[Anonymous]

I hope to be finishing up my exams in February or March and am wondering how busy seasons play an affect on the job market around that time of year. I’m not planning on getting into tax so I’m not sure what the level of intensity would be but I’m concerned about getting thrown into a whirlwind of responsibility without much experience. On the other hand, I’m concerned that if I wait busy season out it may be more difficult to find a job. I have a bachelor’s in econ and history so I won’t have the normal accounting grad background. Any input is appreciated.

[Mary 2496]

Well … I run a public accounting firm and will tell you that busy season is busy for anyone that has anything to do with accounting or finance, even if you're not directly related to tax work. Of course, working directly in taxes is insane that time of the year, which I absolutely love!

Finance companies are busy putting out (and oftentimes then correcting) statements for their customers so that their customers can have their tax returns prepared. Those same companies then must prepare and submit their master files to the IRS so that the IRS can then compare those to taxpayer submitted returns to determine if taxpayers are properly reporting and paying taxes on their portfolio income.

As an executive, I would say that any company would be very irresponsible just to throw you in somewhere and have you perform duties that you are not completely comfortable with.

Would it be easier to find a job in the accounting field during tax season? Probably. Just be very upfront about your experience so that you and your employer are both on the same page.

Best of luck to you!

[number_cruncher_24]

The large CPA firms usually recruit in the fall for the following year. The smaller firms tend to be more flexible about when they hire.

[Author]

Replies