[Elaine]

I’m not a “traditional” job candidate who studied accounting as an undergrad and went through campus recruiting. I graduated from a good school with an Economics degree a year ago, and now pursuing an accounting certificate at another great university’s extensions, so I don’t qualify as a campus recruit. I have a corporate accounting internship right now but I am looking to get a full time job in public accounting before this year ends, to avoid having to take more classes after the 2014 change. Welllll, recruiters don’t call back after I leave voice mails, they don’t response to emails, I have been going to networking events but there is no guarantee in anything, and the time is ticking. I plan to persistently reach out to companies but man, with classes, CPA review and internship, I am feeling a bit frustrated.

For those who’s looking to get the 1-year experience before 2014, how are you reaching out to companies to ask for immediate openings? I have sent hard copies and emailed them my resume and cover letter so far. Also, can someone kindly look over my cover letter if you got some time left? 🙂

[Anonymous]

what do you mean, “1-year experience before 2014”, what is changing in 2014?

[littlenumberrobot]

Elaine… you must be in CA?CA requirements change in 2014

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[Elaine]

I meant I want to have 1 year of experience under CPA done by 12/31/13 so I don't have to take specific, additional classes required by the 2014 change in order to get my license. I plan to finish all 4 exams by early next year, and I live in CA.

[Elaine]

yes I am, littlenumberrobot 🙂

[littlenumberrobot]

Being from CA I know the upcoming changes very well. I would think that certificate might be enough units to get you over the new requirements? Is it like a Masters or more like Associate certificate?

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[mena je twa]

chakdey – are you from india? Its a name of a famous indian movie….

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[Elaine]

@littlenumberrobot, it's neither. It is a non-degree certificate program to get the credits to sit for the exam, but it's not MAcc that prepares you for those extra classes in specific categories. I have been able to sneak into networking events on campus but they are more interested in undergrads who don't have a Bachelor's degree yet! I just needed to take courses in accounting so I am qualified after this quarter ends.

[Anonymous]

@mena je twa yeah I'm from India, “chakey” is my username for everything lol

So 2014 rule only applies to people still in school and in CA? You guys worried me for a second.

[littlenumberrobot]

Look into CalCPA. They have events, one called Student Night. Maybe your local city has one. I remember a person with a similar story as yours who was able to get a job from networking an event like that. Local CPA firms recruit there. I have noticed people with Econ background are desirable to firms(okay I have only seen it twice, but it is more than never!)

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[littlenumberrobot]

@chakdey yeah they are bringing us CA up to date to be equal with other states.

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[sdgh1826]

@elaine I think you're one of my classmates in the Monday class (I sit on the other end). Is your internship looking to hire or do they know other firms? I work full-time but not in accounting. Looking to take my REG this October. What section are you preparing for? Knowing someone and getting a referral I think is still one of the best ways to get an interview at least.

Becker 2012, NINJA notes

[Elaine]

I see, yeah CalCPA is hosting a networking event next week in my area so I am definitely going! Thank you for your advise 🙂 I am so eager to start my career and I will keep looking!

[Elaine]

@sdgh1826 OH what a small world! Boutari? lol, What's your name? Haha I am planning to take FAR in August. I am working at a private company so I don't hear about public accounting opportunities at all.

[sdgh1826]

Yes! I sit at the second to the last row, second seat on the left (next to Michael). My name is stephan. I'm taking the Partnership class next quarter, review for a section (debating between REG and BEC). Haven't decided on a review program yet, but leaning towrds Becker, if its REG I go with. What program are you using for FAR? I was informed that as long as your supervisor is a CPA, or at least someone who overlooks your work is a CPA, that should count. But please verify that.

Becker 2012, NINJA notes

[Elaine]

I feel bad I can't put a face to your name right now… but oh gosh, how stressed are you about the final? I am digging Chapter 10 right now. I'm going with Becker, I already signed up for a july review class and plan to use it for all four sections.

I was wondering about that too! I know the controller (who overlooks my work sometimes) is a CPA but not sure if she is active. I should ask. I work with limited number of people and both of them are not CPA's. But I know there are CPAs in the department who don't overlook my work though.

[Author]

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