[Anonymous]

Hello all. I am 42 year old parole agent with a bachelors in behavioral science. Absolutely no college education in the business field and no business experience. My profession allows me to retire at the young age of 50 but really don’t want to hold out for even that long.

I am interested in transitioning into the accounting field but questioning if it is a bit late in life for such a change. I do not have the aspirations of the traditional college graduate hoping to land a position with a Big Four, or making six figures. I would be fine with a small firm or small business. Just so long as it offers some stability, steady pay, and I am not asking people to pee in a cup for me.

I looked at getting a second BS in Accounting and am starting down that path. I spoke to several local people in the business field and it was suggested more than once to just complete the necessary coursework needed for the CPA as this would make me more appealing than another degree. This makes sense to me and is something I am considering, as opposed to a second BS or Macc.

I would like to hear more opinions from those specifically in the accounting field as to whether or not making such a switch seems feasible, and if so, would welcome any advice on making such a transition more successful.

[Anonymous]

Think about what a future recruiter/boss would think about you:

– absolutely no business/accounting experience

– 42 years old (I am sorry for been honest)

Why should someone hire you if he/she could get a recent graduate for a lot less money. I think you might already be used to a specific lifestyle and have your fixed expenses. Going back to a “starter-salary” might won't work for you anyway.

Also at this age it is more likely you get sick – sorry but this is what a recruiter will be thinking of you when comparing you with a recent grad.

Also I think you might need some unpaid internships to gain at least some experience in this field.

Also why do you want to switch? What are the reasons? Maybe you first get familiar with accounting and than figure out if this is something for you 😉

Good luck

[OJFWEroiu]

“Maybe you first get familiar with accounting and than figure out if this is something for you ;)”

Many of us choose this field because it is in higher demand and pays well relative to other fields. If we all “followed our passions,” we'd all have art degrees (or music, etc.).

To OP, yea, you could do it. It's pretty easy. Any brain dead person could do it (not saying you are one btw). Just takes studying and taking like 30-50 hours or whatever you need.

Just a matter of how you're going to finance it and if you can support yourself during the 1-3 years to get there. Don't do it if you need to take out any loans. My $0.02.

passed

[mla1169]

Cessna, bless your heart. You just made me spit out my soda laughing. I vote this #1 response of all time.

Bsharrah ignore the above ramblings. I was 42 when I got my license, (yes I had some clerical accounting experience, big deal). While your particular experience isn't in accounting, you definately have something to bring to the table. You'll do well to find a “niche” where your diverse experience is an asset. If you currently work for the state you just may have a better chance at landing a state auditor type job. With your background you may be more desirable in forensic accounting or another specialty.

At the ripe old age of 42, we likely still have approx 30 years in the workforce. Plenty of people here in their 40's and even 50's plugging away at this. My biggest concern if I were you is exactly how many more credits to take to qualify, but you may not have many.

I'll save you a rocking chair at the old folks home 🙂

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Oh and Cessna, I'm 43 now and have recruiters cold contacting me DAILY. I've more than doubled my salary in 2 years time. Don't assume anything.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[acamp]

I'd agree with the completing CPA coursework and not necessarily going after another degree, however there may not be much difference as the CPA requires 24 units of business related topics, 24 units of accounting, so assuming your lower division stuff from your first degree would transfer/count, you might not be that far off (especially if any of your upper division courses would count) from grabbing another degree. But I agree that

Far as the career switch, I had someone in his 40-50s start with me at Deloitte a while back. People seem to forget the value of older people entering new careers, ie: real world experience, more perspective, less likely to come in hung over, lol, etc. If anything I would encourage this route, a couple years with a Big4 (or any larger public accounting firm) will give you a great jump into the marketplace. While no accounting positions I've seen require asking people to pee in a cup, you'll have many more options if you do a stint in public. Further, you might have a better idea of what you're looking for afterwards, not sure if you're interested in healthcare (sounds like you do something with it? maybe you never want to see it again) but say you're in non-accounting healthcare now, work healthcare clients at a big4 for 2-3 years, and then apply for accounting positions in healthcare. Although you've made a career change, having front-line healthcare experience might give you a small leg-up over other candidates applying for the same accounting position.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[phyrus100]

OP

In my opinion, you should dismiss Cessna's post completely.

I have been self employed for 17 years. I went back to night school starting Fall 2009, while I was in my 40s. I already had a BA Liberal Arts degree at the time; and I received my BS in Accounting last May. I just passed my final CPA exam in April 2013. All I need in 1 year of experience to be certified.

It can be done, I am 90% there and I have very few doubts about getting hired later this year when firms are hiring for tax season..

[Anonymous]

@bsharrah, I like your meekness. Your post brings smile to my heart. I would say, follow your dreams and do what you feel like doing. Age should not stop you from pursuing the dreams that you want to accomplish.

I've seen people from LinkedIn, FB in their 50s, 60s and yet they're still aiming to sit for CPA tests.

So why not for 40-something people like us?

I am 43 now and I'm still waging my own flag to reach my dream. I was 20 yrs old when I earned my BS degree in Accounting (1990). I got married, gave birth to 2 sons & raised them and worked for years.Back then, I went on to CPA review classes & took my first attempt to sit in 1994. I failed and I thus set my dream aside.

Both of my 2 boys were already in college in 2011 when I decided to finally give my 2nd shot for CPA license. I had 133 credit hours in my undergrad and an admission counselor from Devry University advised me to pursue Master's Degree in Accounting (& Fin. Mgt).

You might want to check with Devry and see how they would advise you to supplement your first BS degree to become eligible to sit for CPA.

Godspeed!

[Anonymous]

I went back to school when I was 40 to complete the requirements to sit for the CPA exams. I had a bs in marketing/management and had been doing bookkeeping for a few years. 20 years ago I started out majoring in accounting and never finished it but always wanted to. when i had completed all the requirements I found out that I only needed two more classes to get the degree so I went one more semester and completed the accounting degree. I just passed my last exam in February and was licensed in March. I will be 45 in a few months, have two BS degrees plus a CPA. I already had a job in private accounting so I am not in the situation of having to worry about not having the experience to get hired, but I received a promotion and a raise as a result of taking a chance. I say go for it.

[Anonymous]

@acamp, op is not in healthcare, he/she is a parole agent.

I work in healthcare accounting and I love it,however since you have some law enforcement experience you may consider doing accounting in that field.

[Anonymous]

I'm 46. I taught school for 11 years- I have a BS in Elem Ed and and MS in Autism. I went back to school at 43 and earned a MS in Accouting. Landed a job at a local CPA firm before even graduating. I get called by recruiters all the time. I turned down a job in private a few months ago that was more money and better benefits because I was being picky and it wasn't exactly what I was looking for out of private. I graduated with a 3.9 because I took college much more seriously the 2nd time around. I'm confident and used to public speaking in such a way that only comes with age and experience. Recruiters love me. I'm the perfect candidate for someone looking for maturity, high grades (= hard worker) and confidence.

@ Cessna – No offense because when I was your age 40 plus sounded SO old to me and I'm sure I would have felt the same as you – but believe me when you get to this age you'll laugh at your own comments on age. There is life after 40 and it is never too late to change your career. I'm married, have two beautiful daughters and love my new career. 40 rocks!

[Anonymous]

I appreciate the responses, all of them. I will not ignore or discount Cessna's response because I do think what he/she says should be considered. I asked this question on a couple forums and either heard crickets or got responses exactly like Cessna's. Only problem was the majority of those, if not all of them, were coming from 20 somethings who were either still in college or not out for very long, so I took the comments with a grain of salt. Nothing like getting career advice from people who have yet to establish a career themselves.

For my state, I would need 24 credits(semester) to sit for the exam, and this can be a mix of business law, finance, and accounting, then 12 more credits for license and this must be in accounting. So all in all I need 36 credits. The BS in Accounting will require 72 credits, double what is required for the CPA. If I decided to go for a Macc, I would need 54 credits when you take into account the 24 credits of accounting prerequisites (both the BS and Macc programs are AACSB accredited). Ten years ago I would have been determined to have the degree to hang on the wall. Now, I place less emphasis on the degree and more on the CPA credentials, which is why the idea of only completing the needed coursework makes the most sense, and is more appealing to me.

I do work as a parole agent for state government and have thought that sliding into a state audit or even state accountant position may be the best route to take since I would have the edge over someone not already working in the state system. It would mean a voluntary demotion to start but I would be fine with that since it is a field I could see myself sticking with well into my 60's whereas few parole agents do this beyond 50, and for good reason. I would be eligible for several of these state positions after completing only 15 credits in accounting since I already have a degree. Should I decide to leave the state completely to pursue this, I could manage with entry level positions/wages due to the fact that at this point I would be leaving with a pension, though partial if I don't stay to age 50, and if I hold out until age 48, I walk away with medical benefits. I do think I would have an advantage in the interview process if I could tell the employer I don't need your benefits and will gladly work without them.

As for financing this little escapade, I am considering school loans to start only because my wife just lost her job and until she finds another one I am very hesitant to burn up our cash reserves. Once she starts working, I would be more comfortable, and confident, in funding it out of pocket. Again, I am referring to the completion of just the 36 credits. Taking school loans or using our cash reserves to complete another degree, when I only require half the number of credits for the CPA, does not appear to be a viable option.

[Anonymous]

@bsharrah I am 51 years old and just this past week I received my CPA license from the state of Georgia. I graduated college in 1988 and got serious about studying for the exam in 2010. I passed my final part in January of this year.

Best wishes! There is a desire that has been put in you. Follow it up with dedication, determination and discipline.

And to answer your question, no it's not too late.

[smp73]

Coming from a “twenty something” I say if you have the passion and desire to do it then do it. People start new all the time and age/needing some credits and/or experience should not stop you. You can get the credits and you can get the experience.

The question I would ask is if you do not do this would you regret it. If the answer is yes then absolutely go for it.

NYS CPA License # 113563
CIA: Done as of 2/15/14

Training for a half marathon post studying!

[Author]

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