[Anonymous]

I graduated in Dec 2009 with a Master of Accountancy. My undergrad was not in Business. I have worked as a pilot since leaving the Air Force in 2002 and was laid off in Jan 2010. I started studying for my FAR in Feb. Other than a stint as an internal auditor, I have not worked in the field. My current job is not in accounting but have more free time to study than if I was working full time in a firm, so the goal was to complete the testing prior to working a full time accounting position. Has anyone taken this career change path later in life (43 yrs old) and if so what would be your advise on this process. Thanks and good luck to everyone.

[Anonymous]

My BS is in Public Admin, minor in Law. MBA in 06 with a focus on marketing. I was in telecom before being laid off and did project mgmt. We moved to the middle of nowhere and the only decent paying jobs were either healthcare (ick) or accounting. I had to go back and get 24 hours to make the 150 hour rule in my state to even apply to sit for the exam. I started with BEC in 08 (56,65,63,72); AUD (76); REG (80) and FAR (70). I retested for FAR on 2/26 and will retest BEC (again) on 4/30. If I don't pass both of these I lose my AUD credit and have to retake that. I am 47 and never thought I'd be working in accounting.

I do work for a very small firm doing mostly audit work which I love. It can be done.

[pshustler]

Dsquared – there are lot of areas within Accounting. Do you know what you want to do? Ive never worked in public accounting, which I regret. Im not sure that you'd want to go that path at this point in your career though. Tons of hours but you really learn a lot. I missed out in this area unfortunately. I went straight into public and my experience is very limited to the two industries Ive worked in.

BEC - 86
AUD - 94
REG - 88
FAR - 89

[Anonymous]

I do not have a specific area, but I do know I would like to avoid audit. I am debating the question of should finding an accounting job now or continue the study, at least until I pass one test.

[NJCPA2B]

Dsquared, if you could afford to study for the CPA and not work then that's what you should do full time. Then you should find any decent job under a CPA to get your CPA license. Maybe you can go into taxes?

BEC=77, FAR=78, REG=73,74,80, AUD=70,69, 84 DONE!

[paula]

Dsquared, I'm of a “certain” age too, 50 actually, and after raising kids decided to enter the work force. I took a year to study for the test and don't think I could have worked and gotten in enough study time, given the material was basically all new to me, and I hadn't studied for anything in a very long time. I'm now awaiting my REG score and hoping I'm done. Didn't leave with a good feeling tho. Take the time and study.

[Anonymous]

Dsquared – I am retired Army and becoming an accountant was what I called a second career. I passed the exam at age 49, working full time, with 6 children. I will say without my wife's support it would not have been possible. You can work, juggle a family and study for the CPA exam but it is extremely difficult. The more time you can devote to the exam the better it will be. Don't short change your studying put in the time it can be done. Just make sure you have all the facts from your state board of accountancy on the ins and outs of license and timeframes for the experience. The individual states determines their own license requirements. When looking for a job take the license requirements in consdieration. Some states require working directly for a CPA while others require that a CPA only have working knowledge. Some states require minimum direct audit experience while others just accounting experience. Some states have time frame limitations for getting your license after passing the CPA exam. About the only thing about the CPA that is the same is the exam. Just know what your state requires even the eligibilty requrements varies from state to state but I assume since you are studying that you have your NTS and exam date already set up or at least have an idea when you plan on taking the exam. Good Luck it is never to late to become a CPA.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for the advice. It is encouraging to know others have taken my path. I have applied for the NTS in AZ, but may be moving back to KY or OH, so I may have to transfer the scores. If you would have asked me 20 years ago if would be studying for a CPA I would have not believed it myself.

I can not afford to not work and just study, but with teaching for a University and AF Reserve income, I should be able to meet my expenses. The big question would be what to decide if and when my company (Netjets) calls me back to fly.

Thanks, all. Good luck. Well, have to get back to studying Becker Ch 3 FAR. 🙁

[Anonymous]

I am 43 and started an accounting career just 5 years ago. My first degree was in Graphic Communications and I was in sales for 15 years. Accounting was completely new to me. Somehow, I've managed to pass 3 parts of this exam (much of it all new to me and self taught). You can do it. It takes lots of discipline and my best advice would be to set goals (daily, weekly, whatever) and stick to them. The material can seem overwhelming but if you take it in small chunks, it's doable.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

This post is for Allyson (CharlieSheenGoddess) or any other members who made a career change to accounting after working 10+ years in another profession. I have finished my BS in accounting and I will start my grad degree next month at Stetson through their one year online program. I chose Stetson because I would like to move to the greater Orlando area after finishing my degree. I hope to find a job in accounting as I finish my MAcc next fall. I plan on taking two parts of the CPA exam next year and the remaining two after graduation. I am currently a nuclear reactor operator. How did you guys find jobs in the accounting field once you completed your education (internet, career fairs, friends)? Any resume advice for a career changer? And any other helpful info for a career changer would be appreciated.

[Author]

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