[mjs61390]

Hey guys,

I’m in need of an outside opinion. I’ve been employed with a mid-size CPA firm for about ten months now, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it (public) isn’t for me. Mostly, it’s the travel, but also I feel like the black sheep in the office. I’ve recently started the job hunt, though I’m afraid that I may not have enough experience (this is my first legitimate job after graduation) to appear desirable in the eyes of a potential employer. Do any of you have a success story or know of someone who was able to obtain a job in private after spending so little time in public?

[Anonymous]

have you completed all four parts of CPA exam? then I would wait until 1 yr req. is complete to get it licensed and then make a move.

[Tux]

If you've decided to leave, start planting seeds immediately.

The best way to find a job is through networking rather than blindly sending out resumes, especially for someone with little experience. The reasoning is that meeting people in person will help them to see you as a person rather than a resume. They can be impressed with your personality, even if they're not impressed with your experience.

As you talk to people (anyone and everyone – friends, friends' parents, people at church, people at the gym, networking meetings, etc), you can explain to them that you want to get into the private sector, but you plan to stay at your current position at least a couple more months and/or until you finish the CPA exam, etc.

It can take a while to find a job, so don't delay in laying the groundwork. Developing business contacts is the best way to get a job and that takes time. So start asap.

Good luck!

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[acamp]

I wouldnt go anywhere until your CPA experience is signed–maybe even waiting a couple more months until you have your license in hand. Having relatively little experience + a CPA license will make you much more desirable with future employers. As mentioned above, starting to network and and get yourself out there will make the transition much easier. Its the world of big data, online job postings receive hundreds of responses, the best way to get an interview is to get to know people in industry–don't have to become BFFs, but having someone who can introduce you to HR (around the application eWall) will be beneficial.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[ImaCPA168]

Are you getting out of accounting/audit field entirely?

If you ansewered yes to the above question, then do whatever whenever you want. If you answered no, read on.

Do you have or want to have a CPA license?

Will you be more marketable in the next 3 or 5 years if you stuck around a couple months longer and got a full year's experience and your CPA?

Do you want your career to progress quickly and do you want promotions?

If you answered yes to any of the above…then don't leave your job just yet. Use your current position to “position” yourself for a smooth transition out of public.

Start being more engaged with your clients, get to know them and they you. I know plenty of people (myself included) that was hired directly by an audit client. Do the same with all the seniors/managers you come across in your firm. When they leave, they might be in the position to hire. The point is, use this opportunity to build your professional network.

Take the time to get your CPA or at least your hours signed off. You can get them signed off before you even take any of the exams provided you turned in an application to your state board. It's much easier to do it while you're sitll with your firm than having to chase people down later to get your hours signed off. They might be unresponsive to your request, not prioritize your request, or they might have left the firm after you.

Bide your time to find the perfect next job while you're still getting paid for the current one. I remember that after I made it through my first year, emails and calls from recruiters started coming in. You have the luxury right now of having a job (even though you don't like it) and being able to patiently select the next job. Hopefully with time and being able to be picky and shop around, you will like your next job much more than the current one.

B - 83 Done
A - 88 Done
R - 81 Done
F - 77 Done

Ethics - Done
Attest Hours - Done

Licensed-May 2013!

[Author]

Replies