[AlexCPA]

I just finished a Master’s in Accounting program this December and am preparing to apply for jobs. i ended up with a 4.0 GPA, but the school is not a top school–the reason I chose it was because the requirements were not as stringent to get into the program and my undergraduate degree was in something unrelated (psychology). I have some accounting-related experience, about 4 years as a finance coordinator doing some light bookkeeping and mostly A/R, A/P. and General Ledger reconcilliation and a little experience as an accounting assistant. I’m also taking some parts of the CPA exam now before I apply, with my first test coming up in January.

My question is: how hard will it be for me to find work? I have been out of work for approximately 1.5 years due to being in school full-time(nights) and taking care of my kids at the same time. Are these stats enough to make me a desirable candidate or should I be looking for entry level work and just taking anything I can get? Before I got my degree in accounting I had a hard time finding work even with some accounting related experience. I ended up doing a lot of temp work and eventually quit to get a degree thinking that was the main thing holding me back.

Much appreciate any advice or comments.

FAR - 89
AUD - 88
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

Using Becker and Ninja MCQ

[B2RAD]

totally agree with all these posts. i am just finished my undergrad, had tons of offers to work internships at big firms. etc. but i wanted full time work since i already had 6 internships under my belt. ended up taking a smaller full time role at a small CPA firm while i work on my CPA and Masters. my professor/mentor said it was the best thing i could have done because it puts full time experience on my resume, schedule isnt crazy so studying for CPA is easier, and its close to my house. truly i feel i can do more and want to achieve more so once i pass the CPA i will start looking at bigger and better. i dont want to overload myself while trying to get the exam done. plus its CPA hours for the requirement.

i say talk to a professor or such about what they think will benefit you most. i really trust my successful professors who also have practices during the day. i think public is a good starting point for you and with having the 150 done and a great GPA, i find it hard that a firm wouldnt pick you up. i was auditing at 20 years old fresh out of being a supervisor at mcdonalds so you should be fine. but to the other end of that, making sure you have time to study is key. i have a very set schedule at my small firm which makes getting in my study time everyday really easy.

Brad

AUD - 69 (1/6/16) 69 (10-4-15)
FAR - Spring 2016
BEC - 73 (11-23-15) Retake plan Spring 2016
REG - Summer 2016

[Author]

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