[GJM]

Hi everyone, This is my first post on here. I am a former marine corps combat engineer and am currently working in accounts payable for a construction company. I am 32 years old and married with a kid on the way and I really want to get into an accounting firm around Baltimore and its surrounding area. I have three questions,
Will anyone care about my military and accounts payable experience?
Does anyone know anyone in the Baltimore area that could help me out in the networking arena?
Should I email partners at accounting firms cold?

Any help would be much appreciated. I’ve been applying to some accounting firms online for the past few days, but I know the best way to a job is through networking.

I currently have a 3.8 GPA and am starting my last two classes on monday. Also I have a bachelors degree in History as well as a minor in business administration so I have over the 150 hours required for licensing, I just need some experience. I realize I’m two old to get in on the ground floor of a big four, nor do I want to. I do not have any internships because I have been working full time as a full charge A/P clerk while I’m taking classes.

ANY INCITE OR ADVISE WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED! I’m sure there are similar posts to this one but I wanted to give my situation to see if anyone had any advise.

[M123]

Thank you for your service!

Some organizations appreciate service people, some don't. Find someone who does as they'll understand that even though you have little experience – you have a very good reason.

Unless you're really stoked with AP – I'd say try to find opportunities in tax or audit or both after you finish your courses. Will someone care about your AP experience? I'd tell any recruiters they need you because you can identify many types of fraud or risks for miststatement due to your experience in it 🙂 . If you buckle down for a year or two, even at a more entry level salary – it could pay off. Many firms will have very good health insurance which is very high on priority list for young family.

Don't rule out big-4 – you will just have to be creative as to how you get in.

As far as networking – does your school have a “meet the firms” night? Another option is to join your state CPA society. There is usually a pre-cpa membership at a low cost. Then go to as many networking and cpe events as you can. Shake a lot of hands and ask where they need help in their business.

Does any type of ex-military networking org exist? Finding members who are also CPAs would be a very good start.

Best wishes and congrats on family. That's a very fun time!

[Ana]

Thank you for your service!
M123 gave great advice above.
Your military background will definitely help as well as the AP background.
Don't think cold calling will be of much use.
Use sites like indeed, governmentjobs.com, usajobs.gov, the latter two will help with your military background
Utilize your school job fairs, I got my start there and it lead to great things.
You can call/email hr at firms and ask when their hiring season is. In LA, its January so your timing works out.
look at BDO and other large Acct service firms, I'd rather work at those than the big 4.
lastly, if you're going to go for the CPA, start with far. you'll thank me later.
Good luck! And congrats on the baby.

[Anonymous]

My background is kind of similar to yours. I was in an Infantry Unit, but I held a lot of leadership billets and have 4 degrees. 2 BS and 2 Masters'.

Interviewers love when I talked about my military experiences and how they impacted my life and how I was exposed to leadership roles.. Highlight those and you'll be head and shoulders above most candidates. Granted I didn't go into detail about combat experiences, but just how it impacted you as a person.

Look into also working for the DCAA, Defense Contract Audit Agency. They do government audits of defense contractors. Knew an acquaintance who did it and he was paid pretty well. Might be some travel involved..but you know all about that.
I'm also 32 and got a full time B4 offer this recruiting season. I guy I went to undergrad with got into GT at 40.. So its possible….

[Ivy]

I know there are some monetary benefit for employers who hiring veterans, can‘t remember if it is the same for all states or has any changes since. So your background is plus.

Hats off to all of you who served.

[Skynet]

As a veteran myself, to the OP, focus on your accounting experience and your education. Your military background plays very little in term of getting the job. At the end of the day, employers are grateful and appreciative that you serve, but they really need and want someone who can do the job. So focus on finishing school and start on your CPA exams.

[Author]

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