[Brokenglass]

I recently graduated with a masters and expect to have passed all 4 CPA sections by end of second quarter (still need to pass FAR and BEC). I haven’t been going to recruiting events at school and have only applied to a few firms last August. I had 2 interviews that didn’t land me a job and just haven’t been in the job market ever since.

Where do you guys look for jobs in tax? Do you apply directly through firm websites or use job boards? Suggestions would be appreciated. I only have one accounting internship experience and live in Charlotte, NC, if that helps.

[bc2018]

Sounds like I'm in the same boat as you. If you are looking for an entry level job, which it sounds like, then I would contact the college recruiters of the firms you are interested in directly. If you don't know the names you could ask your graduate college's career center, or maybe ask a professor if they know any recruiters. You could also apply online but follow up with the recruiters by email – applying on the firm's website directly will almost never land an interview. Another thing I've found is that online job boards never really have entry level job postings unless it is a very small company (ie <20 people).

[Adam]

If you dont have expereince..youre SOL..depending on your job market..if youre in a big city you might have more luck..look on indeed or linkedin.

Id maybe lie on your resume and say you worked a tax season somewhere..busy season hiring is over at ths point..buuuut some firms get desperate theyll hire whoever for tax season..

Say you did VITA, and or worked at a small firm.they arent gonna reference check..theyre to busy..thats a last resort..

but not being a cpa and having no experience youre likely not gonna get called back

[Son]

PLEASE IGNORE ADAM'S POST. Horrible trolling and unethical advise.

Charlotte is a very small market. CPAs from firms you're applying to will know each other from conferences, college days, CPE trainings, etc. It takes one phone call to verify your background and catch you lying.

It also takes just one call to the board to report you for something unethical like that. Then, guess what will happen once you apply for your license..

On topic: apply through career office at your school, firm's websites, reach out to people directly on LinkedIn (e.g., hiring manager at a larger firm or directly to a partner/manager at a smaller one). Now's the time as busy season is picking up. If you can't land a job, consider volunteering with VITA to get an additional line on your resume.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[Author]

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