[Josh]

I went to a “Meet The Firms Week” at a college in my town only to discover that I seem unemployable despite the fact that I work for close to minimum wage in a retail store in this town and have for the last 7+ years.

The partner who identified what was wrong with my resume, said it is a red flag to show my experience as a business owner despite this is the closest current experience I have in accounting.

Her question was, “Why would you work for someone else if you own your own business?” I had no idea how to answer that question.

I then let some friends know I’m unemployable except for this retail store where I happen to work. They told me that’s a lie that I believe, and said they would allow me to talk to them about possibilities. These friends are sales managers mostly, and I should take them up on their offer.

At the same time, what do you think? Am I “unemployable” for now? Until I pass the CPA? How should I approach potential employers who see this as a “red flag?”

Licenses: State Life Insurance License, Active PTIN, Acceptance Agent, BEC section of the CPA (75% to go with NTS for FAR and REG)
Current position(s): Tax-Preparer (seasonal and part-time under a LLC) (3 years), Retail merchandiser (7+ years), Sole proprietor in sales (less than 1 year)
Previous position(s): Many “low-profile” jobs (about 20 years), & over 5 years ago — staff accountant (public accounting) (1 year), accounts-payable clerk (1 year), tax preparation service (H&R Block) (3 years), bookkeeper (1 year), 3 years experience other office work
Education: MBA, MA.., BA
Organizations: AICPA

Maybe, as I’ve heard, passing the CPA asap. is my best option, but I’m open to any advice. Let’s do this! (pass the CPA)

[wombataholic]

Either leave off the business ownership or come up with an answer. If you can't come up with a positive spin on why you would want to work for someone else, be honest about it, but at least have an answer prepared.

Licensed CPA
Passed each section on the first try with Ninja Notes/MCQ/Audio

[aaronmo]

I'm older and have a weird path…

The big 4 have a process they follow, and they don't deviate much from what I've seen. They hire college kids as interns, pick the ones they like and then encourage the CPA. They don't hire outside of that pattern other than vertical moves, and they're fairly rigid. That they end up with people who can't even pass the exams, or write a cogent paragraph, seems irrelevant to them.

Medium can be slightly more flexible.

If you're “weird”, you probably want to go smaller firm. At that point you need to explain the transferable skill set. I'd directly address the why of owning a business in a cover letter, and how that means you understand things from an employer's perspective. It's a sales job. I'd recommend getting some tax experience…either through one of those IRS volunteer programs, or even a box chain. That said, I had a very negative experience with HR Block.

The good news is that once you have the letters…and a couple of years of experience…the challenge is over. It may not be big 4, but ask yourself…would you even want that? Most of them work on one small aspect of accounting…and it's drudgery. You also end up overly specialized. 2-3 years of public, and letters…you're in the cat bird seat.

Without the letters…or at least exams…it's going to be a grind if you're outside the norm.

Even having passed the exams, I did not see much traction. It's a different animal once everything conveys. The people making hiring decisions have a lot of options, and don't want to use their imagination. They tend to pick the closest “fit” that they like in the interview.

[Josh]

@wombataholic Thank you so much for your feedback. I'll probably talk to my mentor in our State Society more, but I noticed something after I said “no more social media” for now. Recruiters started e-mailing me. I got an interview closer to my mom's house tomorrow. Wish me luck

@aaronmo So true. My mentor said these younger folks are seen as more shape-able? I am not traditional, but I made employee of the month overnight this month. That says I'm doing something right competing physically against people half my age for speed/agility (I really need to do more crunches?)

You guys rock! And congratulations on the CPA!

I spent too much time on applications today, but it may just be the time of year and the fact I'm an active tax preparer.. Now, for REG 37 days. I really got to focus on it.

[rlarivee01]

I had a lunch meeting recently with a regional director for a top 10 public firm. Not big 4, but close.

My background: still not done with 150 hours or the CPA, and no real relevant experience except in cash applications and AR, and I'm an older candidate. I've been having trouble getting hired anywhere in public, and I've only been working 3 months out of the last 12.

He said none of that matters… just get those exams out of the way, get those 150 hours, and anywhere you walk in to, you will already be ahead of a lot of people.

So you have the credits, just focus on that test and doors will open.

[wombataholic]

Good luck @Josh!

Licensed CPA
Passed each section on the first try with Ninja Notes/MCQ/Audio

[Author]

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