[GSU Josh]

Hi, everyone. I have spent the bulk of 2010 trying to get these three letters behind my name, and they’re almost there (hopefully). Now it’s time for me to find a serious accounting job. I live in the Savannah, GA area, but am not limited to this area. Relocation is no problem. I have a year of audit experience and will be able to obtain my license after I get a final passing score (150 credit hours satisfied). Just trying to get some leads so I can start networking and jump start my career. Any help/comments at all would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, apparently, CPA’s are in demand as I read an article yesterday on yahoo.com. It was about jobs that desperately need to be filled, and accountants/CPA’s were number one on the list! Can someone please prove to me that this is, in fact, true?

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[75 CPA]

I need a job too. However, no one will hire me because I am 64 years old. Therefore, I will go to work for myself.

Today I am ordering Quickbooks for accountants and I will study to become certified in Quickbooks. Additionally, I already use Lacerte for taxes. I will knock on the doors of small businesses and I will offer to do their bookkeepin and taxes.

When the doors are closed, I look for a crack in the windows. That is all the opportunity that I need.

[GSU Josh]

So I got a call today, and I have an interview scheduled for Friday. I want to do anything possible to give myself the best chance to get this job as opportunities like this are few and far between. It's for a financial analyst position at a local hospital. Does anyone have any advice as to what I should mention or talk about or maybe anything I should look over or review before going in? My last interview I felt like I did fine, but was not asked to return. I read somewhere that you should get a business card and email the interviewers and thank them for the opportunity afterward. Any thoughts? Thanks.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[financeguy]

Well I think you need to let them know why you will bring value to the company. I think you need to show your passion towards a career and what differentiates you from the other candidates. They will most likely ask you a bunch of typical questions that most job interviews have, and most of the interviewers cannot differentiate one candidate from another in most cases. No matter what the questions are, you need to answer them in a way which demonstrates your strengths and why you will be an asset and not a liability to the company.

If you don't have any experience, you need to stay away from talking about lack of experience, and instead talk about what value you can bring to the company.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

[Anonymous]

Good luck on your interview!

I ALWAYS send a thank you note after an interview. I think it's become socially acceptable to send it via email; however being a good Southern girl, I have been taught that a handwritten note goes a long way. I actually do both–an email the same day thanking the interviewer for his/her time and consideration and then a follow-up handwritten note. Also, I make sure to get a business card from every person with whom I speak and thank them as well…

As far as prep goes, I would research the position and the company as much as possible, but incorporate your research in such a way that it sounds natural during your interview. ‘Financial Analyst' has become sort of a generic term in the business world, so if you can get some background about this position's duties and responsibilites, that would help. That way, you can ask specific questions in regard to the job i.e. “I understand that I would be preparing X report each month…what software would I be using to facilitate this?” Employers love candidates who show initiative and can engage in a two-way conversation, as opposed to someone who just sits there and answers question after question. I lost my job last year and had to do quite a bit of interviewing, so I really perfected my approach and found that the more confident I was, the better I did.

Vince, I am so sorry about your situation. I can't imagine how tough it would be to go through all of that without the CPA exam looming over your head. We used to live in Marietta, so I know Kennesaw very well…I hope you find something very soon!

[Anonymous]

GSU Josh

Research the company

1. review the FS and Press releases

2. do a search on and see if there is anything happening at the hospital- new research, awards, etc.

3. if possible find something out about the person who will be interviewing you

Have several questions in mind to ask based on what your reaseach turns up – shows inerest and that you did your homework. You would be surprised at the number of people who don't do these things

If you like the company and want the job ask for the job bbefore leaving the interview.

Be sure to interview them too – make sure it will be a place you will be able to grow and contribute

Yes follow-up with a thank you note or email and get business cards from everyone you talk to

Good luck!

[GSU Josh]

Thanks for the insight, everyone. Cpa journey, what do you mean ask for the job before leaving the interview?

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[Anonymous]

GSU Josh

In the closing part of the interview – just tell the interviewer that you enjoyed meeting with him/her and the job sounds like something you would be very interested in and that you would like to be considered. You might mention why you would be a good fit. Also, ask when a decision will be made. Leaving no doubt that you want the job is a good idea. Sell yourself as the best person for the job.

[Vince]

Thank you everyone.

financeguy, I graduated college with a double major in Accounting and Finance in May 2009. I did not start studying the CPA right after. After I graduated, I seriously considered joining the military as I support our troops and appreciate the freedom I have in America. I decided against it chose the path I went to college for and started studying for the CPA on Jan 5. Why do you ask bro??

FAR (Feb. '10) - 83
REG (Apr. '10) - 88
BEC (May '10) - 79
AUD (Aug '10) - 80

[financeguy]

@vince

I just asked because when I went to college I moved away from my parents house and lived on my own. I just wondered if you had done that and then moved back in with your parents because you were not able to find a job.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

[Vince]

Oh, well I lived on or near campus when in college, then moved back home after graduating. And as every accounting college grad, I figured Id get a job in no time from what my professors were saying….

FAR (Feb. '10) - 83
REG (Apr. '10) - 88
BEC (May '10) - 79
AUD (Aug '10) - 80

[mutiny92]

If you can't find a FT job right away consider looking at temporary accounting jobs through staffing agencies. Many of them hire really good temps to full time positions. They use their temporary time as a real-time interview to see how you work and get along with others.

[GSU Josh]

Yeah, I've just gotten on with a couple of staffing agencies. No interviews yet as of passing the exam, but it hasn't been long either. Looks like I didn't get the financial analyst position. They were rude enough to not even respond to my emails or even send me a “dear john” email. Guess they don't want a brand new CPA working for them! Their loss. It's kind of weird being done. It's like now what? Hopefully I can get hired somewhere soon making close to $50k. Any advice from any fresh CPA's? Been sending out a lot of resumes online and even applied to KPMG and Ernst & Young. I'm wondering if this whole CPA thing will really make a difference. Only time will tell.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[Anonymous]

Keep at it GSU Josh, someone will appreciate you.

[jwel]

wow,Vince-Amazing perseverance.And i thought i was having a tough time.Between phases of depression and my husbands extra marital,i almost lost my mind.

But u guys just inspire me so much.I am so ashamed at myself cos i took so long and been coming up with excuses for not doing well.

Btw anyone in Minnesota,can contact me.Wont pay a lot …but u will get the audit and tax experience,if you wanna work towards licensing.Mail me at ghmunroe82@gmail.com.Its not a big four job,but will give you the exp and temp work to help u find a better position.I am moving countries and my employer need someone to take over.I can refer you.But it is a small CPA firm where you can put ur skills and knowledge to work.

Thanks

FAR -80
BEC -77
AUD -68 Retake 10/12 77
REG -79 Ethics -DONE!!! Licensing begins....

[Minh_P]

Hi Every, I am new to this forum and was hoping for some useful advice. I graduated in Dec. 2007 (Accounting) and just now decided to go ahead and study for my CPA exam. I was wondering what's the recommended format is: Live, Online or Self Study? Live would cost me twice the money comparing to Online & Self. Your advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,

[Author]

Replies