[Mmilito]

Hey, so I’m doing this CPA exam and currently am a bank teller, I kinda of get the feeling this is maybe a red herring and I don’t know if without the experience I’ll even find anything should I pass all four parts…Any thoughts?

I got this impression from seeing the posting here about the accounting job interview tips

FAR 92
AUD 91
BEC 11/06/2011
REG 02/01/2012

[Mmilito]

There we go, that was what I was meaning, my fear is passing the exam and then not being able to find the experience

FAR 92
AUD 91
BEC 11/06/2011
REG 02/01/2012

[mla1169]

ND it depends on your state. I live in MA and in MA you have the option of a non reporting license. Meaning if you don't have the time (hours) of public experience you are still a CPA except that you may not sign off on financial statements. But after the fact if you do go work for a public firm and gain the experience you can upgrade to a full reporting license.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

California works the same way, you can get the CPA license with the “attestation” designation, meaning you can sign attest reports and had 1-2 years of public accounting experience. Or you can get the CPA designation without the attest experience, in which case you only need 1-2 years of general accounting experience under the supervision of an active CPA.

[HazeEastwood]

I think the CPA is great when combined with experience. I don't think it means much without the experience. A C.P.A. fresh out of school wouldn't be better of than a non cpa but not by much. I think when you combine it with the experience it becomes very important. I haven't gotten my license yet, I suspect I'll have it by the end of September but I am already seeing the increased opportunity for jobs I wouldnt be able to get without a CPA

FAR-81
BEC-84
AUD-91
REG-89

[jimboace88]

My advice is to get out of that bank and get into a CPA firm. Working as a teller is awful–it's essentially a retail job with a mock atmosphere of professionalism. I say this so bluntly because I did work as a teller and it was not worth the time of day I put into it. The best move I ever made was to not get complacent with my position as a teller and to search aggressively for internships and other job opportunities. It sounds tough but as many people have mentioned, accounting is a relatively stable field when compared to others.

Good luck and don't give up on the CPA exam!

FAR 07/27/11 - 87
AUD 10/01/11 - 85
BEC 11/15/11 - 87
REG 01/03/12 - 92

[Mmilito]

That's exactly right, but do solicitation letters work well? like for example I plan to send a letter to all the firms (mid-size or small) in NY, Phil, Balt, and DC

FAR 92
AUD 91
BEC 11/06/2011
REG 02/01/2012

[kb24]

Mmilito

I would highly recommend you checking into the career counseling resources available through your college or university. I graduated 5 years ago but was unable to go to work at that time because I had to deal with some family responsibilities. When I started looking at the beginning of the year I realized that I didn't look that great on paper because I have no accounting experience and my degree wasn't current. I decided to delay looking for a job for a few months while I took all 4 parts of the exam in order to make me a better job candidate. At the suggestion of other forum members I checked into alumni resources and was amazed at how much is available. They have an online job search and resume posting function and provide all aspects of career counseling at a minimal cost. Also, if I haven't found a job by fall, I can sign up for interviews with the campus recruiters. I met with a counselor yesterday,and she gave me some excellent practical advice which I'm currently implementing. She also said that the fact that I've passed all 4 parts of the exam is a huge plus for the accounting departments of most larger companies.

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[Anonymous]

A lot of public accounting firms (at least in my area) dont advertise open positions. It wont be posted on their website, and there wouldnt be ads on careerbuilder.com. They rely on networking and campus recruiting to fill open positions. I sent solicitation letters to each firm I was interested in through the “contact us” email links on their websites. I got several calls back, and was ultimately hired. So I guess for me it worked, just make sure you have a really good letter!

[Mmilito]

Thank you soo much that makes me feel better

FAR 92
AUD 91
BEC 11/06/2011
REG 02/01/2012

[mla1169]

Don't forget to use Linkedin (this was actually recommended to me by a recruiter) to make contacts within CPA firms or at least see who you know that knows somebody……

also check out your State board website and the resources that are available. The MA CPA website does post jobs for CPA firms that you will not see advertised elsewhere.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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