[klin]

Nearly all CPA firms have career pages for college students, and experienced hires. What do I do if I am neither?

I decided for a career change after working at a private company in a non-accounting role. I felt I needed to pursue a career that would be more satisfying, and remembered that I enjoyed an accounting class I took in college. I met the unit requirements to sit for the CPA exams at a junior college, and now I’ve passed my CPA exams. My goal is to work in public accounting, and eventually find an opportunity at a Big 4 firm.

FAR - 78
AUD - 77
BEC - 80
REG - 88

[ruggercpa2b]

If you have experience working in private then you would be considered an experienced hire. The only questions comes down to what experience the jobs require. If you network then I am sure you will be able to make a jump from private to public. I did but I had to be persistent for almost a year.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[klin]

The problem with my current job is that I am not in an accounting role, and thus makes me a weak experienced hire candidate. I've asked my employer if I could join the general accounting department, and they told me I could not because the people in those roles have been with the company for over 20 years, and I would have to wait until they retire.

FAR - 78
AUD - 77
BEC - 80
REG - 88

[ruggercpa2b]

I have experienced being stuck in a place where no one leaves. I would say network as much as you can. There are always jobs where you can start out at staff level with no experience within Big4 or other regional firms. I remember when I decided that I wanted to make the jump from private to public I applied for everything I saw out there. And lo and behold someone within the firm saw my resume when I applied for one of the positions she was hiring for but I did not have the experience and she passed on my resume to someone else that she knew was hiring. So you never know what might happen. I did track down the lady that passed along my resume and I told her thank you. It did take me a year and half of trying.

Having passed the exam should be a great boost for you.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a horrible company! I think networking is the key which is what I am starting to do for my self! Looking to move from a finance type role into more of an accounting role. Have you though of joining any groups?

Finish your CPA and someone will give you a chance I would think.

[acamp]

Applying for Campus might not be bad, as these people are filling the positions you are looking for: entry level.

That said, network. From as little as stalking recruiters on LinkedIn to attending your state's CPA society's social events. Applying through the website is a nice way to get your info into their computer, but a very slim way to actually get an interview. Best to get an interview is to somehow meet an HR person in person (recruiting event/LinkedIn stalking) or get someone who works there to bother HR for you (social event).

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[woodrowcall5]

@klin

Where in California are you located at?

[Anonymous]

@ klin, I'm also in CA and I'm in the exact same boat (except still waiting for my last score). I realized my passion for accounting about 5 years ago, went back to get an MBA, got an accounting certification, and pushed myself to (almost) pass the CPA exam, all while working full-time. I've worked 8 years in biotech and have amassed a good deal of experience in financial accounting. I'm on the board of a non-profit and manage the accounting. But it's not public accounting. I met with a Big 4 recruiter last month and was reassured I was no more experienced than a recent college grad.

I've realized that I don't want to work for a cookie-cutter firm that doesn't value what I can bring to the table. Although I'm still employed in biotech, although I'd love to finalize the career change ASAP, I'm methodically job hunting to find someone who will think outside of the box. It seems apparent that people forget that someone once took a chance on them. Let's both make a note to our future selves about that one. Best of luck to you!!

[klin]

Thank you all for the advice! I'm going to go into networking mode.

@woodrowcall5 I'm in LA, but I would be willing to relocate to the Bay Area. I've heard there are more opportunities there.

@Dave Thanks for the encouraging words!

FAR - 78
AUD - 77
BEC - 80
REG - 88

[Author]

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