[ahugemistake]

I will be job hunting the minute I get my last passing score [hopefully sometime in 2015], and I would like to do something different at the next firm I join. Currently I work at a small firm that specializes in NFP and GOV. Although the work-life balance is great here, I really want to get a taste of working with bigger clients and being part of bigger audits. I fear that since I plan on being here for about 2 years my experience will only appeal to those who want NFP-GOV specialists.

Am I wrong to think this? If I join the big-4 after being here for 2 years will they give me an option to pick what type of clients I want to be part of, or just place where it’s necessary?

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[Lindrobe]

Hi, ahugemistake. I was hoping you would get more opinions about your NFP experience. I also work in NFP (Tax Accountant at large, private University). I have been here 5 years. I am looking for a new position and have also been wondering how my NFP experience will translate to other jobs.

FAR 12/3/14, 87
AUD 2/3/14, 90
BEC 4/1/14, 88
REG 5/27/14, 94

Licensed CPA, Indiana

"Successful people do things that unsuccessful people don't want to do"

[ahugemistake]

Lindrobe, please keep us updated on how your search goes. Looks like your final score will really give you the edge you need.

I think it's just a matter of preference, I have always been intrigued with bigger public companies and the complicated issues that surround them. NFPs are great but the ones I work with seem to have more complicated issues caused by incompetence rather than the issue itself.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[ahugemistake]

Lindrobe, please keep us updated on how your search goes. Looks like your final score will really give you the edge you need.

I think it's just a matter of preference, I have always been intrigued with bigger public companies and the complicated issues that surround them. NFPs are great but the ones I work with seem to have more complicated issues caused by incompetence rather than the issue itself.

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[Lindrobe]

Will do. I have never worked in public accounting before, so I am hoping that I can find something in a smaller firm so that I can get some experience other than non-profit tax. Will start sending out resumes in two weeks. I can't wait to get out of here! The work/life balance and benefits are great, but the pay is about as bad as it gets.

In your opinion, do you think a smaller firm will hire someone that is licensed but has no public experience? We have a couple of smaller firms where I live that do a lot of NFP work and I have reached out to one of them already.

FAR 12/3/14, 87
AUD 2/3/14, 90
BEC 4/1/14, 88
REG 5/27/14, 94

Licensed CPA, Indiana

"Successful people do things that unsuccessful people don't want to do"

[Lindrobe]

Will do. I have never worked in public accounting before, so I am hoping that I can find something in a smaller firm so that I can get some experience other than non-profit tax. Will start sending out resumes in two weeks. I can't wait to get out of here! The work/life balance and benefits are great, but the pay is about as bad as it gets.

In your opinion, do you think a smaller firm will hire someone that is licensed but has no public experience? We have a couple of smaller firms where I live that do a lot of NFP work and I have reached out to one of them already.

FAR 12/3/14, 87
AUD 2/3/14, 90
BEC 4/1/14, 88
REG 5/27/14, 94

Licensed CPA, Indiana

"Successful people do things that unsuccessful people don't want to do"

[ahugemistake]

Depends on the area you are in, we just hired a guy who worked at the tax office at the county and passed all parts and didn't get a bite anywhere with his resume. I personally think you should try the big firms as an experienced hire, and see where you can get in.

A small firm will definitely hire you, the NFP/GOV busy season begins after the June 30 year end that most entities have. So this would be a great time to start looking for that. The pros about working at a small firm is that you will have your hands in everything from taxes to audits and probably get a diverse experience. The cons are that there more than likely will be a lack of training (I regret this the most), and lower pay.

Start your job hunt today to keep you motivated for the exam! I also worked at a university as a staff accountant handling purchasing and monthly reconciliations. I got a few bites with my resume only after a year of working there. Goodluck!

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[ahugemistake]

Depends on the area you are in, we just hired a guy who worked at the tax office at the county and passed all parts and didn't get a bite anywhere with his resume. I personally think you should try the big firms as an experienced hire, and see where you can get in.

A small firm will definitely hire you, the NFP/GOV busy season begins after the June 30 year end that most entities have. So this would be a great time to start looking for that. The pros about working at a small firm is that you will have your hands in everything from taxes to audits and probably get a diverse experience. The cons are that there more than likely will be a lack of training (I regret this the most), and lower pay.

Start your job hunt today to keep you motivated for the exam! I also worked at a university as a staff accountant handling purchasing and monthly reconciliations. I got a few bites with my resume only after a year of working there. Goodluck!

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[Lindrobe]

Thanks, ahugemistake. There are no Big 4 firms where I live and I am not really in a situation to move because my husband has a great job where we live now. There are 2 top 10 firms though (McGladrey and Crowe). I appreciate the insight!

FAR 12/3/14, 87
AUD 2/3/14, 90
BEC 4/1/14, 88
REG 5/27/14, 94

Licensed CPA, Indiana

"Successful people do things that unsuccessful people don't want to do"

[Lindrobe]

Thanks, ahugemistake. There are no Big 4 firms where I live and I am not really in a situation to move because my husband has a great job where we live now. There are 2 top 10 firms though (McGladrey and Crowe). I appreciate the insight!

FAR 12/3/14, 87
AUD 2/3/14, 90
BEC 4/1/14, 88
REG 5/27/14, 94

Licensed CPA, Indiana

"Successful people do things that unsuccessful people don't want to do"

[Author]

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