[F5 to Refresh]

Well I guess I just wanted some opinions on a job offer I received. I recently passed all four sections of the CPA exam and am finishing up a MAcc, I have been looking into large regional accounting firms, but in the process of interviewing I was offered a $60k+ job at a start-up doing non-accounting work (so I will not be able to get the CPA credential). I had an offer last year at a large regional for $45k that I declined since I was still working on the exam and wanted to finish up school.

So I guess the question is what would you do?

AUD 79 Q4 2010 - NY
BEC 84 Q4 2010
REG 79 Q1 2011
FAR 86 Q2 2011 - Done

[Anonymous]

After putting in the time, money, and effort to pass all four parts of the exam, I'd have to offered a hell of a lot more than $60K to not finish up my certification. Getting certified is going to open plenty of doors. If I were you, I'd look for a job doing accounting work. However, having a non-accounting job is better than having no job….so it depends on what other job opportunities you have.

That's just my two sense.

[Anonymous]

Two cents….can you tell I've been studying since I got home from work? yikes….

[mla1169]

Depends on how aggressively you are looking and how long you can afford to wait. If you need a job, it's better than nothing. The market is tight right now and it could possibly be months before you see another offer especially if you have a wish list you'd like to receive. I've got a job but always looking for a better opportunity. Because I've got criteria on my wish list it's been 3 years without THE job coming to me.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[F5 to Refresh]

I am actually working now (again not in accounting), I have been here for 5 years and feel that it is time to move on. The problem I am facing is that Accounting firms tend to hire one year in advance, and I can not stand the thought of being here for yet another year. It's not that my job is stressful or anything, and the pay is decent, its just that I am bored to death and feel like I am wasting my time not learning anything new…(it was nice though when I was studying)

Thanks for your input.

AUD 79 Q4 2010 - NY
BEC 84 Q4 2010
REG 79 Q1 2011
FAR 86 Q2 2011 - Done

[Peanut]

By the way, why do accounting firms do that? The one year in advance thing? I see it all the time..

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[Anonymous]

I would recommend taking the job at the start up, if you don't have a public accounting job offer lined up in the near future. Quick question, I'm in NYC as well, which school are you doing your Macc at and how do you like the program?

[F5 to Refresh]

@ Bull, I am actually in Rochester, but I am doing my masters at SUNYIT in Utica NY, you can complete the program 100% online or go on campus for live instruction. They are also a state school, so tuition is fairly low, and they are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and AACSB.

I am not thrilled with the program, but it is a good value at that price point and the amount of work / flexibility allows me to work full time while getting the program done relatively quickly. I do not really care at this point since I am simply trying to get my 150 in (which I have), if I wanted to go get an MBA I would definitely go somewhere else. One thing that I have noticed is that their Career Services suck, luckily I completed my undergrad at RIT, so I am able to use their services for life.

AUD 79 Q4 2010 - NY
BEC 84 Q4 2010
REG 79 Q1 2011
FAR 86 Q2 2011 - Done

[ROACH]

I would kill for a 60k+ job.. even a 45k job. i'm making peanuts at my place. but I can't complain cus I don't do “real” accounting… well more low-end stuff AR/AP, bank recs, forecasting.

OP just think how bless you are man.. congrats.

BEC: 66 | 69 | 7/23/2013
AUD: 8/28/2013
REG:
FAR:

[F5 to Refresh]

@ Roach, Thank you for your response…Sometime I do come back down to earth and thank god for all that I have been given. Not sure if you have your CPA, but I am sure once you get it you will be making plenty of $$. For me, I have a motto: you make your own luck. I just turned 27, but have been working and going to school since I can remember, especially through the college years. I am almost done and am glad to see that my hard work is paying off.

LOL, feel kind of weird tooting my own horn, but I did this while being married and having a kid at home (now 3 yrs old).

I really do appreciate everyone's comments and POVs keep them coming in regard to job advice.

AUD 79 Q4 2010 - NY
BEC 84 Q4 2010
REG 79 Q1 2011
FAR 86 Q2 2011 - Done

[Anonymous]

I do apologize if I came off a bit snobbish…obviously $60k is great money to support your family, especially in this economy. My point was, you have come this far in passing the exams, we all know how much work that is. I, personally, would have a hard time not trying to seal the CPA deal as soon as possible. It's like the ultimate pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The number of doors that open when you get some experience and certification are countless. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

[Anonymous]

@F5

I would not take the non-accouning job, even if the pay is good. You would be trading short term gain now, for your long term income earning potential as a CPA.

CPA! CPA! CPA! That is the ultimate goal here. Don't stop for anything until you get that!

[Zai]

I think it all comes up to the point of where you want to be in 10 -20 yrs from now… if you really and I mean REALLY have that passion for accounting and cant imagine yourself doing anything else then you keep on trying… But yet in my opinion, even in that case, a change is always good. Even if that job has nothing to do with accounting it will probable add more skills to your resume and maybe that 1 thing can make a big difference to the employer… When I was interviewing for the internship position, he emphasized the point that I thought was useless on my resume but I guess it was just what he needed 🙂

And btw if someone would offer me 65K (assuming its not illegal or freaky) I would take it without a doubt.

Good luck 🙂

[Anonymous]

If you get in at a start up who's to say you won't be CFO in 5 to 10 years. I'd go for it if for nothing but the opportunities it may bring.

[HazeEastwood]

F5 to Refresh, go with the long term game plan. The larger the firm the better. You work there for a few years and you'll make a lot of money once you leave and goto private industry. They are always looking for people who have worked at a firm preferably the larger ones.

FAR-81
BEC-84
AUD-91
REG-89

[MikeInMIA]

Why not just transfer your scores to a state that doesn't require work experience and be licensed there? Some states accept education in place of work experience(your MAcc).

[Author]

Replies