Career/CPA exam advice

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  • #201201
    sbcheung
    Participant

    I graduated with a bachelor of managerial economics 6 years ago. My undergraduate college UC Davis did not offer an accounting major. After graduation, I took many accounting classes at community colleges to qualify for the CPA exam. I starting working after completing the accounting unit requirements. However, my jobs up to today have nothing to do with accounting at all. My first job was property management, and my current job is financial service analyst (ie. travel reimbursement) for UC Berkeley. I took BEC in 2012 and failed (used WileyCPA), and I didn’t continue studying after the failure. Since I already completed the education requirement to sit for the exam, I would like to start studying seriously again.

    I don’t really want to work in public accounting, but would like to work internally in the private sector or government.

    Would I be able to find an accounting job (ie, accountant, financial analyst, accountant associate, tax analyst) even if I pass all 4 parts of CPA exam? I’m concerned about my lack of real accounting experience and age on finding employment.

    Thank you for reading the long post and any sage advice/feedback are greatly appreciated!

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  • #771363
    acamp
    Participant

    If you're still in California, are you certain you still qualify for licensure? Couple years back they got more specific, I'd bet you have the 150 units between the bachelors and added classes, but wonder if you'll meet the specific business untis and accounting units, ethics, etc.

    As far as jobs go. I'll defer to others regarding private industry jobs, but I would reconsider public. In my opinion 2-3 years in public can get your career moving faster than the same time in private–which can be especially good for CPA candidates who are a bit older and starting accounting at entry level (myself included, started Big4 in my late 20s).

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    #771364
    sbcheung
    Participant

    @ acamp, pretty sure I'm still qualified to sit for the exam even though they raised the bar a few years ago. I just resubmitted the remittance form & application fee to the Board last week. In the worst case I may just need to take 2 additional classes. I'm already 28, so it's very difficult to do the public route since I have been out of school for so long and the big 4 recruits heavily via campus networking events. I also don't want to quit my job and go back to school for a Master Accounting. I wonder what is the best way for me to transit to a real accounting position and study for CPA exams at the same time. If you don't mind sharing how you started at big 4 in late 20's, I would love to hear your story or any other sage advice! Thanks!

    #771365
    hasy
    Participant

    You're never too old for public accounting. I spoke to an EY senior who was pushing his forties when he joined. It's all about networking. Really nice guy. But if you're really set on private, then I would really start searching for positions where the job description interests you. See if that's the work that you want to do. Most of the time, it's posting joournal entries, month-end closing, and adjusting several g/l transactions.

    However, although I've tried the public AND I've been able find a very enjoyable private job after. I still have some wishes to rejoin public since I haven't been there long enough to gain the experience I want. So after passing the CPA, I might reconsider joining public in order to further my credibility and skills down the road. Big 4 is not the END all. There are several smaller firms that can take you in and recognize your potential. To show that you're truly interested in this field, pass an exam first.

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    #771366
    cpomg
    Participant

    Best advice: Pass the CPA first.. and please do not go into an entry level industry accounting job after working 6 years…you will regret it. If you truly want to pivot in your career, then I recommend the following –

    Option 1: Join a big 4 or other large firm as an experienced associate, bust your butt and make senior quickly while soaking up everything you can in those 2 years. Only then is it time to jump off into industry. You will be interviewing for jobs that would've taken you 8 years to have a chance at had you gone straight to an entry level industry accounting job after passing your CPA and worked your way up.

    Option 2: If money or getting promoted aren't high on your priority list, then I recommend going into government — preferably as an examiner or auditor. You will have significant influence, impact, low hours, and great benefits.

    Either one of those options will provide an exciting and fulfilling career path IMO

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