[10keyLeah]

I’m looking for tips about how to approach my job hunt.

I just passed the last exam section. I live in a rural area with only a handful of CPA offices and generally they are 1 or 2 person offices. There aren’t many opportunities that come up. Part of the reason I sat for CPA exams was that I had trouble landing a job over a year ago when I was looking and applying for anything business related that came up.

In WV, you do not have to work directly under a CPA, but you have to have a CPA vouch for your work and sign off on it. Am I wrong to think that I’d rather work directly under a CPA even though I would take any job that would fulfill the requirements?

I’ll spruce up my resume, but after that, I’m not sure how to approach the job hunt.

For example, I’d like to apply to work with a CPA that does mainly just taxes, but I know he is in the middle of busy season right now. Should I apply now, or wait until after April 15?

So, I’m looking for some thoughts and direction.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[Anonymous]

Right now, if someone walked in my office and said “I just passed all four parts of the CPA exam, and I love taxes.” I would probably say “I love you” and ask them when they can start.

I wouldn't expect much in the way of pay at this point, because they are going to want to see if you can do the work before they shell out much cash. Try the firms with the oldest CPA's in them first. Those are the guys looking at retirement and they may find that in you!

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Right now, if someone walked in my office and said “I just passed all four parts of the CPA exam, and I love taxes.” I would probably say “I love you” and ask them when they can start.

I wouldn't expect much in the way of pay at this point, because they are going to want to see if you can do the work before they shell out much cash. Try the firms with the oldest CPA's in them first. Those are the guys looking at retirement and they may find that in you!

Good luck!

[10keyLeah]

Thanks for the response, Kricket!

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[10keyLeah]

Thanks for the response, Kricket!

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[GSU-CPA]

10key i am just curious if your city doesnt have that many accounting jobs why dont you move to a place where there are more opportunities. I know when i pass the CPA i will move if i cant get a job here in Atlanta.

REG-77
BEC -Waiting on score May 5th
AUD - May 30
FAR - Q3 depending on if i pass above two in Q2

[GSU-CPA]

10key i am just curious if your city doesnt have that many accounting jobs why dont you move to a place where there are more opportunities. I know when i pass the CPA i will move if i cant get a job here in Atlanta.

REG-77
BEC -Waiting on score May 5th
AUD - May 30
FAR - Q3 depending on if i pass above two in Q2

[Tncincy]

10 key, I would apply now, you may not have to do taxes, they may have something else accounting related for you to do. Find a small firm looking to take on an audit apprentice. It's out there and it may take time but go for it. Believe me April 15th is when everyone will be running out of the door and not coming back until May 1st and gearing up for extension season. You might even try driving 25 to 30 miles outside of your town.

Good luck and keep us (a71) informed. I live in a rural area too and I have worked my own business as a bookkeeper for 17 years, I have plenty of tax experience and a solid tax clientele, but I don't know how to approach the firms in my area to get the audit experience I desire. I am afraid they will not want to help me. So you're not alone.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Tncincy]

10 key, I would apply now, you may not have to do taxes, they may have something else accounting related for you to do. Find a small firm looking to take on an audit apprentice. It's out there and it may take time but go for it. Believe me April 15th is when everyone will be running out of the door and not coming back until May 1st and gearing up for extension season. You might even try driving 25 to 30 miles outside of your town.

Good luck and keep us (a71) informed. I live in a rural area too and I have worked my own business as a bookkeeper for 17 years, I have plenty of tax experience and a solid tax clientele, but I don't know how to approach the firms in my area to get the audit experience I desire. I am afraid they will not want to help me. So you're not alone.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

Moving isn't always an option. I was offered a job in Dallas straight out of college making a ridiculous amount of money but I turned it down because my house is paid for and if I had to get a mortgage in that area, I'd end up bringing home less money.

[Anonymous]

Moving isn't always an option. I was offered a job in Dallas straight out of college making a ridiculous amount of money but I turned it down because my house is paid for and if I had to get a mortgage in that area, I'd end up bringing home less money.

[10keyLeah]

@GSU-CPA – Like Kricket said, there are reasons why I'd rather stay where I am. I have a home here, family, and a hubby that is tied down with a job that pays the bills. I'm going to look here where we are first.

@tncincy – thanks for responding. I'll be going 30 minutes outside of where I live right out of the gates to get to those possible jobs I mentioned. I'll go further out if I have to. It's good to know I”m not alone!

Hey, you will never know if you don't ask. If you want audit experience, go for it! That's what I'm going to do – take the advice I got here and go for it and apply now.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[10keyLeah]

@GSU-CPA – Like Kricket said, there are reasons why I'd rather stay where I am. I have a home here, family, and a hubby that is tied down with a job that pays the bills. I'm going to look here where we are first.

@tncincy – thanks for responding. I'll be going 30 minutes outside of where I live right out of the gates to get to those possible jobs I mentioned. I'll go further out if I have to. It's good to know I”m not alone!

Hey, you will never know if you don't ask. If you want audit experience, go for it! That's what I'm going to do – take the advice I got here and go for it and apply now.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[10keyLeah]

I just wanted to update this thread: I have since sent out my resume to 11 different accountants in a town 30 minutes away. Several of those are somewhat shots in the dark.

I received a response from one person within about 24 hours of them receiving the resume and I have an interview with this person this week. I'm pretty excited about it, but just nervous since I'm not great at interviews and basically have zero experience.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[10keyLeah]

I just wanted to update this thread: I have since sent out my resume to 11 different accountants in a town 30 minutes away. Several of those are somewhat shots in the dark.

I received a response from one person within about 24 hours of them receiving the resume and I have an interview with this person this week. I'm pretty excited about it, but just nervous since I'm not great at interviews and basically have zero experience.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[pikachu]

Congratulations 10key! Be honest, but not rude/blunt. Be positive. If you don't know, just say so, don't try to make up something and make a fool out of yourself.

Don't be picky either if they lowball you either, you don't have much experience. I was making $45k, got a bump to $60k from another firm. Just take in the experience if you can get it.

FAR: 2/23/14 77 (1 month studying)
AUD: 5/25/14 68
AUD: 7/13/14 72
AUD: 10/12/14 72
I GIVE UP

[Author]

Replies