[pedrocerrano]

I don’t know what to say. I am a CPA and could use a bit of encouragement. I’m trying to break into public to really start my career at a tax staff/associate level, and so far many CPA firms are considering me but seem mostly uninterested because I am not really a campus hire nor an experienced hire. I don’t have a minimum of 3-5 years of public (experienced hire). I feel like I’m basically an entry-level hire, but I am older and have been out of school for 5 years, having taken time off to pursue a sport at a high level.

I went to a pretty good college highly ranked for accounting in the East where many of the Big4 recruit, but one that isn’t likely to do me any good in the region I’m now living in (out West). I really want to stay out West though. I moved out West a few years ago and have a year of tax experience in private and a great recommendation from a VP here, but so far no offers for me in public, despite a 3.9 undergrad and 3.6 in masters and having the CPA license out here. I’m pretty sure I’ll eventually land something, but it’s just frustrating that every public firm’s CPA website seems to just have 2 categories – campus hire & experienced hire.

The general pattern I see is that I click on campus hire, and I find just a bunch of promotional materials and schools out here where they recruit. I click on experienced hire and the only positions are at the tax senior or manager level, which I don’t have the experience for.

So how does a new CPA ever get started if not a campus hire NOR experienced hire AND having been out of a masters in accounting program for 5 years?

If I have to start at H&R block or something, would that be the worst thing? 🙂

[fuzyfro89]

Network, dude.

You're in no man's land being out of school, not experienced enough for a exp./senior role, but also not entry level, and also your relevant experience is not recent (I'm assuming you didn't work at the company you mentioned just recently?).

Start contacting one recruiter per day. Do your homework. Write a thoughtful email. Connect with and send lots of messages to places you are interested in working on Linkedin. Don't expect jobs to find you.

Seriously, Linkedin is your new BFF.

I would focus on contacting recruiters rather than just applying online directly, because the time : effectiveness ratio is higher when you can actually get in front of someone. Even reach out to people at the manager level and introduce yourself and ask about any openings they may have in their team or how to get in touch with someone about opportunities at their firm/company or if they would be willing to discuss how they like their job with you. At worst, they ignore your message because they are too busy. At best, a few will respond and make some time for you OR will forward you the contact information of someone in HR who may be more inclined to respond.

I would avoid HR Block in the short-term, but if you absolutely need money, it's not the worst thing. Some experience is better than no experience.

[pedrocerrano]

The job is very recent (this past year), but it was in industry, not public. I would be very willing to accept entry-level tax in public. Since many public firms dont see 1 year of private as worth that much, I would probably be entry-level in their eyes anyway, but NOT a “campus hire,” as I finished a masters 5 years ago. I'm not desperate for money and could afford not to work, but at the same time, I don't want to sit on my butt for a year coming off the 1 year of industry and do nothing. So is there anything I can do to get involved this profession for the time being until I find a job besides network my butt off? 🙂

[Anonymous]

Hey man – I am in the same boat. A CPA that is working in industry as a Staff (2 years + 2 years as AP) and trying to get into public.

I am networking at a CPA society breakfast on Thursday so hopefully this will give me some ideas.

[jstay]

try craigslist, depending on your location. I've found internships and always see firms looking for staff associates

[MrMustPass]

Linkedin

the best place to develop a personal relationship

BEC - 77
FAR - 69, 70, 76
REG - Waiting
AUD - Jan 2015

Just Do It.

[tomq04]

Craigslist is great out on the west coast for job offers. Recruiters are also a good best friend.

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[Tux]

I don't think anything is wrong with HR Block. Actually, I believe it has a good reputation, so it could look good on a resume.

Each location is different though. I worked there a few years ago and didn't like it at all, but that's mostly because management was very disorganized, I received no direction, just sort of “thrown to the wolves” I didn't know what I was doing and no one there to guide me.

However, I am considering trying it again, but at a different location. The people make all the difference in any job, and I'm sure that if I'm at a higher volume location, there would be stronger management and I'll get more direction and better training. So, I say that you should consider it.

I also recommend networking, though. Talk to everyone you know and ask for names of CPA's that they know, then contact them to say that you're just trying to make business connections.

Like dadud above, Go to your local CPA society meetings.

I just made a connection on LinkedIn, and it may turn into an internship. People on LinkedIn have been very nice so go ahead and reach out.

You'll eventually make a connection that leads to something.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Anonymous]

Find the local recruiters on LinkedIn and start a dialog that way. Getting in via online applications is an uphill battle. A steep one at that.

HR Block MAY work for a small shop, but the Big 4 could care less about that. HR Block isn't known for its stringent vetting processes.

If you want real hands-on experience- join (or start) a VITA program. You'll get some experience with compliance and it shows that you are interested enough to volunteer your time to the community and act as an ambassador to the profession.

[Author]

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