[financeguy]

I just wondered what you all think of the economy and how it will affect CPA jobs in the future.

I study economics a lot…everyday. I read a lot of blogs, and I follow wallstreet everyday from open to close. I follow currencies, oil, gold, commodities, housing, etc.

Things are very bad here in the USA. Despite what the mainstream media and government tells you, we are much worse than we were 1 year ago. I would just like to get everyone’s view of how they see things right now and in the future. For those of you working at public firms, how has the economy affected you. Anyone out of a job and having a difficult time finding one? Having passed the CPA exam, what sort of edge does that give you above your competition?

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

[Anonymous]

I am actually in a market where we have seen tremendous growth. Yes, the overall economy is struggling, but many clients are moving from Big 4 firms down to super regionals. For us, it's actually really busy and we are looking to hire a LOT more people.

[Anonymous]

I know we are a relatively small firm and we are getting new jobs and aren't losing too many right now. We've hired a few people but I have heard of layoffs in some larger firms.

[lemccaul]

Things aren't so great where we are. I'm in a midsize firm and we have let 5 people go this year. Clients keep going cheaper and we're not seeing quite the rebounds from the larger firms that almost_there is seeing. It's terrifying actually.

[AARON]

I am well connected with many people within the Big 4… for the first time since SOX in 2002… it's safe to say many people in the Big 4 are losing their jobs at larger rates than expected based on what I am seeing and experiencing through my network… HOWEVER, this doesn't mean that the demand for CPA's has decreased significantly… the market will always have a steady diet of CPAs, the job functions however tend to fluctuate… For people currently with the Big 4, expect longer hours than before, a larger workload and utilization increases of at least 10%… Also, expect on-campus hiring to remain flat or decrease slightly for the coming year or two… also, having your CPA weighs heavily on if you will be promoted to senior after 2/3 years today more than before… just by 2 cents…

? AUD - 87 (8/12/09)
? REG - 77 (1/15/10
? BEC - 77 (1/6/09 - Expired) / 79 (11/18/10)
? FAR - 75 (2/11/11)

[Author]

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