Am I underqualified?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #195620
    Tkygl
    Participant

    Hi,

    I would like to switch jobs but the only answers I get from my applications are from recruiters. I’m wondering if I’m qualified enough to work in a CPA firm.

    I am originally from France and I have a Bachelor of Business Administration from a French business school. I arrived in the US 4 years ago and I live in Texas. I have a little over a year of experience as a Bookkeeper in a construction company (in the US), and 2 years as an Accounting Manager in a tech company (in the US). My current job consists mostly in Accounts Receivable, and I manage a team of 4 A/R clerks. I also work on the end-of-month closing in Quickbooks, which takes me about a week every months.

    I’m also taking classes in a community college in order to get the required credits to sit for the CPA exam. This is my last semester and in Fall I’ll be able to start studying for the CPA.

    I feel like I wasted my time working in A/R and that it’s not perceived as relevant accounting experience by CPA firms. I’m also making $57,000 a year, and feel like that might scare companies off. Should I lie about my current salary and give a lower amount?

    I hate my current job cause it’s mostly customer service and management. My dream job would be to work for a small CPA firm as Staff Accountant and do some taxes and bookkeeping. I’m willing to accept a big pay cut if it means getting experience.

    I was also thinking about working for H&R Block during the tax season to gain tax experience and make my resume look more attractive to employers. Do you guys think that could be a good idea?

    It’s been 2 weeks since I started sending resumes and I didn’t get a single interview yet. My name sounds extremely foreign, and I feel like I should use an Americanized name instead.

    Thanks so much for all the help and feedback you’ll be able to give me!!

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #684135
    confusedcandidate
    Participant

    Some thoughts:

    First of all, 2 weeks isn't enough time to start doubting yourself. How many resumes have you sent? Are you tailoring them for each job? I hope you aren't just copy pasting the same thing over and over. It doesn't have to be unique, but people can tell when you are sending a form letter and it's a turn off.

    Regarding your name and cultural differences. I hate to say it, but Texas is the opposite side of the cultural spectrum from France so that might be part of your problem. You guys are natural enemies :p If your name is a “snooty” sounding French name that people have trouble pronouncing it might subliminally change their opinion of you. If your name is Jacques Dubois or something it might not hurt to sign your name something like Jacques “Jake” Dubois. Same name, just the Americanized version, just to make it easier.

    In my humble opinion, it doesn't hurt to walk in the front door of the firms where you have applied, be polite, DON'T FLIRT, respectfully ask front desk if you can talk to HR for two minutes. Introduce yourself, shake hands, say hello, say you just wanted to follow up and say hi. Please consider me for the position, I know you are busy, just wanted to say hi. Then excuse yourself ASAP. (Note: you should still have your resume and references on you and be ready for an impromptu interview.) Others may disagree with me on this and it kind of depends on the firm. It's a risky move but might pay off.

    I would avoid H&R Block, it looks kind of desperate and might make the interviewers laugh and scoff. That's just my opinion though. If I were you, I would stay in my current position making $57k a year and get your school done, then pass one or two sections of the CPA and put that on your resume. That will definitely push you towards the top of the list and get you more attention. If you get a good interview and job offer, great, if not, don't stress it. And definitely don't lie about your current salary, honesty is the best policy IMHO.

    Weekends are meaningless to a CPA candidate

    #684137
    MaLoTu
    Participant

    I agree with most of what the other posters have said. 2 weeks is not long enough. I have been looking over a year and, fingers crossed, I am expecting a verbal offer from a firm next week. It takes more than just sending resumes. You have to find a way to network.

    Your salary history should not be altered and honestly, you shouldn't disclose what you make. The firm should be fine knowing your salary expectations. From what I have read on here, Texas firms are starting in the upper 50s anyway, like the previous poster mentioned.

    The experience you have is not going to get you beyond staff associate 1 in a public firm. If you are looking for experienced hire positions I would advise you to change your strategy and look for entry-level.

    It would be a very bold move to go right into a public accounting firm and ask to speak to someone in HR. They are not the decision makers on whether you get an interview. Public accounting is a fast-paced environment for all employees and you risk interrupting someones busy schedule, which will probably be considered a negative. Furthermore, I have yet visit a firm that just allows people off the street to walk in. There is usually a check in procedure in the lobby of the building and most require you be on a list of some sort before they allow you up.

    Don't give up. You are definitely NOT under-qualified for an entry-level position. You have to make the right contacts, be patient, and be realistic with the level of employment you are qualified for in relation to public accounting, which is associate 1, more than likely.

    Almost always from my phone... please excuse my typos!

    All 4 passed - 2016

    CA CPA

    #684138
    jenpen
    Participant

    I can't speak to much, but I can say that you are likely not under qualified. I landed a job with a small CPA firm last year with absolutely zero accounting experience. I had been working in law firms as a legal secretary after receiving an AAS in paralegal studies. I never could get out of the secretary role, so I just kept going back to school and after receiving my BS decided to switch gears completely and get an MBA with an accounting concentration to sit for the CPA. I began applying for jobs near the end of my MBA, and after a few months I landed an interview with the firm I am currently at. It was the only job I was able to interview for (I spoke to Robert Half at one point who was not optimistic about the chances of an accounting position but really wanted to send my resume over to the legal side, which I declined), and it was so diverse (everything from payroll, bookkeeping, taxes, and audits) that it was a dream come true. I don't make a ton of money, but I love my job and the people I work for. I'm not sure what the future holds after my CPA is complete, but for right now I am totally content with where I am at.

    So my point is to be patient and just keep sending out resumes. At some point you will find someone who is willing to take a chance on someone who maybe doesn't have the qualifications they are looking for. I applied for so many jobs knowing I didn't meet the requirements, but just hoping that someone would give me a chance.

    AUD - 85
    BEC - 84
    FAR - 82
    REG - 78
    Ethics - 95
    Licensed in IL & MO

    AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
    REG - 75
    FAR - 7/15/16
    BEC - TBD

    Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

    #684139
    Tkygl
    Participant

    Well thanks everyone for your input, I wasn't expecting so many responses so fast!

    confusedcandidate, I wish I was bold enough to walk in the front door of a CPA firm and ask to speak to the manager! I thought about H&R Block and I agree it does look desperate so I don't think I'm gonna do that. I'm gonna start sending out resumes with an Americanized name, and see if I get more lucky. Oh and I'm a woman :p

    MaLoTu, yes I'm looking for an entry-level position.

    jenpen4, wow your story is pretty incredible! Congrats on being so persistent and getting the job that you wanted.

    You guys are right, 2 weeks is not enough time to start doubting myself. I'm just so excited about being done with class, and want to start a job more challenging than Accounts Receivable. I'm hoping I can work in a CPA firm during next tax season.

    Anyways, thanks guys for all the help and have a wonderful week!

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.