already have a decent chunk owed for payments, so the additional loans could be squeezing an already dry budget.

Full-time jobs are more common and will be easier to find, but if you can find something for 30 hrs/wk, that's definitely better for the school schedule!

[Anonymous]

My thought is always that some experience is better than no experience, so I'd definitely opt for part-time work over no work.

But I'm also a big believer that living off loans is a BAD situation to be in. I would rather take the Master's and CPA a bit slower and not be living off loans…and that would also give you full-time experience. But maybe that's just me… I took time off school and used alternate methods to get my undergrad in order to avoid loans, so I know I'm a bit more anti-loans than the average person. But, if you don't get the total dream job post-graduation, then those loan payments can really suck. I think I've heard you pay about $100/mo for the 10 years for every $10k of school debt…and $100/mo can hurt in a tight budget! Especially since you probably already have a decent chunk owed for payments, so the additional loans could be squeezing an already dry budget.

Full-time jobs are more common and will be easier to find, but if you can find something for 30 hrs/wk, that's definitely better for the school schedule!

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I should've been more clear.

I'm currently in industry, and would be looking for a part time AP/AR role or something of that sort while I work through the exams and grad classes. I was wondering how public firm recruiters would view this when I apply for firms in 2014.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I should've been more clear.

I'm currently in industry, and would be looking for a part time AP/AR role or something of that sort while I work through the exams and grad classes. I was wondering how public firm recruiters would view this when I apply for firms in 2014.

[Anonymous]

Lilla,

The loans would hopefully be (relatively) light! I have a reasonable debt load right now (my current payments are under $200/mo), and a 30hr part time job would cover most expenses if I live frugally. I'm sure there will be times when I need loans though, mainly when tuition is due. I'd do everything I can to keep the addition loans to under $10k, they'd be there more as a last resort.

With a 45-50hr a week job now, it's a burden to have CPA studying and grad classes on top of that. I'd rather be sure I gain a good grad GPA (to make up for my undergrad 3.2) and pass the exams at this point.

[Anonymous]

Lilla,

The loans would hopefully be (relatively) light! I have a reasonable debt load right now (my current payments are under $200/mo), and a 30hr part time job would cover most expenses if I live frugally. I'm sure there will be times when I need loans though, mainly when tuition is due. I'd do everything I can to keep the addition loans to under $10k, they'd be there more as a last resort.

With a 45-50hr a week job now, it's a burden to have CPA studying and grad classes on top of that. I'd rather be sure I gain a good grad GPA (to make up for my undergrad 3.2) and pass the exams at this point.

[Author]

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