[Rocky123]

I thought that once I became a CPA, I would have better career options. I didn’t expect to become a CFO over night, but I thought that it would open some doors.

Now, I think prospective employers just view me as someone with past crappy jobs and now a CPA.

They probably see me as “overqualified” for some jobs and “underqualified” for others. I’m lost in the gap.

I want a more challenging position that will someday lead me to becoming a controller. I see my next job as a stepping stone where I can get my hands dirty, so to speak. Now I need someone to take a chance on me…

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[Anonymous]

I feel like I am in the same boat. I don't know if the fact that I have my CPA makes some employers feel I am overqualified or will demand too high of a salary, or if the fact that my only accounting job has been for the state, and state employees have a “reputation.” I am also hoping someone will take a chance on me.

[Rocky123]

Beginning to wonder if passing the CPA Exam was worth my time and effort at this point.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[ruggercpa2b]

I think in some past threads that I have read, I remember seeing MLA post that she sent out hundreds of resume after passing the exam before she got any interviews. Its tough to get a job and I honestly do not think that having the CPA will ensure getting a job right away. You are going to have to put in a lot of work.

I am not yet a CPA but worked at a Big 4 for 2.5 years. It took me a year to find another job. I went on multiple interviews, applied to every single job I thought fit my skillset. Some did not even bother calling me even after I was down to the final 2. I had so many phone interviews that my best friend stopped asking me because she said as much as she cared it was hard to keep up with my interviews.

Just keep trying. And figure out how to sell yourself without over doing it. One place did not hire me because they told me that they would not have the advancement opportunities within their department that I was looking for. It was a big hospital and I just wanted my foot in the door. That really made me rethink my response when I was asked why I was looking to leave my then current job.

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

AUD - 1/6/18
FAR - TBD
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Anonymous]

It is especially discouraging when you see the discussion here asking how hard it is to find a job and some are saying if you can fog a mirror, you can get a job, yet others of us feel like we are pushing water uphill.

[Rocky123]

@rugger

Agreed. Have to be careful how I answer questions in interviews. Heck, I'll even be happy to LAND an interview.

@ajones

Agreed. Sigh…

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[Determined CPA]

Rocky123 – are you working with a recruiter?

A - 75
B - 78 God is good.
F - 77 Answered prayers.
R - 84! Done!!

Paperwork sent - waiting for license!!
Still on a cloud and in shock. Through God, all things will happen.

[Shel_178]

I think it depends a lot on the area that you live/are looking for employment in…in some cities there is a lot of competition. On the other side of that there are also some smaller cities/towns where there are so few openings that when something becomes available everyone jumps on it.

@Rocky123

Are you applying for every accounting job that is posted or are you looking at a specific area? (industry, public, banking/finance)

REG - 86
FAR - 80
BEC - 79
AUD - 92...I'm done woohoo!

Licensed CPA since Feb. 2014

[Rocky123]

@Determined

Yes. Had meeting with them this week.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[Rocky123]

@Shel

I'm applying for every job that looks like a good stepping stone for my career. Not limiting myself.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[Anonymous]

It depends entirely on where you live. I'm from NYC and I went to university there also. Well paying jobs were and are a dime a dozen in the financial industry. You must remember that you have a financial license (CPA). The logical thing to do would be to consider moving to a city with a major financial industry (NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, etc.)

I have never had any issues finding jobs partly because I have never had any issues packing my bags and moving thousands of miles away. I've worked in NYC, Paris, CT, and Hong Kong. Big city = jobs = experience = better future prospects.

You have to cast your net FAR and Wide (no pun intended :))

I remember reading an article in the Economist several years ago, which discussed how our economy is less flexible due to the fact that people plant their roots and are typically unwilling to up and move. The article drew parallels to the early part of last century where an entire family would pack into a wagon and travel cross country in search for work.

In conclusion, the jobs are there….lot's of them. But they won't come to you, you need to go to them….

[Rocky123]

@Charlie

I can't move. I have 2 kids that I share custody of with my ex husband. Otherwise, I would leave for sure.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[stoleway]

I agree with Charlie, you need to move out of your comfort zone and apply for jobs in other cities or state.

You might not fancy the idea of moving, but there is a better opportunity waiting for you somewhere.

Verizon for instance is searching for talents in locations like FL, OK, GA, VA, NJ, CA, and TX.

REG -63│ 84!!
BEC- 59│70│ 71 │78!
AUD- 75!
FAR- 87!

Mass-CPA

[Anonymous]

@Rocky123,

I totally understand your situation. This is very common. In that case, you have to accept that your options will be limited, and your opportunities will also be limited. It may take you a long time to find the job you are looking for. However; you must persist and keep on trying.

I can tell you one thing. Many small employers (small CPA firms, small businesses) prefer people like yourself who will stick around, as opposed to some career driven single guy who will up and leave at the first opportunity.

Do your online research and keep on applying. Getting your foot in the door is the hardest part. Once you're in, you're in…

[Anonymous]

The CPA is not a golden ticket. But over the course of your entire career, it will open doors and be worth it in the long run. Don't get discouraged the job market can be disheartening. And as long as you live in a good sized city, no reason to think moving will help any. I generally disagree with that “move to find a better job” thinking, because I've seen people get burned by that thinking before.

I see the CPA sort of like a Masters degree. It won't necessarily help get you a job (although it may) but will help your promotion potential. And adds to your “personal brand”, especially when combined with some good/relevant experience.

This is also why I strongly disagree with people around here who suggest people focus entirely on the CPA before looking for jobs. Or taking a break after school to do the CPA and THEN apply for jobs. The experience itself is critical; oftentimes moreso than the CPA in the early stages of your career.

[stoleway]

@Anonny

“Moving” doesn't mean you have to pack bag and baggage to some other location even before you get a job offer, people basically stay at their current location and apply for jobs with the intention of relocating as soon as a job offer becomes available.

REG -63│ 84!!
BEC- 59│70│ 71 │78!
AUD- 75!
FAR- 87!

Mass-CPA

[Author]

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