[sd2011]

I recently made the move back into accounting after working outside of business for several years. Prior to my original career switch out of accounting, my experience mainly revolved around more business-related work that included AR/bookkeeping, etc.,–not public accounting or staff accountant level work.

I was able to get my exams out of the way before coming back to accounting, and took a position at a very small firm to get my hours in. The pay that I took is quite low and I am doing everything from moderately complex individual tax returns to bookkeeping/year end review to financial statements–no audits, though, and my state doesn’t require them for licensure.

I am just not so sure where I am heading career wise. I think I would eventually like to eventually work as a controller for a small business, move into a private company with a large accounting department, or into move a larger (but still local, not even regional sized) firm.

I live in a large suburban area about an hour out of a major city, and I am in my late thirties, so not really a traditional age to be entering accounting . I am enjoying what I am doing so much more than my last career, but know that as soon as I get licensed, I have to make a jump to get my pay back up to something reasonable and get into a position that will put me on some sort of track where continues to increase (I def. see professional growth where I’m at, but don’t see the kind of salary growth I would want).

Has anyone started out at a small firm (handling the same type of work (small business accounting, no audits, etc.), and if so, where did you go from there? Am I really going to be able to find something without audit experience? How common is it during your first year to not be doing 1120’s and 1065’s (I do the prep work, but not the actual returns)?

Sorry for the rambling post, I just need some feedback!

A-87 Oct 2011 (Becker, Yaeger)
B-77 Jan 2012 (Yaeger)
R-92 Aug 2012 (Yaeger, WTB, Ninja Notes)
F-81 Jan 2013 (Yaeger, WTB, Ninja Notes)

[mgnyc]

With your CPA you should be able to move into a Senior Acct role at a private company. This may offer the salary bump you are looking for and possible controller track.

Aud 73, 79
Reg 70, 60, 67, 76
Far 70, 66, 72, 87
Bec 77

[mgnyc]

With your CPA you should be able to move into a Senior Acct role at a private company. This may offer the salary bump you are looking for and possible controller track.

Aud 73, 79
Reg 70, 60, 67, 76
Far 70, 66, 72, 87
Bec 77

[TargetCPA]

Sorry for using this thread but I have few questions about career steps.

I am working in CPA firm with friendly boss but its a part time with lowest salary (not even a regular pay).

I am working here, because it will help me for future CPA license purpose.

Working Schedule: Tue, Thu, Sat

Hours: 24hours per week

Now I got job offer from growing real estate company but they are non CPA finance managers. This is a full time position. Annual pay is also in a decent level (better than my current part time job for salary).

Working Schedule: Mon – Fri

Hours: 40hours per week

I don't know what to do next. I have some options in my mind.

Option 1:

Take the new job and also continuing my current job (If my boss and time accepting my new schedule).

If I take this new job, I can work only for Sat in CPA firm.

Option 2:

Only working for CPA firm.

This is the toughest phase to choose the right job for me.

Please advice me.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

BEC-78(Expired),68,71,69,74
REG-Waiting for score
AUD-
FAR-

[TargetCPA]

Sorry for using this thread but I have few questions about career steps.

I am working in CPA firm with friendly boss but its a part time with lowest salary (not even a regular pay).

I am working here, because it will help me for future CPA license purpose.

Working Schedule: Tue, Thu, Sat

Hours: 24hours per week

Now I got job offer from growing real estate company but they are non CPA finance managers. This is a full time position. Annual pay is also in a decent level (better than my current part time job for salary).

Working Schedule: Mon – Fri

Hours: 40hours per week

I don't know what to do next. I have some options in my mind.

Option 1:

Take the new job and also continuing my current job (If my boss and time accepting my new schedule).

If I take this new job, I can work only for Sat in CPA firm.

Option 2:

Only working for CPA firm.

This is the toughest phase to choose the right job for me.

Please advice me.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

BEC-78(Expired),68,71,69,74
REG-Waiting for score
AUD-
FAR-

[Mayo]

Sorry to use this thread, but does anyone have a good recipe for Italian meatballs? 😛

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Sorry to use this thread, but does anyone have a good recipe for Italian meatballs? 😛

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[teeteenounouche]

@Mayo lmao, I really need a laugh tonight!!

Florida:
AUD: 73, 81! Thank you Lord!
BEC: 73, 77! Thank you Lord! and WTB
REG: 71, 82! Thank you Lord! and A71
FAR: 72, 78! Thank you God and my Mommy in Heaven!

CPA Excel, Ninja Notes & Audio, Wiley Test Bank, CPAreviewforfree

[teeteenounouche]

@Mayo lmao, I really need a laugh tonight!!

Florida:
AUD: 73, 81! Thank you Lord!
BEC: 73, 77! Thank you Lord! and WTB
REG: 71, 82! Thank you Lord! and A71
FAR: 72, 78! Thank you God and my Mommy in Heaven!

CPA Excel, Ninja Notes & Audio, Wiley Test Bank, CPAreviewforfree

[Gatorbates]

Lame and insensitive. Lay off the “Italian sauce”.

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Gatorbates]

Lame and insensitive. Lay off the “Italian sauce”.

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Anonymous]

Me either. LOL

Mayo, are looking onto becoming a Chef instead of a CPA?

[Anonymous]

Me either. LOL

Mayo, are looking onto becoming a Chef instead of a CPA?

[tough_kitty]

Hahaha, Mayo, I just read the post above yours 😉

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Hahaha, Mayo, I just read the post above yours 😉

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Mayo]

@amordiva, Haha, no but I thought since we were hijacking threads and all…

@gatorbates, chill Winston…patience is a virtue.

@OP, I'd say that if you were interested in Controller type roles then get out of tax as soon as you're able to. There's just zero opportunity for a financial reporting role if you specialize in that field. Here's one suggestion:

1.) At your current work, try and be proactive and do as much non-tax work as you can

2.) Start networking now (CPA society, linkedin groups, etc.)

3.) when you get licensed, leverage the relationships you formed in #2 and see about getting referrals for job opportunities at small to midsize CPA firms

4.) Do audit and work until manager

5.) leave to be an assistant controller or controller at a small to medium firm

6.) come to A71 and post an Italian meatballs recipe as thanks to me 🙂

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

Replies