[Parthamis]

i’ve posted about this before. But once again, I am at the point of hopelessness. Despite having an MST and passing all CPA exams, I have found it impossible to get a job. At all… As I am only looking in Public. I’m basically shot and worthless at this point since I have not worked in a professional environment in a while and I am now too old (25) for entry level positions.

How do I get out of this rut? I am currently driving Lyft on weekends, and starting next week, I am working at a factory job I have worked at before.

I know, just keep applying. I am, and I have not succeeded thus far.

Please help me, if you can.

[Parthamis]

Thank you everyone. I am feeling a bit better, but not entirely.
I spoke to another recruiter, and am looking to relocate. She told me to do research in areas I am willing to relocate.

My areas of interest are multiple areas of California (major interest in SF due to Silicon Valley), Dallas, NYC and Long Island.

[ultrarunner]

I am currently in an MST program. MST can't replace work experience. Having said that, you should look for an entry-level position. Having MST is good, and passing CPA is great. But it all comes down to “personality” when firms are making a hiring decision. So I think you should work on your personal skill. People must like you as a person. Otherwise, they will never hire you. Also, 25 is very young. I've met many people who were not in their 20s when they started working in public accounting. All the best.

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
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[TommyTheCat]

good luck Parthemis. I work in Silicon Valley and its a very hot job market out here. Lots of hiring going on. Good luck to you. I'm in San Jose specifically but I know SF has a lot of demand too.

[PTBP2018]

25 isn't too old for an entry-level position. I broke into accounting in my early 30's and had 2 masters degrees under my belt. I took a gigantic paycut. Gigantic. Did I mention it was gigantic? Close to $30K cut. I was back to making a fresh-out-of-college salary. It hurt. I did it because I couldn't rise any higher in my previous field. I had hit my salary cap. I know – that sounds insane, but I knew that I would have to start at the bottom again – just like everyone else.

It was beyond worth it. I got such amazing experience, and it only took me 2.5 years to finally surpass my highest salary in my previous field.

It doesn't matter what credentials you have. Without experience, you're entry-level. Sometimes, you have to swallow your pride. Walking into an interview thinking you are better – solely because of your credentials – will not get you anywhere. Working in a CPA firm, it seems that most young candidates walk in the door with a CPA (and then some). The CPA is mainly a tool to help you get promoted, which can happen fairly quickly if you prove yourself worthy. In the beginning, it won't get you a position any higher than a staff. Unfortunately, that's reality.

You might be in a super saturated market. There are tons of great cities who are in dyer need of accountants. Look at the cities with the lowest rates of unemployment. Apply to jobs in those cities, and your phone will light up.

[Missy]

Entry level means you have a year or less work experience with the required skill set. Has nothing to do with age or with degrees. I've got over 25 years accounting experience, my masters degree and a cpa license, but if I was applying to a tax position I'd be entry level because I've never done it.

Take the MST off your resume for now, you're not required to list any more on your resume than what qualifies you to do the tasks they're looking for. Tweak your resume to every position you apply to highlighting the skills you do have with what that particular position requires.

Also start to think like the hiring manager. When you're interviewing the ONLY thing they care about is “can this person perform the exact tasks we need done and be a good fit for our office.” If you don't leave them with the feeling that you can meet the EXACT need they have right now, regardless of your potential, they will move on to the person who is the best fit for their CURRENT need.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Vladimir Cornelius Witherspoon]

I am currently getting a MS in Taxation and anticipate being in your situation. What I am doing to avoid being unable to do an internship because I am not a “current student” problem is to not complete the entire masters right away but start with certificates, then reach 150 credits through piecemeal courses in accounting and economics. What I would suggest you do since you already used your bullets and got a MST would be to pass the EA exam, google local EA small businesses in your area and cold call them to ask if you can help as an intern or volunteer, maybe that or H&R Block Advisors. If that doesn't work, I would enroll in a dual JD/MS Accounting program that would make you eligible for internships again and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity to have something on your resume.

[Vladimir Cornelius Witherspoon]

becoming a part of the EA society might help with networking

[krstnam]

I was 25 when the recession hit and was left partially employed. I got interviews, but would get turned away, about 75% of the time I was told I was over qualified, the other 25% they ended up going with a different candidate.

Can you have somebody look over your resume to see if they find something missing? Are you getting interviews? Is it possible you don't interview very well?

Hang in there! Something is bound to come up for you. Maybe it won't be in the area of accounting you were originally interested in, but maybe it'll be a good fit anyway 🙂

[Xsnob1234]

Hi @maxb

I currently work as a staff auditor at a local firm and have passed all parts of the CPA exam. I have always wanted to work for the Big4. If possible, can you send me your email and I will shoot you my resume?

Thanks

~My CPA Journey~
FAR- 2/24/15- 81
REG- 4/27/15- Pending
AUD- TBD
BEC- TBD

[Anonymous]

if you consider 25 too old for an entry level position, I think you need a good mentor. It's never about where you start.

[EZ_Sims_4_me_Pls]

I have a master's degree and passed all 4 parts of the exam, and I got an entry level position in tax at 27

[Author]

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