[southern star]

Quick question, I will be leaving the military in 2016. I am have an MS in Accounting and will hopefully pass the CPA exam. Do I have a chance to start a new career in accounting? Or will people look at me like I am the old man!! I do look very young, I have exercised regularly and have a proven track record of leadership in the military. Don’t hold back and tell the truth!

[Anonymous]

To be honest, it sounds like you have an edge over other job candidates. Recruiters look for intelligence (you have an MS in accounting), confidence (leadership in military) and drive (plan for CPA exam). On paper, you seem ideal to me. Don't let something as trivial as age hold you back! I've seen plenty of people on on this forum tackle the CPA exam through their 40s and even 50s. Good luck on whatever path you choose!

[Anonymous]

To be honest, it sounds like you have an edge over other job candidates. Recruiters look for intelligence (you have an MS in accounting), confidence (leadership in military) and drive (plan for CPA exam). On paper, you seem ideal to me. Don't let something as trivial as age hold you back! I've seen plenty of people on on this forum tackle the CPA exam through their 40s and even 50s. Good luck on whatever path you choose!

[mla1169]

I think 20 (or even 10) years ago you would have been considered the old man 😉 However theres been a movement in the last few years to recognize returning service people as having above average skills and talents as compared to those who never served. If you haven't heard of “show your stripes” do look into it, its a campaign to get employers to give preference to military and their familes.

And THANK YOU for your years of service!

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

I think 20 (or even 10) years ago you would have been considered the old man 😉 However theres been a movement in the last few years to recognize returning service people as having above average skills and talents as compared to those who never served. If you haven't heard of “show your stripes” do look into it, its a campaign to get employers to give preference to military and their familes.

And THANK YOU for your years of service!

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Ajaz0810]

I'm 32 and going for the cpa. I think the only thing age can work against you for is getting hired for BIG 4 which likes to hire 23 year olds and work them to death. Don't worry about it. There is a demand for an accountant who has passed the CPA.

FAR 62, 66, 78
AUD 66, 55, 74, 72
BEC 79
REG

[Ajaz0810]

I'm 32 and going for the cpa. I think the only thing age can work against you for is getting hired for BIG 4 which likes to hire 23 year olds and work them to death. Don't worry about it. There is a demand for an accountant who has passed the CPA.

FAR 62, 66, 78
AUD 66, 55, 74, 72
BEC 79
REG

[Texas CPA]

#1, thank you for your service.

#2, I would consider hiring you if I had an entry level position available.

Reg - Passed 82 Nov 2012 - Becker
Aud - Passed 86 May 2013 - Becker
BEC - Passed 88 Aug 2013 - Becker
FAR - Passed 88 Nov 2013 - Becker

https://www.becker.com/cpa-review

Texas CPA

[Texas CPA]

#1, thank you for your service.

#2, I would consider hiring you if I had an entry level position available.

Reg - Passed 82 Nov 2012 - Becker
Aud - Passed 86 May 2013 - Becker
BEC - Passed 88 Aug 2013 - Becker
FAR - Passed 88 Nov 2013 - Becker

https://www.becker.com/cpa-review

Texas CPA

[TXgurl]

I do not think that your age will hold you back in the least. Maturity and proven accomplishments carry a lot of weight.

By the way, have you read the book “From Army Green to Corporate Gray” by Carl Savino? He is a West Point grad that went to graduate school with my (now ex) husband. He has written several books on transitioning from the military to the business world.

I personally just finished the CPA last month at age 50+, and so even though I have been working in the field, I too am starting a second career of sorts. I just got two job offers with significant pay increases! Get the CPA license, it's totally worth it!

REG 75
FAR 88
AUDIT 82
BEC 74, 12/4/2013 84 Thank You Lord Jesus !!!

[TXgurl]

I do not think that your age will hold you back in the least. Maturity and proven accomplishments carry a lot of weight.

By the way, have you read the book “From Army Green to Corporate Gray” by Carl Savino? He is a West Point grad that went to graduate school with my (now ex) husband. He has written several books on transitioning from the military to the business world.

I personally just finished the CPA last month at age 50+, and so even though I have been working in the field, I too am starting a second career of sorts. I just got two job offers with significant pay increases! Get the CPA license, it's totally worth it!

REG 75
FAR 88
AUDIT 82
BEC 74, 12/4/2013 84 Thank You Lord Jesus !!!

[TXgurl]

ps Also check out Carl Savino's LinkedIn page for more resources on transitioning from the military to the business world.

REG 75
FAR 88
AUDIT 82
BEC 74, 12/4/2013 84 Thank You Lord Jesus !!!

[TXgurl]

ps Also check out Carl Savino's LinkedIn page for more resources on transitioning from the military to the business world.

REG 75
FAR 88
AUDIT 82
BEC 74, 12/4/2013 84 Thank You Lord Jesus !!!

[acamp]

I've seen plenty of people reinventing their career at the Big4 I work at, I would encourage the Big4 route (or any public accounting route) as I consider it to be experience on steroids, few years in public and you'll have a solid base to get your new career going.

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

I've seen plenty of people reinventing their career at the Big4 I work at, I would encourage the Big4 route (or any public accounting route) as I consider it to be experience on steroids, few years in public and you'll have a solid base to get your new career going.

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Anonymous]

We've had several non-traditional students return from the military w/o their degrees and then finish school and then go through the process and be our strongest candidates so I don't see why returning with one and going through the process would be any different, you would go through as an experienced hire and I think the work ethic you have shown would benefit you in public accounting recruiting far more than any thoughts on your age would detract from your resume. The only issue from a public accounting stand point is you can't really stay to make partner due to mandatory retirement age, as you would likely not make it through the ranks to partner in time to be able to retire…but if that's not a concern of yours then it won't be a concern of theirs and they aren't allowed to ask your age. Thank you for your service and best of luck on your next pursuit!

[Author]

Replies