[Jobless2CPA]

Will passing the CPA exams help me in the long run or short run if I am planning to work for the government? (IRS or other governmental departments such as the Tax Franchise Board)

[Anonymous]

I work for a state government in large audit organization. I would say getting the CPA is helpful in my department, given that pretty much all the CPAs are either in senior audit positions, or management/executive management. There are no non-CPAs in our executive management team. However, most rank-and-file auditors do not have a CPA.

Usually with government organizations you can't really negotiate salary, and getting a CPA could be a reason to get an addition step of salary or bonus. My state gives a bonus of $3,600 for passing the exam, which is really nothing compared to the price of course ware (not paid for) or the exams (not paid for either).

Many CPAs in my organization use their license on the side doing taxes. Of course, if your working for FTB or IRS that really wouldn't be an option….

[kgirl]

One of our clients is undergoing an IRS audit and the agent said the last time their office was hiring, they took job candidates with a CPA as newly minted agents over those w/o their CPA.

I only skimmed other posts but my suggestion would be to think what type of job you'd like long-term- as in 10-15 years. Can you find those with similar jobs you can talk to about what is required? I routinely search organizations web sites (such as IRS) and research what credentials are needed for the type of job I want and go from there.

[Author]

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