[ken2013]

So I’ve received an interview for an entry level position at a small CPA firm (basic requirement was an associates in accounting, and as such the compensation matches that). I don’t mind the low starting salary, my concern is that I don’t want to mention that I have finished the CPA exams least I get disqualified (ironic). Is it wrong to omit this info?

[Anonymous]

I can see this going either way for you. Try to feel the interviewer out about the exam and the CPA designation. If they seem receptive, then tell them you have passed the exam. If you are desperate, and they shut down any talk of the exam, then keep your mouth shut, but only if you are desperate for a job. They may be happy to have a candidate that has passed the beast and can help you obtain the experience necessary to get licensed.

[Anonymous]

I can see this going either way for you. Try to feel the interviewer out about the exam and the CPA designation. If they seem receptive, then tell them you have passed the exam. If you are desperate, and they shut down any talk of the exam, then keep your mouth shut, but only if you are desperate for a job. They may be happy to have a candidate that has passed the beast and can help you obtain the experience necessary to get licensed.

[Anonymous]

I would imagine that a CPA firm (even a small one) expects most of its employees to pursue a CPA at some point. As such, I think it would be foolish not to mention that you have passed. Passing the exam shows ambition and also that you have a much better accounting knowledge than a candidate who has not passed the exam. The only way that passing the exam will disqualify you is if you demand a higher salary on account of having passed the exam already.

[Anonymous]

I would imagine that a CPA firm (even a small one) expects most of its employees to pursue a CPA at some point. As such, I think it would be foolish not to mention that you have passed. Passing the exam shows ambition and also that you have a much better accounting knowledge than a candidate who has not passed the exam. The only way that passing the exam will disqualify you is if you demand a higher salary on account of having passed the exam already.

[Mayo]

Tailor your resume to the position.

“I would imagine that a CPA firm (even a small one) expects most of its employees to pursue a CPA at some point. “

I'd have to disagree with this. Firms, CPA or otherwise, are looking to fill roles with the people in the best fit for the position. That being said, they don't always view more qualifications as being a positivite. However, that doesn't mean they're right. Just slightly short-sighted.

I say leave it off if you think it'll be an issue. My wife has had to leave of the fact that she has multiple degrees (2 bachelor's and one Master's) just so she can get customer service jobs while in college. On the other hand, putting down that she had one Bachelor's and Master's helped her get another job.

It's your resume. I don't consider leaving titles/degrees off a resume as “lying by omission. In fact, I find that whole concept to be BS in my book. Especially when the hiring firm is omitting all types of information during the hiring process (e.g. How much they're willing to pay, how dead end of a job it might be, realistic duties of the position, etc.).

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Tailor your resume to the position.

“I would imagine that a CPA firm (even a small one) expects most of its employees to pursue a CPA at some point. “

I'd have to disagree with this. Firms, CPA or otherwise, are looking to fill roles with the people in the best fit for the position. That being said, they don't always view more qualifications as being a positivite. However, that doesn't mean they're right. Just slightly short-sighted.

I say leave it off if you think it'll be an issue. My wife has had to leave of the fact that she has multiple degrees (2 bachelor's and one Master's) just so she can get customer service jobs while in college. On the other hand, putting down that she had one Bachelor's and Master's helped her get another job.

It's your resume. I don't consider leaving titles/degrees off a resume as “lying by omission. In fact, I find that whole concept to be BS in my book. Especially when the hiring firm is omitting all types of information during the hiring process (e.g. How much they're willing to pay, how dead end of a job it might be, realistic duties of the position, etc.).

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[ken2013]

Thanks Guys! I will definitely consider the advice given.

[ken2013]

Thanks Guys! I will definitely consider the advice given.

[mla1169]

I'd let them know if a year from now you'll be looking for someone to sign off on your experience. People seem to think that sign off is an obligation of the employer but in fact it is a professional courtesy (although I take issue with an employer declining since it benefits them as well to have another licensed CPA on staff.)

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

I'd let them know if a year from now you'll be looking for someone to sign off on your experience. People seem to think that sign off is an obligation of the employer but in fact it is a professional courtesy (although I take issue with an employer declining since it benefits them as well to have another licensed CPA on staff.)

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Mayo]

“although I take issue with an employer declining since it benefits them as well to have another licensed CPA on staff.”

I agree, but there's no accounting for Stupid.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

“although I take issue with an employer declining since it benefits them as well to have another licensed CPA on staff.”

I agree, but there's no accounting for Stupid.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[nicole2035]

I'd have to agree with @mayo, employers want people who will do the job they're hiring for, they don't want to know that they'll have to re-hire in one year. I don't see why they wouldn't sign off on your experience, but you never know some people can be jerks. I'd be careful and search around for other opportunities. So many of my bosses at my current company are CPAs so luckily the experience requirement under a CPA won't be a problem for me

[nicole2035]

I'd have to agree with @mayo, employers want people who will do the job they're hiring for, they don't want to know that they'll have to re-hire in one year. I don't see why they wouldn't sign off on your experience, but you never know some people can be jerks. I'd be careful and search around for other opportunities. So many of my bosses at my current company are CPAs so luckily the experience requirement under a CPA won't be a problem for me

[Thirteenth]

I recently had an interview for entry level staff accountant as well. It's a small family like business(6 people?) and they seem so nice 🙂

i was offered 35k with benefit

It's 40 min drive from my house in northern New Jersey.

35k starting is a low side compared to my other colleague who never even sit for exams (and i have passed them all)

And considering my experience, i thought i would get lil above that. I have worked one year in a small cpa firm before.

But i've been waiting about a month and it is hard to find job in a public accounting firm. And i graduated lesser known school with 3.2 gpa. Public school in nj but not much recruitment benefits.

I'll take 35k now and show them what i can do.

And.. We'll see next year how the company appreciate my hard work, and how much they would raise my salary.

AUD 7/3/12 82
REG 5/30/13 79
BEC 8/29/13 78
FAR 2/28/14 79

Becker 2013 + Ninja
Done.

[Author]

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