[Finally_a_CPA]

Hi all,

I am a young CPA with approximately 3 years of public accounting experience in taxes and audits and I now have my CPA license in the state of CA. Since I was in college, I always wanted to work for the IRS. I am at a point when I think I’m ready to switch jobs. I’ve been looking into the IRS because I would love to be an IRS auditor. However, it seems like it is impossible to get a job with the IRS unless you already work for the agency. All job openings (IRS.giv and USAjobs) are only opened to IRS employees. The only jobs opened the public are receptionist jobs. Anyone knows if there’s any way around it?

[Recked]

To my knowledge the IRS is under a hiring freeze (due to budget constraints).
They can move people up within the ranks to replace, but they can't hire new.

At least that is my understanding. And also the explanation as to why it takes 2 hours on hold to talk to someone.
I do NOT see the current administration opening the IRS up to hiring ANY new people in the foreseeable future, due to Trump's many disputes and audits with the IRS.

I've looked into IRS jobs a few different times over the years, and it just wasn't worth it.
The pension and benefits would be nice, but dollar for dollar gov't jobs really cant compete with private.
I've never really found an IRS auditor that loved their job either. Most are just sticking it out to get their years/pension.

Think about it this way. Every “new client” you meet is thinking you are out to screw them over, and will hate you by default.
It's by and large an adversarial relationship, and lots of paperwork.

I'd suggest you talk to some IRS people if you get the chance. If there is a local office near you, walk in some time and just talk to the people there.
That would be my first step. I know you like the IDEA of working for the IRS, but check out the actual scene and then determine if that's what you really want.

[aaronmo]

Basically the IRS is, intentionally, under funded as a default tax cut by way of risk reduction. Tax policy is controversial and difficult to get through without losing some voters. Under funding the IRS goes under the radar.

[Author]

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