[Anonymous]

I’m currently working in accounts payable in a small town and finishing up my exams. I plan on moving to San Francisco around March and am trying to figure out how much money I should have saved up for the move. I’ll probably to be able to stay with a friend rent free for a little while when I look for a job and a more permanent place to stay. I’m sure it’s different for everyone, but does anyone have any input on roughly how long job searches (hopefully audit associate) take in that time of year (towards the end of busy season)?

A caveat- I don’t have a degree in accounting. I majored in economics and history, but I’ve taken all the requisite courses to become a CPA.

Also, do people ever begin contacting potential employers before a move like this or is it best to wait until one has already relocated.

Thanks in advance for any input and good luck to everyone.

[PurpleK]

If you are looking to work in public accounting, not many firms will be hiring at the end of busy season. Typically that is firing season. Unfortunately, since you probably fall into the non-experienced hire category, for a full-time start date of next fall, you should have started interviewing and contacting recruiters about two months ago, even though you have not yet relocated.

With that said, if you are an exceptional candidate or a firm has a gap to fill, you may be able to get hired outside of typical recruiting season. You should start submitting your resume and talking to employers as soon as possible.

I am also in the process of moving back to SF. If you plan on living anywhere near reliable public transportation or near downtown, get ready to pay at least $2,000+ a month for a tiny studio or $1,200+ to share a one bedroom. You may be able to find cheaper rent in the Outer Sunset or Richmond (where it will take 45+ minutes to get downtown) or the Tenderloin or Outer Mission (where you will hear gunshots at night). I would suggest not having a car, as traffic is always terrible, bicyclists and cabs will try to cut you off and side swipe your car, and cars get broken into more often than not.

In other words, expect 50% of your after-tax paycheck to go to rent and expect to have zero savings. If you plan on saving for at least a half year of rent while you look for work, then I would suggest having savings of at least $15,000+.

Luckily, I was able to put an offer down on a newly developed condo, and my mortgage will probably be cheaper than what most people pay for rent. If you have the savings and the credit score, buying is a much better option.

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot Purple K. I lived in the Sunset as a kid and I don't mind that area at all. Appreciate the info, but it's pretty discouraging. I'd like to think that I am a solid enough job candidate, but nothing too exceptional. Are recruiting seasons for firms (even non Big-4) that structured and restrictive? There's no way I can afford to be in San Francisco that long without having a job. SF was my first choice but I might have to consider other, less expensive cities for now.

[PurpleK]

@eplop

I have only had Big 4 experience, so I would not be able to elaborate too much outside of the Big 4 in terms of recruiting. But I do know there are a quite a few smaller regional public accounting firms you may want to consider contacting: Novogradac, Armanino, BPM, DZH, Hood & Strong, OUM. Unfortunately I do not know much about them and would not be able to provide any insight.

[Author]

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