[snel0075]

Hi all,

I am three quarters of the way done with the exams and only have BEC remaining (Monday, wish me luck). I work for a Big Four in my hometown, but I am not enthused about tax or public accounting in general, and can’t see myself being happy staying in this role for very long. I want to get my one year of experience in order to get my license and then consider my career options. I only have a week or two left until I hit that 2,000 hour mark.

Anywho, I have done some introspection and believe the two things that I care about most are international traveling and the environment. Does anyone have any wisdom regarding how to incorporate my CPA skills with these interests? I am considering anything from a break in accounting to get a working holiday visa abroad, to pursuing a job with a a non-profit in an accounting/finance role, to going back to grad school for a master’s in Natural Resources Management (or something of that variety).

Any advice is welcome and appreciated. If I’m going to do something that I’m not thrilled about (i.e. accounting) then I absolutely need to be with an organization that gives me opportunities to pursue my passions.

B - 86
A - 87
R - 81
F - 81

DONE.

[silekta]

The only thing that comes to my mind right now:

-Inter-American Development Bank (as an auditor/accountant you might have to travel to different Latin American countries and evaluate a variety of projects (including development of roads, water systems and etc.)

Search a little more about it. Hope it helps. There many other organizations like that just keep looking and I hope you find something you are looking for.

[Anonymous]

Any international company with accounting personnel (which is any international company 😛 ) but especially one that provides accounting services. However, with a distaste for public accounting, it gets a bit harder to find something that would have clients for you to visit in various countries, and yet not be public accounting!

I'd go for some other service industry that involves accounting. Banking, like silekta mentioned, would be a good starting point. Also companies who provide payroll services, other financial management services, etc., may make use of your accounting background and provide opportunities for international travel.

[wizards8507]

This may sound counter-intuitive, but I wouldn't leave your Big 4 firm until you get promoted. If you leave before then, it signals to future employers that you 1) couldn't handle it, or 2) didn't perform.

NY CPA

[fuzyfro89]

Internal audit is a great option since it typically involves a decent amount of travel (usually >25%). Depending on the company's operations, this will very likely include international travel. You may need to start your search after 1 yr, but many require people to be around their 1.5-2 yr mark before hiring. Of course, it never hurts to look and network to see what's out there.

[silekta]

Here is another thought:

If you looking for an opportunity to travel while making a difference look into Peace Corps. This opportunity is not for everyone and there are many challenges. But it will give you a chance to be away for about 2 years, if I am not mistaken.

Also look into a position with Department of State ( Foreign Service Officer – Economic/Management Officers )

Those are just some additional options.

Good luck !!!!

[Mayo]

IA can indeed travel a lot.

I think people at Accenture also travel 75%-95% of the time. Not sure if your background can get you a position. couldn't hurt to try.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

My neighbor works as an internal auditor and travels international 50% plus. (Japan, China, France…I think Australia too) Works for State Street in Boston.

[Author]

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