[Scared-cpa]

Hey, all!

I found out Tuesday that I passed the last two sections of the exam (Yay!) and since I have finished my BBA of Accounting and my MBA degree, I am officially on the hunt for a job. I live in a small town and have never had a job before (23 years old) so I know I will be starting with a bottom of the barrel position. But that’s not my biggest problem. I have a few questions I am hoping some of you don’t mind to address. They may be silly but since this is my first time looking for a job, I am wanting some seasoned workers to help me out if at all possible.

(1) Within an hour radius of where I live, I have found maybe 2 accounting jobs. One of them is for a staff accountant at a hospital which seems promising. The requirements are a bachelor’s degree and 1 to 2 years experience, with the preference of an individual who is considering pursuing their CPA license. Since I have my bachelor’s, master’s, and have already passed the CPA exam, is it appropriate for me to apply for this job even though I do not have the work experience? None of the job opportunities lists a masters degree and most of them do mention at least 1 year of work experience. Is it okay for me to apply to jobs like this even though I am not an exact fit?

(2) Should I expect the employer to put me in a job position that will count toward my one-year work experience required to become licensed or should I take it upon myself to ensure that my role in the company will qualify towards the experience needed? I’m in Kentucky and their website states: “If you passed the Uniform CPA Examination as a Kentucky candidate, obtained 150 college semester hours, and completed 1 year of experience in an accounting or auditing position in public practice, industry or government that can be verified by an actively licensed CPA of any state, you may apply for a Kentucky license.” To me, this means that as long as I am working within the same office as a CPA who can vouch for me working the required number of hours, I am good for the experience?

(3) I have literally no clothes that are work appropriate so I am in the process of going out and buying about a months worth of outfits/shoes/accessories. I personally believe that the way I dress signals to others how they should think of me, how serious they should take me, and how serious I take myself and my job. The standard everyday outfit I was planning is a nice dress that covers well up top and comes down to the knee, black or nude colored heels, flesh-toned stockings, and minimal jewelry. Does this sound appropriate for most work settings? I don’t know the type of work environment I will be in yet, so I am trying to pick clothes that are fine no matter where I work. I am just afraid that if I dress too serious compared to my colleagues, they will think I am a joke or something. Is this a silly thing for me to think/worry about? What do you guys expect a new employee of my age and educational background to wear?

[Recked]

1, yes apply to everything you can, most jobs will never find “exact fit” candidates, but rather they look for people that can learn and adapt to the job.
2, most likely any job where a CPA acts as your supervisor and can vouch for your hours will work. Check out the experience form that the supervisor will need to complete and make sure any job you take seems to mesh well with the form.
3, attire and clothing will all depend on the job. I'd suggest you focus mostly on the interview attire currently, then once you get your foot in the door you can see how others are dressed at that location.

Sidenote: I would also suggest sending your resume to any/every CPA firm in your area.
Just because they are not actively posting for a job position, does not mean they won't give you a shot.
All accounting firms are looking for motivated hard workers. Being that you have accomplished everything you have by the age of 23, I would be shocked if some firm didn't make a job for you and scoop you up as tax season is right around the corner.

[Scared-cpa]

How exactly would you suggest I go about sending out my resume to CPA firms? There are a few in my area but most are relatively small. Do I call them, tell them who I am, my educational experience, and then ask if they have any openings? Then when they most likely say ‘no', ask if I can at least mail them my resume in case they find themselves in need of someone with my qualifications?

I'm hoping that my education and the fact that I have already passed the exams will be a “bonus” to companies since they don't have to pay for my exams or any of my education (I have no debt). I know the staff accountant at the hospital pays good because they're known for good pay and fabulous medical insurance (obviously). So that is the job I am pushing for the most, plus I want to work for a larger company. My worst nightmare is working for a small firm, and even worse would be working in taxes! Bleh!! But, I will take whatever I can!

Would it be silly of me to apply for the job at the hospital, wait about a week and see if I hear from them, and then begin to look for other jobs? I also heard that the hospital is looking to hire specifically in the accounting department in Octiober. Would it be weird for my to call their HR department, tell them my situation, and just flat out ask if they have any openings that would be appropriate for me?

[Scared-cpa]

Also, should I post on LinkedIn that I am looking for a job? Kind of like advertising myself? Recruiters have reached out to me but both of them have said there are no current openings in this area for me. I would post a simple status update but I don't know what to say. Or more specifically, how I say it without sounding cheap.

[benjo768]

To your linkedin question – set your headline to something like “seeking new opportunities in accounting” or something to that effect, make sure you mention somewhere that you have the CPA tests done. Could be as simple as setting your description to “MBA/BBA in Accounting pursuing CPA license – Tests Passed, Application Pending”

For your other 3 questions:

Are you looking to get into public accounting? I agree with @reckedracing above that getting as many applications as possible out there will result in more opportunities, but if you're looking to get into public accounting specifically i'd narrow that target down to just PA firms. You're gonna get a lot broader experience in PA than as a staff accountant somewhere for the first couple years at least, and you'll be plenty marketable when you decide to leave. I know it's tempting to take any job you can get at this point, but take it from someone who has done exactly that too many times in their life, slow down and make sure its something that a. will qualify for your year of experience, and b. you are happy doing. You'd rather research now to see if there are a lot of red flags than get six months in and dread going to work every day because you hate it so much.

As mentioned, you do need a CPA that will certify that your year of experience is relevant enough. I don't know how tough KY is on the experience, but i've heard some states actually will do some digging if you didn't get it at a PA firm to make sure it qualifies. YMMV on that one though, I'm in Minnesota so I can't speak knowledgeably on that.

As for work experience, I say apply anyway even if you don't have it. the worst they can say is no, right?

Honestly, how dead set are you on staying where you live? It sounds like there isn't too much for big cities where bigger firms would be around you, but now could be the perfect time to relocate assuming there isn't much tying you to Kentucky.

To answer your last point, I'm a guy who rotates between the same 4 dress shirts and 3 pairs of dress pants every single day, so i am definitely not qualified to give advice on that 🙂

Hope something in here helps hahahah

[Pete]

I have been looking for a job for over a year, having passed the CPA and CFE (with a 3.4-undergrad and near a 4.0 for the extra classes for the 150); it's brutal outside campus recruiting/internship hires from what I've found-HR has confirmed this, when speaking to them. Friend had a similar experience. With that warning in mind, here is my advice. I have found these strategies to work best for myself.

“Do I call them, tell them who I am, my educational experience, and then ask if they have any openings? Then when they most likely say ‘no', ask if I can at least mail them my resume in case they find themselves in need of someone with my qualifications?”
– Instead of calling and asking for a job, try to get someone (someone you know, ideally) , who knows a partner or a decision maker at the firm. Ask this person, who knows the decision maker, for a brief 10-15 minute phone conversation, asking for their advice on your job search. Then, try to get that other person to refer you to the partner with the same goal; a 10-15 minute advice seeking conversation. Ironically, your better off telling people that you DON'T EXPECT A JOB. People are more willing to help, if you tell them, you don't expect a job (which is very counter-intuitive).
You can cold approach the partners of the firms as well, but your response rate will be much lower. Regardless, you main objective is to get the partner to speak with you; this way, if their firm isn't hiring, you might be able to get a referral to someone at another firm (provided the first partner likes you). If the partner of the firm is hiring for your level, he'll let you know, without the need for you to ask (people know that you wouldn't be asking his advice, if you had a job)

Would it be silly of me to apply for the job at the hospital, wait about a week and see if I hear from them, and then begin to look for other jobs? I also heard that the hospital is looking to hire specifically in the accounting department in Octiober. Would it be weird for my to call their HR department, tell them my situation, and just flat out ask if they have any openings that would be appropriate for me?
-Never, I REPEAT NEVER, “wait” for any employer. I've had about 3-5 interviews, where I've thought I did really well on the interview, was outright told I was a great candidate/did well on the interview, only to get rejected/never hear back from the company. Assume you didn't get the job, until you have an offer. I've heard stories, where, even after getting an offer, the employer rescinded the offer for some dumb reason. Your best bet is to avoid HR if you can (usually, they don't have the final say on decisions-but they will happily weed you out); however, you can use the approach I described above. Try getting conversations with people at the hospital. Also, if someone refers you to an HR person, certainly take the phone conversation, just focus more on hiring managers.

“Also, should I post on LinkedIn that I am looking for a job? Kind of like advertising myself? Recruiters have reached out to me but both of them have said there are no current openings in this area for me. I would post a simple status update but I don't know what to say. Or more specifically, how I say it without sounding cheap.”
You can put something along the lines of “seeking opportunity, where I will be challenged doing xyz, utilizing abc skills.” Just don't put something like “unemployed” in that line. Hell, you should immediately seek out accounting volunteering activities, then put that as a job on LinkedIn.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Anonymous]

You should apply to big 4 and mid tier public accounting firms. They would probably have no problem giving you an opportunity. Apply to the closest office near you and do what you have to make it work (buy work clothes, relocate, etc.)

Don't shoot yourself in the foot early on by selling yourself short. Give yourself a headstart and focus on getting in with the big firms.

[Scared-cpa]

I have my headline as “CPA Exam Candidate seeking employment in the accounting industry”. Sound appropriate enough?

I am personally not interested in working in the public accounting sector. I'd much rather prefer working in industry, specifically in cost accounting at a manufacturing company or possibly internal audit. I definitely want to work for a larger company and I definitely do not want to work in tax.

I am only wanting to stay where I live for 12-16 months or so after I begin working. Long enough to (a) get my license and (b) save enough money for a mortgage. I will be moving to a larger city where there are many more opportunities so I will only be at this job for a year and a half or so.

Thanks guys for all the other advice, too, I'm keeping notes of it all 🙂

[Scared-cpa]

@John I have a good connection with a small local CPA firm. Maybe I will call them up and speak with them. Regarding the hospital, I also know someone who is friends with the CEO, and he said he would talk to the guy when I submit my application (I would have already but their website is currently down!) I agree now thinking about it that waiting on a job is a bad idea. I am going to start applying Sunday (won't be home tomorrow) to pretty much all job openings that look somewhat acceptable for my type of educational background. Even if I don't get that specific job, maybe they'll find something else for me.

@BrickellCPA I really have no desire to work for a Big 4 firm. Is this bad? Not to mention, the closest B4 to me is 2 hours away, it is the only one in that city, and I cannot relocate right now anyway.

[Pete]

“You should apply to big 4.”
Unless you know people at the firms, who decide to help you (ie. high ranking individuals like partners), you'll almost never get into big 4 firms, outside of campus recruiting. I've read stories, where even though the person had a friend at the firm, they weren't even able to land an interview because they didn't have campus recruiting available. Even top 20 firms are near impossible without on-campus recruiting. Also, food for thought; no large firm will hire you, until fall 2018 or later-sometimes openings do pop, but it's rare. I would forget big 4 firms.

Your best bet is to target regional firms. Unfortunately, even these firms are very structured with on-campus recruiting near me. They are a little less structured though.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Scared-cpa]

The university I attended is about an hour and a half from where I live, so I've been trying to utilize their career services but I've yet to find any openings in this region. There is no college in the town where I live, but the city I'll probably be working in (about 45 minutes away) has a private college, so there may be some benefits there. Who knows.

[Anonymous]

Summer, not that it's bad, but it's just selling yourself short in my opinion. I couldn't imagine working my butt off through Master's and CPA and not want to pursue the best opportunities available.

But everyone is different and doesn't necessarily have the same objectives in mind career-wise.

Working in public accounting is basically boot camp for accountants. You will be getting great experience on a number of clients in a variety of industries. If you start in private, sometimes it can be difficult to move up in the ranks or it might take longer to progress in your career. But if you get the experience in public accounting, then you can usually get into a private company after a few years with higher pay and a better title quicker than if you went directly into industry.

With that said, there is no one sure path to success. Everyone has different goals, aspirations, and agendas.

I have about six years of experience and haven't had the opportunity to work in the large firms yet, but I have worked for a few reputable local firms where I was able to get great experience and exposure. I have also been active with networking so I have several Managers, Partners, Directors and recruiters that I have been in touch with who want me to let them know when I complete the exam.

If I could go back to when I first completed my undergrad, I would not have started working so soon and would complete my CPA first and go Big 4.

[jcman240]

move to a big city…. not much happening where you at.

[Scared-cpa]

No, there's nothing happening where I'm at. It will also probably be a ghost town by the time I'm 40. However, it's not possible for me to move at the moment. It just isn't an option. I need money saved up for a mortgage when I move (not renting, couldn't even if I wanted to with 3 dogs). My dad is bed bound, in the last stage of both Parkinson's disease and dementia. I have to take care of him until my mom can figure out how to take care of him once I move because I was his caregiver all through college and still am his caregiver while she is working. There's a lot of intricate details and moving parts as to why I can't move right now. It simply isn't an option. So I'm trying to do the best I can with what I have.

[r00shine]

Best of luck to you. How did it all work out?

[Author]

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