[Anonymous]

Hi Ninjas,

Here’s the situation:

– recently passed exams

– no accounting experience

– GPA < 3.0

– current salary in sales = $65k to $80k

I’m assuming entry-level staff accountants in my area are starting off around $45k to $55k. What are your thoughts on taking a $10k+ pay cut to gain the experience needed to get licensed?

[Anonymous]

First find out if in your state, if there is a rule or regulation that says between the time you pass the CPA and get experience necessary to be licensed – is there a time limit? (for example, 2-3 years?)

If no, then stay in sales. It is stupid to quit a job in today's horrible economy.

If yes, then get an accounting job.

[Anonymous]

First find out if in your state, if there is a rule or regulation that says between the time you pass the CPA and get experience necessary to be licensed – is there a time limit? (for example, 2-3 years?)

If no, then stay in sales. It is stupid to quit a job in today's horrible economy.

If yes, then get an accounting job.

[Nute]

I was in the same exact spot 2 1/2 years ago. I had a sales job out of college and could not land an accounting gig. I did pretty good at the sales job and was good money. I realized though in sales, if your product dries up you have no job and there was tons of turnover. I eventually took a large paycut to land my first accounting job. After a year at a small private company, I moved onto the public sector and make more than I used to in sales and am trying to attain a CPA so I can further climb the accounting ladder.

It's a risk, but it can pay off. Remember the sales industry too, it can be wild and lucrative one day and a few months later layoffs, paycuts, and no sales.

Passed All Four Exams!

Best Exam Advice (came from a fortune cookie after I got a 74 on my first exam):
"Study and prepare yourself and one day, your day will come"

That day came on June 9th, 2015

Licensed NJ CPA

[Nute]

I was in the same exact spot 2 1/2 years ago. I had a sales job out of college and could not land an accounting gig. I did pretty good at the sales job and was good money. I realized though in sales, if your product dries up you have no job and there was tons of turnover. I eventually took a large paycut to land my first accounting job. After a year at a small private company, I moved onto the public sector and make more than I used to in sales and am trying to attain a CPA so I can further climb the accounting ladder.

It's a risk, but it can pay off. Remember the sales industry too, it can be wild and lucrative one day and a few months later layoffs, paycuts, and no sales.

Passed All Four Exams!

Best Exam Advice (came from a fortune cookie after I got a 74 on my first exam):
"Study and prepare yourself and one day, your day will come"

That day came on June 9th, 2015

Licensed NJ CPA

[SFLocal]

To the OP: I think your decision depends on the circumstances of your situation.

Do you think there is a future with your sales gig? How are the industry trends?

What does your spouse / significant other think of this idea?

What is the end goal with the accounting route?

Give it some thought. There is no harm in interviewing with firms in the meantime and you can always say “No”.

BEC - Passed!
REG - Passed!
AUD - Passed!
FAR - Passed!

[SFLocal]

To the OP: I think your decision depends on the circumstances of your situation.

Do you think there is a future with your sales gig? How are the industry trends?

What does your spouse / significant other think of this idea?

What is the end goal with the accounting route?

Give it some thought. There is no harm in interviewing with firms in the meantime and you can always say “No”.

BEC - Passed!
REG - Passed!
AUD - Passed!
FAR - Passed!

[Author]

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