[jlondon]

I’ve been working in A/P since I got out of college, and now currently studying for the CPA. Should I try to pass the exam first and apply to public accounting, or should I just start applying now and get in if the opportunity comes along.

But, would the public accounting hours interfere with my studying? I’ve heard horror stories about how much work there is in auditing. But, I feel like, regardless, I have to have public accounting experience in order to get further in my career.

Anybody have similar experience? I feel really old going into public accounting at this age. It’s usually people right out of college, but I have no choice because I graduated late due to some issues.

BEC: 69, 57, 72, 73, (anticipated for 4/4/2015)
AUD: 65, 63, 74, 84!!! (expires 7/31/2015)
FAR: 63, 57, (scheduled for 4/1/2015)
REG: ... 42, (Anticipated to be around 5/20~)

-Every Set Back is a Set Up for a Major Come Back #motivation

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed." - Michael Jordan

"You are not your past, but the resources and capabilities you glean from it" -Jordan Belfort

[Anonymous]

I did internal auditing and general accounting at 27/28. I was offered a decent salary (60k) to stay after graduating, but chose to enter a public accounting internship. Good thing I did- the CFO I was working under wasn't a CPA like I thought he was, and I started immediately after my internship as full time staff. When I pass my last exam, I will be able to get certified immediately, pending ethics, because of my public experience. Passing the exam is only part of getting your license. Start getting your experience now!

[jlondon]

@audit_this thank you!!… I didn't even think about the audit hours…

BEC: 69, 57, 72, 73, (anticipated for 4/4/2015)
AUD: 65, 63, 74, 84!!! (expires 7/31/2015)
FAR: 63, 57, (scheduled for 4/1/2015)
REG: ... 42, (Anticipated to be around 5/20~)

-Every Set Back is a Set Up for a Major Come Back #motivation

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed." - Michael Jordan

"You are not your past, but the resources and capabilities you glean from it" -Jordan Belfort

[Anonymous]

Should I try to pass the exam first and apply to public accounting, or should I just start applying now and get in if the opportunity comes along?

Apply and work on the CPA exam. It's all like pulling a band-aid off. Taking it slow only hurts more.

But, would the public accounting hours interfere with my studying?

Probably, but it's how most of us do it. The ones that pass beforehand only do so because they couldn't find a job first.

Anybody have similar experience?

Yes. I was 31 when I graduated and went into public after ten years of lifeguarding and bartending at the beach. It was quite an adjustment. I just bought a 150 year old Victorian home that needs something done to it almost all the time, am married, and average 50 billable hours a week. It sucks dealing with all that while studying, but your body will learn to cope with the lack of sleep.

[mla1169]

I thought you had been applying and interviewing in the last few months?

If your current job is only 40 hours and you're this far along in testing, just finish it up first. It is possible to pass this exam with a crazy busy schedule (In fact I had no business taking the exams with everything I had going on-2 jobs, in school for my masters and have 2 kids) but if you have the luxury of hanging in there with a lower stress job while studying take advantage of it!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

@jlondon I am almost the exact situation I am 28 and looking to go into public accounting after finishing the exam, I did did private accounting/ bookkeeping type jobs for 4 years, I hope I will be able to go into public at a small firm,

[katerina2665]

OP, my advice, start searching for jobs now, or, if you have doubts, wait till recruiting season (which starts September) and now focus on the exams. Since the busy season in those firms mostly dnt start until January, you will have 1/2 year to pass at least few of the exams.

In my case, i went to college late cause i ddnt have an option to go earlier (came from another country). Graduated last year when I turned 27. Im now 28, just like you, and have been searching for an accounting job for over a month, sending resumes on daily basis, networking, bothering people i know lol. Just know, if you not going to be lucky enough, you may search for a right position for some time.

[nicole2035]

i'd apply now, they want to know you at least have come this far. also i've noticed more the firms looking for experienced hires, it seems like maybe they didn't get as many new hires or people quit last minute. so it's good to at least browse

[Author]

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