[mmcgrad1]

I really want to work in public accounting. However, firms are not looking at me based on my resume and experience. I have received no responses to my applications at firms of all sizes. I have worked in corporate accounting for 1.5 years and the last 1.5 years I was in seminary seeking a vocation change and then left to pass the CPA exam. In a month or so I will finally be a CPA.

Here’s the decision I need to make:

Do I accept a job at my former employer and work in corporate accounting for another 1-2 years and try and network and get into public accounting ?

Or

Do I go back and get my MAS and try to network with the firms while I am at school and hope to get interviews with some firms?

I’ve talked to several people and the response seemed to be option number 1. However, I talked to some people at my Alma mater and they think the best chance for me to get into public accounting is to do the program even though it is still risky I won’t get interviews.

What do you guys think?

Personally, I’m willing to take the risk if it does give me a better chance of a career in public accounting. However, will it really help me going back to school if I already have the CPA and I’m going back to school AGAIN?

NIU CPA Review Correspondence is awesome!

I passed all four sections on the first attempt

[Jeremy]

I was told when I first started my accounting program that it was easy to go from public accounting to industry but damn near impossible to go from industry to public accounting. I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule and I hope you can become one of them but it will definitely be an uphill battle. That said another degree can basically act as a reset switch for your career, which is why so many people go and get MBA's when they get fed up with whatever they are doing. The pro at staying put is you have a job and are making money, but the con is you may never get into public accounting. If you go back to school it will be expensive but it may provide you the opportunity to make that transition. So the risk is you might spend a good bit of money and not come out with any more opportunities then when you started. That's really the decision that you have to make.

It sounds like you have good relationships with the faculty at the school you might see if they can set you up with a couple of firms and tell them about your situation and ask for advice. If you can't get a faculty member to talk to you, open the phone book and make some cold calls. You'd be surprised at how willing people are to help people out, as long as it's not busy season.

B- 8/13/2012- 92
A- 7/19/2012- 83
R- 5/30/2012-82
F- 7/3/2012- 90

[musicamor]

I would say that going back into your old Corporate Accounting job would create a deeper chasm between you and Public accounting. Recruiters of public accounting firms either want freshly graduated Master's of accounting (bachelor folks will do) or tenured Public Accounting folks. I have rarely seen a firm pick up someone that has spent multiple years in Industry.

I am surprised, however, that only after 1-2 years in Industry, you are unable to get an offer from a public accounting firm–there must be something else at work that is barring your from your desired occupation. You might have different luck after you can put those coveted three letters behind your name on your resume.

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[mmcgrad1]

Yeah I realize this is a difficult situation. I think realistically I need to take the job to be able to support myself. Maybe I just need to give up on trying to get into public accounting and make the best of the situation.

I just don't know how I'll be able to have a career in a field I 100% don't want to be in and haven't wanted to be in since day 1. Then again, maybe I should be appreciative I even have a job offer. Is it stupid to take a job in an industry even though you don't ever want to work in that industry just to support yourself?

I'm just frustrated because I've decided to get back into accounting because I enjoy it and spent thousands of dollars to pass the CPA exam just to end up in the same place I was two years ago with better pay.

NIU CPA Review Correspondence is awesome!

I passed all four sections on the first attempt

[musicamor]

I would say do not force yourself into a position (career) that you truly have no desire for. You will end up having to make more hasty decisions when you're knee-deep. I am in a similar situation. I have gotten accustomed to the pace and the salary that it is nearly impossible for me to do anything else, even though I am fed up with Corporate Accounting. I cannot afford a pay cut because I have a family; if I would've made a clearer, more forward-thoughtul decision in the beginning I wouldn't be hating the 9-5 like I am right now.

You're in a good position because it sounds like you're in the beginning of your path–just make the decision wisely and consider the future. If you're unhappy just thinking about it, chances are you will be 10x unhappy in the future.

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[Author]

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