Studying for CPA while starting a new job

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #3306275
    ar95
    Participant

    Say if I were in the process of finding a new job while studying for the CPA exam. Is it possible for me to tell my potential new employee during the interview/job acceptance process that I would like to start the job in 1-2 months after accepting the job so I can take time off from to study for the CPA? Would that make them not want to pursue me anymore as a candidate? This would be in corporate, not public accounting btw

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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  • #3306278
    cdelval11
    Participant

    I think you should be totally honest and ask for that time because is a valid reason to not wanting to start right away. At today’s market conditions It’s very probable the company will wait for you if you are a desirable candidate. Asking for 4 or 6 weeks is not too uncommon.

    #3306281
    RobOh
    Participant

    It really depends on the employer, but I think it would be completely reasonable to ask to start in 4 to 6 weeks. I would personally wait to ask for that until the job offer unless they were to ask during the hiring process when you could start. Be honest with them when they ask when you could start and express how excited you are about the position. I'm assuming that they know from your resume that you are studying for the CPA exam. It really depends on how soon they need to fill that position and how understanding and familiar the hiring person is regarding the CPA. If they are a CPA, they are much more likely to understand.

    #3306287
    monikernc
    Participant

    When first contact is made ask them what their desired start date is. Simple question and it can lead to a not flexible date response or a willing to work with the right person response. If hard date, say thanks but no thanks. If flexible leave it there until the job becomes a real possibility then discuss start dates again. Most new employers will understand that someone who is working must give notice and want a break between jobs anyway. Not sure why you think you cannot study and work. Having the luxury of time can lead to lost time. Up to you. Good luck!🍀

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    #3306290
    Recked
    Participant

    This would probably play really well in a tax shop, because they wouldn't have to pay you for Oct/Nov, and then can onboard and get you up to speed in Dec/early Jan so you are ready to hit the ground running for tax season.

    Corporate, as others have said, all depends on the employer. The size of the organization and how short staffed they are currently will really impact that decision. You might even be able to start on a part time basis, as a compromise, to help cover some of the workload as you continue your studies.

    I feel that any place that can't wait 2 months to hire, is probably understaffed as it is, and taking your vacation time after you start working might become a challenge, as well as managing workload if someone is out sick, etc. I really have no grounds for this claim.

    #3306296
    monikernc
    Participant

    BTW: You can just tell them your available date and not really get into why it is a couple of months out.

    FAR 7/25/15 76!
    AUD 10/30/15 93
    BEC 2/27/16 82
    REG 5/23/16 88!
    Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
    and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
    if you want things to change, you have to do something different

    #3314524
    Jake Cahill
    Guest

    You can get your CPE credits from illumeo and meet the CPE obligations.

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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