[Parthamis]

Soo… I lost my job on October 16th. Official reason was due to slowing workflows from Covid. It has been an entire month now, with over 50 firms contacted with a few recruiters, I have had 5-6 interviews and no offers. Now I believe there is extreme little chance of being offered a position. My CPA designation was made official less than 2 weeks ago, and it still seems impossible. I worked 1.5 years at the last firm. Before that, I have a multiple year gap which is actually hard to explain to most employers.

Any advice someone could provide?

[Vanquished]

Parthamis wrote:

Soo… I lost my job on October 16th. Official reason was due to slowing workflows from Covid. It has been an entire month now, with over 50 firms contacted with a few recruiters, I have had 5-6 interviews and no offers. Now I believe there is extreme little chance of being offered a position. My CPA designation was made official less than 2 weeks ago, and it still seems impossible. I worked 1.5 years at the last firm. Before that, I have a multiple year gap which is actually hard to explain to most employers.

Any advice someone could provide?

Have you tried employers that aren't audit/accounting firms?

Those service based companies may indeed by slow to hire since they have no idea how many of their customers will even exist in a couple months. I think a large corporation's accounting department might be your best bet.

[monikernc]

Were you in public accounting for the 1.5 years? Are you in a large or small area? I am in the Denver-Boulder, CO area and there is a large number of openings. Search Indeed or LinkedIn but apply directly to the company who is hiring. If you are in US and use NextDoor app where you live ask if anyone in your neighborhood works where you are interested in applying or knows of job openings. There are online positions available with Intuit/Quickbooks that may hire you while you look for other opportunities. Be sure to search industry, state, federal and local govt jobs, too. Network through your college and state CPA society – most state societies also have job postings and resume exchanges. Be sure to check your junk/spam folder once or twice daily to be sure you are not missing anything.
Don't get discouraged. Apply only for jobs you are qualified for. Rejection can come hard and fast but don't worry. All you need is the one, right, YES! Ask someone who knows to review your resume. Line up your references and while doing so ask if they know who is hiring. Prepare for interviews by knowing about the company and its initiatives. Good luck!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[animalwithin]

Do you have any skills that you can use to start your own business whilst you're searching for employment elsewhere?

[Parthamis]

@Vanqushed: I appreciate the reply, but at this time I cannot see myself in corporate or private accounting.

@Monikernc: Interesting you mention that. I have been to CO back in late 2018, and were a booming economy… like the literal definition of an economic boom, every single store was hiring and short staffed (I was in Douglas County primarily).
– Is it fair to say firms there are short on people in the 1-2 year range?

[monikernc]

I am getting contacted by recruiters everyday. Mostly for Denver, Greenwood Village areas but some Boulder too. All experience levels. Anyone with CPA and public experience. Search LinkedIn for cpa jobs in Denver. You will see. Problem is too many are lower paying and housing is $$$$$$$$$$$ in Denver. Fort Collins and Loveland has some opportunities but less housing. Lots of Craigslist rooms but a lot are scams.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Yolanda]

Turbo Tax is hiring if you like tax. It’s an awesome company to work for! Please mention my name and my manager Ed!

BEC - 64, 58, 68
AUD - 55 - Retake 2013
FAR - 55
REG - JAN 2013
Ethics exam - required in my state (IL) DEC 2012

[CPA1219]

Don't limit your options to Big4 and regional firms. If you're fully licensed and open, you'll land something eventually. There's more internal audit and staff accounting roles than qualified candidates. Cast a larger net.

[Author]

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