[Dog pounder1977]

Well….no “but’s” really since I got HIRED on the spot lol but seriously, what has been bothering me was that prior to the interview, I was looking up information how job postings list things on purpose to weed out irrelevant people. For instance, this particular job listed that the “preferred” candidate would have a CPA, CMA, or CA designation. Then during the interview, she asked me what is one accomplishment I see myself obtaining in the next 5 years? I mentioned getting my CPA license and she interrupted me and said these exact words to me with kind of an attitude behind it:

“Well I am not an accountant but the CPA is neither required nor desired for this accounting position. If you do get it then well ‘kudos’ to you but don’t expect a promotion or anything else”

I was shocked like dang! I had to take a moment to find where my bottom jaw fell down at lol. But I start on the 22nd. Just want to know what you guys think and why job postings list things that are “neither required nor desired” ? Also, how should I put in my two week notice?

One day I will face that exam.

[taxman89]

first of all congrats on the job with a great company!!

if i heard “Well I am not an accountant but the CPA is neither required nor desired for this accounting position. If you do get it then well ‘kudos' to you but don't expect a promotion or anything else”

i would make sure i would never have to work for him/her. not because she doesnt value a cpa (who cares) but the attitude behind it. if its really not valued in the dept it should be something like “oh cool, good for you! there isnt an emphasis put on the CPA here at microsoft but that is a great personal goal”.

or something like that. someone whose first reaction is condescension and assholery (its a word :D) is not someone i want to spend 8-10 hrs a day with.

but from the quote it sounds like it was a HR person.

congrats again!! working for a large corp almost always looks good on the resume!!

Aud-75 3x I knew i never liked you
Bec-77 1x being in the bubble is stressful
Reg-82 4x its not me its you...and no we cant be friends
Far-78 1x easiest section

[EuroAddict]

Was the interview with HR or someone in that department? Please say HR. lol

-----------------------------
BEC - 77, 03/2015 (first try)
FAR - 79, 05/2015 (second try)
REG - 83, 12/2015 (first try)
AUD - 84, 03/2015 (first try)

I got 99 problems but the CPA ain't one.

[taxman89]

i put my notice in by typing a succinct letter of resignation and going to talk to my direct boss. but wouldnt two weeks notice been 2 days ago?

Aud-75 3x I knew i never liked you
Bec-77 1x being in the bubble is stressful
Reg-82 4x its not me its you...and no we cant be friends
Far-78 1x easiest section

[Anonymous]

First, congrats on getting hired. Seriously, that's a win for your resume.

And now to be a debbie downer … I guess it depends on the circumstances, but I'm not sure I'd want an ACCOUNTING job where the posting says a CPA is preferred, but then I'm told during the interview that they aren't looking for a CPA and that getting a CPA license won't help me get a promotion. That sounds like nonsense to me.

First of all , if they don't want someone who aspires to be a CPA and won't consider promoting you when you do get your license, how consequential could the work actually be? Secondly, I do not recommend working for people who claim they want someone with x, y, and z credentials as a strategy to get good candidates in the door, only to tell you when you arrive not to expect a raise or promotion, no matter what you may achieve. It generally means they are looking for someone who is functionally literate and has no sense of the grass being greener elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations!

If she does work in the accounting department, then she could be just discouraging you. Reminds me of the interview I had one time. The guy interviewing me was the controller – everything was going pretty well until I mentioned the CPA exam/license and he pretty much freaked out. His comments made it seem like its totally worthless and time consuming. He didn't have one and probably considered me a threat.

[Missy]

This sounds unusual, to be honest. Microsoft extending an offer on the spot?

How many people did you talk to and this was a first interview? My spidey senses are getting a lot of red flags here. Be careful, watch out for your best interests and do some research (look up this person on linkedin, etc.)

I may be very wrong, and I hope I am but spending a bit of time doing some research BEFORE you give your notice wont harm you if I am.

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

[MissMorrisa]

Congrats on your new position!!

Sounds like if she is an accounting professional or potentially your boss she might be concerned that you may be gunning for her position. Especially if she hasn't passed or has no desire to take the exam herself. She's just trying to discourage you.

~Work in Progress -JJ

AUD - 80 (May 2015)
REG - 79 (August 2015)
FAR - 85 (November 2015)
BEC - 84 (February 2016)

[MaLoTu]

@Tre- Congrats … hopefully the rest of the company functions more humanly that that particular interviewer … I cannot imagine the world where a CPA isn't valuable to an accounting department.

@taxman89 – lol, I can't wait to use “assholery” on someone!

[fuzyfro89]

It could be that the role itself is not as focused on advanced accounting type work (technical research, process improvement, etc) and may be more transaction and record keeping (reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, routine entries, etc).

For basic accounting duties, what the person said isn't false… you really don't need an accounting degree or much of anything else, since it's all routine and repetition.

I can't imagine a CPA not being helpful at a large corporation as you move up in the controller's team. I also work at a large fortune 10 company, and the low level accounting folks do not have fancy degrees or public experience… and also tend to stay in their roles for a long time. The ones who advance and grow are typically CPAs… and the ones who are managers and above are almost exclusively CPAs.

Anyway, just my opinion. Microsoft is a massive company, so be prepared to drive your own career and keep moving around to learn different things.

Good luck

[Skynet]

Tre, did they give you the job because you were on of the few people willing to work with Windows 8 without throwing it against a wall after 15 minutes : )

[CPA50]

Skynet! Congrats on your pass! Has someone warned Ms. Fox that you are on your way?

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Skynet]

CPA50, i plan on surprising her ; )

[Dog pounder1977]

@Everyone thanks for the support. I can't wait to start. It did startle me that they (or I should say she) did not value the CPA in an accounting position. And she was an HR representative. I was interviewed by 2 of them. but the starting salary $38 grand is not bad either especially with me being an entry level accountant. My current position I was grateful but only making 14 bucks an hour with no benefits and mailed pay checks not even direct deposit so it is a major upgrade in my opinion. My salary may not be high in comparison to you guys who have years of experience but I am just beginning my career. Thanks again.

@mla11692: Well I wasn't hired “on the spot” they told me they would give me a call and expect to hear from them within the next two weeks. I did not know that I would get an offer less than 24 hrs later so I apologize for the misunderstanding. But yeah its with Microsoft bro. Really nice headquarters building and secured access and all that good stuff to get in. Some areas you need an escort. Makes me feel like I am really starting my professional career in accounting.

One day I will face that exam.

[Tuffy11111]

Microsoft? $38 an hour? Beginning of your career? Consider me HIGHLY jelly.

BEC - 83 7/25
REG - 76 5/2/15
AUD - Hopefully before MY Audit...7/5?
FAR - 83 5/2/16

[JPM-III]

@Tuffy11111

It looks like he indicated starting salary of 38 grand per year, otherwise I'd be mad jelly as well. =P

from neuroscience to accounting

[Author]

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