[MMAFEM]

Hi all,
First of all, big thanks to this forum for the help and support this community has provided me in my incredible journey of passing the CPA exam. A little bit about myself..I am a stay at home mom of 4 kids, have 120 credits with a major in Economics (got my Bachelors in 2002), and have NJ Teacher Certification and some experience in the related field.I have recently passed all four sections of the CPA exam on my first try (BEC 82 4/22/16, REG 79 8/12/16, FAR 87 11/22/16, AUD 91 2/13/17). I want to take advice of people who had been in the same boat or professionals out there who can help , what should be the next move in my circumstances, I lack experience that most of the jobs require, what is the best way to overcome this major shortcoming???? even the entry level jobs would need Bachelors in Accounting that I lack and I can’t market myself as a CPA yet. Also, I am very interested in Freelancing, flexible jobs that allow me to work from home…what is the best field for such jobs, accounting or Taxation???any good recommendations for the resources?? Should I concentrate on getting the needed accounting credits first or the required job experience?
Greatly appreciate all the feedback!!!

[Anonymous]

I too was not an accounting major and I got the experience by starting at the bottom of a CPA firm. While working, I finished up all the accounting credits I was missing. I am mother of 3 and can definitely say that tax has offered me much more flexibility. I tried auditing and just wasn't able to handle the travel time. I actually really like audit, but having to be at a client's at a specific time just didn't work. I have the flexibility to work remotely in tax which is great with three kids. My firm allows me to flex my hours during the summer and winter which is really nice. The main issue when starting was the cost of childcare barely outweighed me working. I was basically working for nothing to cover the costs of care for the kids. It took a few years, but now the situation is lucrative.

I suggest looking at smaller firms. They tend to offer much more flexibility, have less busy season hours, and are typically more open to nontraditional candidates. Obviously that means you miss out on Big 4 experience, but being a mother myself I am not sure the experience would be worth the sacrifice for my kids. Given the fact that you already passed the exams (with pretty nice scores on your first attempt by the way), I think you should be able to find a job. Try using your prior work experience to show competencies of an accountant…analytical, attention to detail, great communicator, etc.

[Missy]

Congratulations!

I would start by getting the credits ONLY because that may lead to some job opportunites.

However you should apply to jobs that claim a BS in accounting is “required”. Trust me its not a requirement, just to screen out people who don't even come close (like a bachelors in fine arts with no additional accounting credentials.) The fact that you've passed the exams in most cases will outweigh the lack of a bachelors in accounting.

Freelancing, well you may get lucky but its very hard to break into side work/freelancing without some experience in that field, even for bookkeeping generally a small business is going to want references.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Trele6]

I would agree that if you have a CPA, not having a bachelor's in accounting is a moot point. The CPA exam is kind of the capstone class to bring together all of your accounting knowledge you learned in school. You passed the capstone course, who cares if you didn't major in it. You clearly know it and understood it enough to pass the most difficult accounting test available. I'd give you a big check mark next to the CPA title and wouldn't worry about your schooling major. Economics is a fine choice and like mla said, you didn't do basket weaving or underwater clown training.

First go at the CPA! Only using Becker
Reg / Nov 2015 - 87
Far / Apr 2016 - 79
Bec / May 2016 - 80
Aud / Aug 2016

[ultrarunner]

Congratulations! Can't imagine having 4 kids while studying for the exams. Since you need more credits (assuming your state may require 150 credits) anyway, I would recommend you to try an advanced degree. Please consider a school that is heavily recruited by the firms. I didn't have accounting degree either. Even if with CPA passing, many firms still prefer someone with the accounting degree. Having advanced accounting degree may help us. Good luck!

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[MMAFEM]

thanks all for the valuable feedback!!!

[SeattleCPA]

MMAFEM, I agree with trele6 and ultrarunner.

BTW, echoing a theme in trele6's comment: If you were in Seattle–and I'm not joking about this–I'd be trying a find a way to get you to send our firm a resume. No joke…

[MMAFEM]

@SeattleCPA, thanks for the encouragement, I live in NJ and looking for some opportunity with telecommuting option…lets see what I would be able to find!

[SeattleCPA]

FWIW, I wouldn't telecommute in your first job (jobs?)… too much coaching and mentoring you'll miss.

BTW, you should consider tax. The seasonal workload can be bad (especially in an old-style or poorly-run firm)… but those statutory deadlines mean your work schedule is highly predictable. Plus, your busiest times are when your kids are maybe in school.

[Author]

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