[Anonymous]

Several years ago I worked in professional sports selling corporate sponsorships. The team was sold and relocated so everyone lost their jobs. The economy had turned pretty bad overall, and amidst my job search couldn’t find anything open except for accounting related jobs (which I didn’t qualify for with just a BA in business management). I decided I never wanted to be in that position again (mainly in an unstable job/industry) so I took steps to change directions: I was going to get a degree in accounting. I took a few prerequisite accounting courses before starting on joint MAcc/MBA degree program. As I have gone through the program I have done just above average work and have enjoyed the accounting work moderately. I’m worried that my aptitude for accounting isn’t enough to cut it when it’s time to land a job. Personality wise, I’m much different than the stereotypical “accountant” ie: outgoing, collaborative, social, team oriented. I CAN work by myself on projects just fine, but I don’t always want to do them alone. I’ve been told that it is just as important (if not more) to have the “soft skills” bc over time you can be taught the more technical aspects. I’m just worried Im entering into a world where I’ll be underwhelmed with the type of work and a bit out of place. Is this baseless? Any advice?

[Mamabear]

It really depends on where you go and what you do. Accounting is a very broad term. I am outgoing and love working in a team environment. We all have our own workloads, but I have tried very hard to promote my department as a team and help my employees have that kind of mentality. We have meetings. We discuss issues. We brainstorm. It's not a requirement of the job, but it's more of a management style. You could have the same job description approached two different ways in two different companies. Learn about the culture and pay attention when you go on any interviews to the type of culture the company has if you can. You may not enjoy every aspect of accounting, but if you are looking for stability then you're looking in the right place.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[Anonymous]

What type of place do you work at? A traditional firm doing audit of tax? Or something more corporate?

[Mamabear]

Corporate headquarters in industry

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[Missy]

Look into cost accounting, you'll have to collaborate across the board. When I did cost I worked daily with engineering, purchasing and manufacturing then monthly had to present to management give recommendations, etc. It was a great job for someone like me who is outgoing. Only reason I'm not still doing it is my goal was to be a big fish in a very small pond which is what I am now. I work for a small manufacturer and have a full time assistant but see everything that happens not only in accounting but HR as well.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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