[what_now]

(I apologize for the repeat topic, as I’m sure there have been similar topics on this posted before, but I just wanted to describe and ask for advice on my case.)

So I plan to be graduating next spring with a Masters in Taxation, as well as having (hopefully) passed the four sections of the CPA exam, in accordance to my school’s curriculum. Unfortunately, what I will not be graduating with is a job.

I want to build a career in a different state than my current university, which has been a hindrance to my recruiting process. Most of the smaller regional firms who recruit at my school are recruiting for in-state positions, but my goal is to work in another area, so I didn’t apply to them. Thus, my only option to be able to start in the place I wanted was the Big 4, who recruit nationally. So I recruited with the Big 4, but did not receive any offers from them.

So I will probably not have an offer of full-time employment by the time I graduate, but I still plan to move out to the state I want to move to and try to find a job there. I have looked on job post websites, but most of the “entry-level” positions listed still state that they require 1-2+ years of experience. My only relevant experience so far is an internship with a Top 6 public accounting firm (which I had received an offer of full-time employment with, but had declined because the position wasn’t in the state I wanted to work in).

My questions is: If I am out of school/no longer able to recruit through school, what are my chances of being able to find a decent entry-level accounting position? With a Masters and a CPA, but not enough work experience, am I still only going to be able to apply for $15/hr Staff Accountant jobs?

(Again, I am not opposed to a job with a smaller, regional firm, and the only reason I didn’t recruit with them while in school was because I was looking for an out-of-state position. Is it possible to apply for full-time regional firm positions after you graduate, and with limited experience?)

[mla1169]

Don't go by what job listings state are requirements. I didn't start college (not even one semester!) until I was 33 years old and EVERY job I ever held listed an associates degree as a minimum requirement. If a listing says 1-2 years still apply. It's rarely a deal breaker!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[what_now]

@mla1169 Thanks! I think most of the time experience > education, though, so it's the opposite situation for me. Though I suppose it doesn't hurt to try.

Also, to clarify, I'm not opposed to working a lower-paying starting job to get the necessary experience, either. I am just wondering there is any other way, since I don't really want to “waste” having gotten a Masters and CPA, either.

[mla1169]

Here's what I've been told by HR and staffing companies. When a job says “entry level” then lists either an education or experience requirement they're just trying to discourage people from other fields wasting their time. My husband is a machinist, and a darned good one at that! I couldn't do what he does and vice versa. When he got laid off this year he would apply to any and every job listing-from dominos pizza to Fedex. The experience/education requirement is just their way of saying “dude don't waste our time. You don't know excel from outlook and we don't have time to hold your hand!”

Same way jobs in his field don't have the time to teach me this big green contraption from that small blue thing-a-ma-Bob

🙂

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[cool_kid]

I'm currently a MAcc student who is looking for a job and I didn't have any luck getting offers through campus recruiting. I've been applying everywhere and I've only heard back from one place which is just a sole proprietor firm. This isn't what I want but if I were offered this job I'd probably have consider it if nothing else. Im pretty open for now cause I feel like at the beginning its difficult to get what you want without much experience. I personally think you're better off taking a position, getting experience, and then trying to make the move to a different state.

[what_now]

I was also wondering–is it possible to do an internship AFTER graduation?

I feel like most companies are hesitant to hire someone for full-time, if they don't know how they've worked previously, so I'm thinking that applying for internships would be a better way to get my foot in the door. Through my school's recruiting system, they don't allow final-year graduating students to apply for internships, but if I'm off on my own independent job search, do companies consider graduates for internships?

[Anonymous]

I did an internship after graduating. I got a feel for the company, and was offered FT after the internship. However, this was before I had the credits for CPA – so I had to go back to school for a semester. Getting a (well-paid) internship after graduation worked well in my case. It gave me a feel for public accounting also.

[Skynet]

Network, Network, Network.

Attend local Association chapters to meet potential employers. You know the saying 80% of all the job listings are invisible. The only way to see them is through networking.

AUD - 90
BEC - 78
FAR - 84
REG - 87

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - In Progress
Phase III : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase IV : Form the new Charlie's Angels with Megan Fox, Scarlett Johansson, & Gal Gadot
Phase V : TBD

BEC : 78
REG : 87
FAR : 84
AUD : 90

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - Initiated
Phase III : Bring back 8-Tracks
Phase IV : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase V : TBA

[what_now]

@Skynet, what do you mean by local association chapters? I will plan to be seeking a job in an entirely different location than where I am currently attending college, so I'm not sure where I can network there. Are there job fairs, etc.?

[ijustwant76]

Classic Job Catch 22. Cant get a job with no experience. Cant get experience without a job. CPA makes or breaks you. As soon as that is on your resume, you'll be golden. The CPA is WHAT will SEPARATE you from all the other applicants.

Pass that test.

[Skynet]

@ what_now – You have to look at accounting associations in your area. For example. I am in SoCal, so there are organizations like IMA, CalCPA, CSEA, and etc. These organizations holds technical meetings and mixers. These events are to allow you to network and earn CPE credits. You can also check out your local Chamber of Commerce. Don't limit yourself to just where you live or where you are going to school. I've gone as far as 40-50 miles to attend some of these meetings before.

AUD - 90
BEC - 78
FAR - 84
REG - 87

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - In Progress
Phase III : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase IV : Form the new Charlie's Angels with Megan Fox, Scarlett Johansson, & Gal Gadot
Phase V : TBD

BEC : 78
REG : 87
FAR : 84
AUD : 90

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - Initiated
Phase III : Bring back 8-Tracks
Phase IV : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase V : TBA

[what_now]

@ijustwant76 Yeah, that's my main goal next semester, to pass all four parts of the CPA. Right now, I guess I won't dwell on my failure with recruiting, and just keep trying to best set myself up for the future.

@Skynet Thanks for the advice. Yes, I'm from the midwest, but the area I actually plan to be looking for a job in is SoCal. Do you have any advice on how I will be able to attend those meetings without being enrolled in a local school?

[Anonymous]

@ what_now:

I had a similar plan as yours. After not getting a B4 offer, I contacted some recruiters and even a friend of mine who is an employee of a firm in the city I want to move to. It is very hard to get entry level when you don't live in the town. Those recruiters are already looking at a ton of qualified candidates who are graduating from schools they already have developed relationships with. Once I didn't get an offer from my friends firm I changed my plan. I decided that instead of moving out of town right away, I would stay and build a few years experience. I got a job at a mid-tier firm in town and start in January. . I don't want to live in my city/state either. But I'm going to suck it up and build the experience. I think once you get a couple years of public accounting experience it will be much easier to move. I could be wrong. I hope I'm not. I'll find out in a few years I guess.

[Skynet]

@ what_now – You don't have to be in school to attend. You just go to the association websites, find the chapter that is closest to where you are able to commute to, sign up for the events, pay the fees for the events, and attend. CalCPA has lots of meetings especially in SoCal which is what I would recommend. Lots of local CPA firms attend CalCPA events. You should also look into the IMA as well if you are looking for work in SoCal as you say. Also make sure to print up business cards, update your Linkedin account, and have updated resumes printed out when you attend.

AUD - 90
BEC - 78
FAR - 84
REG - 87

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - In Progress
Phase III : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase IV : Form the new Charlie's Angels with Megan Fox, Scarlett Johansson, & Gal Gadot
Phase V : TBD

BEC : 78
REG : 87
FAR : 84
AUD : 90

World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
Phase II : Megan Fox - Initiated
Phase III : Bring back 8-Tracks
Phase IV : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase V : TBA

[what_now]

Thanks for everyone's advice! I have another further question–in independent job search, is it really much harder to find work with a degree in tax as opposed to audit? I will have a masters in tax, but I'm not sure how my prospects fare compared to those who have audit degrees (I'm absolutely open to doing audit work and have considered making the switch–though it's too late now, in terms of my degree).

[Author]

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