[John Doe 15]

I am rehashing an older post because I need some advice as I feel lost with where to look to start a career.

I am switching to accounting after having tried a career in healthcare.

My degree is in accounting and I am CPA eligible. I am currently studying for the CPA exam.

I have zero accounting work experience…absolutely no background other than my coursework.

Where do you recommend I start looking for that “first job?”

Every entry level position is asking for two years experience. I was on Glassdoor the other day and I found a few positions for graduating students with a 3.0 and the 150 credits. I didn’t know if this was for 20-somethings and or what the position entails but should I be looking for a position like that or something else?

I want to start a job and get a lot of experience there while completing the CPA exam. After a few years there, I then hope to move forward.

What are your thoughts about places to look?

[Kemi22]

Hi John Doe,
Are you still looking? What area are you in? I am looking for someone just like you – with drive and trying to make a career out of accounting. I hired a staff accountant last year fresh out of school – he wasn't dedicated to the job and was distracted by other things, and it was such a wasted opportunity. It's a small NFP with 3 people in Finance. An excellent opportunity to learn a lot from support docs through journal entries and bank recs. I am looking for someone who puts their job foremost, and, frankly, it is not a stressful job because I did it myself for 10 years and then became a CPA at the same time my boss was retiring so I was lucky and was offered that position. Now I can't seem to be able to replace myself. lol

Anyone knows anyone with either 1-2 years experience OR no experience at all but WITH strong work ethic, the desire to learn and progress in the accounting field …?

2010:
BEC: 74, 71, 74, 75
AUD: 71, 74, 83
REG: 71, 76
FAR: (I quit) 34, 45

2015:
BEC: 79
AUD: 78
REG: 67, 76
FAR: 56 (trial run), 74, 74, 74, 80!
Thank God. Your prayers are always answered! Do not give up. Thank you St. Joseph Cupertino.

[cmcook]

I'm in a similar boat. I have considerable “close to” accounting experience, but not the requisite “GL Accounting” experience that every industry position seems to require. Personally, I've shied away from public firms because of their crazy reputations for working people to death (yes, even the mid-sized – I've got a young son and just won't). When I have interviewed for mid-level industry jobs, people are convinced I can pick up the GL stuff quickly, but they'd rather go with someone who can walk in and run the place on the first day. When I interview for entry-level positions, people wring their hands and say that I'm way overqualified. I was even told I would intimidate some of the staff…!!!! And I'm not intimidating, believe me.

So I started applying to government jobs and am getting traction there. They'd have to teach anyone the nuances of gov't accounting, so they don't expect most to have experience. And I've noticed my masters degree (and the fact that I have passed the exams) has helped a ton. And no overtime! But a lot of bureaucracy… It's worth a shot!

[sacpa]

@John Doe: Kemi22 was so nice to suggest this job offer for you. Hope you are in a position to take this job & this is the kind of job you are looking for. But if you are not interested or this job is not in your area, is it ok for me to try for this job if it is my area? Sorry, if this suggestion sounds bad. Thanks!

FAR - < than 75, 10/2013, 2/2015
BEC - < than 75, 10/2013
AUD - < than 75, 8/2015, 1/2016

~ Winners fail until they succeed. Losers quit when they fail. - Robert Kiyosaki
~ I survived because the fire inside burned brighter than the fire around me.
~ Something will grow from all you are going through. And it will be YOU.
~ Right now you may not be where you intend to be, but it's where you need to be in order to get where you want to go.

[sacpa]

@Kemi22: I saw your other post from last year. Is your base in DC?

FAR - < than 75, 10/2013, 2/2015
BEC - < than 75, 10/2013
AUD - < than 75, 8/2015, 1/2016

~ Winners fail until they succeed. Losers quit when they fail. - Robert Kiyosaki
~ I survived because the fire inside burned brighter than the fire around me.
~ Something will grow from all you are going through. And it will be YOU.
~ Right now you may not be where you intend to be, but it's where you need to be in order to get where you want to go.

[Kemi22]

Hi sacpa, yes, it is in DC.

2010:
BEC: 74, 71, 74, 75
AUD: 71, 74, 83
REG: 71, 76
FAR: (I quit) 34, 45

2015:
BEC: 79
AUD: 78
REG: 67, 76
FAR: 56 (trial run), 74, 74, 74, 80!
Thank God. Your prayers are always answered! Do not give up. Thank you St. Joseph Cupertino.

[Author]

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