[Ralphie Dos Nachos]

Hey guys,

Would it be a waste of time getting a job at a tax and bookkeeping firm that aren’t CPAs? I’d just like the experience and money for now. I want to take the exams this year and once I pass the exams, look for something better.

[Anonymous]

If you have the opportunity to work under CPA's, I'd recommend that. That way you can get your hours out of the way now.

If this is the only opportunity you currently have, than I don't think it's a waste. All experience is good, but bear in mind, that those types of firms don't usually operate the same way CPA firms will. The level of knowledge and detail is usually lesser and the types of work you do will be much more narrow and simple.

If you're planning to take the exams, CPA firms will hire you….and some will pay for those exams!!!!

Good Luck!

[Andyred04]

I don't think I've ever heard of a “non-CPA” tax & bookkeeping firm. Are they EA's or how do they even sign tax returns and where does their credibility come from?

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[SeattleCPA]

Having some real tax experience will help you a lot. Also keep in mind that some EAs are really good tax practitioners.

Three additional thoughts:

1. If the tax practice you work in does really simple returns–1040s with W-2s and a mortgage interest deduction–you'll plateau your skill building pretty quickly.

2. Some of the stuff you'll learn may not apply to the next situation: E.g., refund loans and EIC are probably not things you'll encounter much in a traditional CPA firm… but you might see these on a lot of returns in a some retail tax practices operated by a non-CPA.

3. If the firm does more complex work–entity returns or lots of real estate investment stuff–the experience you get will be really transferable to any firm.

BTW I have a lot of respect for the cleverness of some of the retail tax preparation businesses… Here's a blog post I did about the profitability of Liberty Tax for example:

Lessons from Liberty Tax Service, Part 1

[ForgottenOne]

@mcniff1012 If a CPA firm is willing to hire you, then go for it. Many times, CPA firms are really picky on choosing “qualified” candidates. If you are new to this profession, first few years working for non-CPA firms is okay too. The non-CPA firms tend to offer basic – medium services, a great place to build fundamental knowledge. Without fundamental knowledge, you might get overwhelmed working for a CPA firm right away. In regarding experience hours for CPA license, many states accept “relevant” accounting experience (does not have to be signed off by a CPA).

[Author]

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