[HighMileageDude]

Going to be a CPA, but more interested in something to do w/ IT, less interested in accounting and numbers …

i have about 1 year exp. at a big4 audit and that’s it, no longer work there

any suggestions on routes to take/places/jobs to look into from here?

[MOMCPA2B]

You may want to consider getting a CITP cert specially for CPA's who take this route. One good way to get info is to ask around the clients you see about who they purchase their software from. What ERP system they use. You can call one one of them directly or better yet cruise their websites under jobs listed and see what they have to offer. I too thought I should have majored in Accounting Systems instead of accounting. I hope this can provide a starting point. Its a really specialized field.

I cant wait for this to be over.
AUD-7/25/11-77
BEC-11/27/11-Failed(UGH)Back to the drawing board
REG-2/27/12
FAR- Aug 2012

[pshustler]

The more I study this stuff and the longer I stay at my current job, the more I realize I dont want to do this much longer. Peter Olinto better be right in that its going to open up a lot more doors for me

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

[Anonymous]

That is the beautiful thing about this certification – it can take you anywhere! 🙂

The obstacle is just to obtain it…

[tableleg]

I am not working for a CPA firm and am studying for the exam. The feeling of wanting to work IT is where I am at also. I hope this CPA certificate opens doors for me also.

If you work for a CPA firm, what kind of work would you do with a CITP (as described above). Would firms use an IT person is internal control analysis? IT consulting?

Any input from people working for CPA firms is much appreciated. thanks

[Anonymous]

I am in public accounting, but not in an IT capacity. However, many firms do IT consulting that includes looking at controls in the IT system. That is just the view from a external perspective, I'm sure many companies (medium to larger) have employees over the Accounting Information System (or AIS for those of us waiting on BEC) which also evaluate controls/perhaps transaction questions/etc.

You have to remember too, that with the AUD risk assessment standards you have to evaluate controls over their AIS and if you do not have the appropriate knowledge/understanding you utilize the assistance of an IT expert.

I think there are many opportunities both internal to companies and external to CPA firms that you could use this field. Half the battle seems to be finding IT people who understand accounting.

[Anonymous]

I don't think having the CPA will help someone trying to get a job in IT consulting. After my company miserably failed an IT audit by our external auditors, we hired an IT consulting firm to help us establish internal controls over our internal systems. Those guys make big bucks, and none of them have a CPA. When I was in public accounting, we did IT audits, and those auditors did happen to have their CPA, but IT auditing was a very small part of their overall consulting department.

IMHO, the CPA license is helpful for people who actually want to do financial reporting. IT professionals, consulting, business managers, etc dont really need it!

[Author]

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