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I NEED A JOB!!!!!

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Started 1 year ago by GSU Josh
Latest reply from To be or not to be

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GSU Josh

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Hi, everyone. I have spent the bulk of 2010 trying to get these three letters behind my name, and they're almost there (hopefully). Now it's time for me to find a serious accounting job. I live in the Savannah, GA area, but am not limited to this area. Relocation is no problem. I have a year of audit experience and will be able to obtain my license after I get a final passing score (150 credit hours satisfied). Just trying to get some leads so I can start networking and jump start my career. Any help/comments at all would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, apparently, CPA's are in demand as I read an article yesterday on yahoo.com. It was about jobs that desperately need to be filled, and accountants/CPA's were number one on the list! Can someone please prove to me that this is, in fact, true?

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!
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Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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I'm pretty sure the only job in demand is the one in which you hand out unemployment checks

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
gabe1475

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That and the medical field, but not much use to us. There are some jobs out there, but if you are in a smaller area, it will probably require a long commute unless you get lucky.

FAR - 95
AUD - 82
REG - 94
BEC - 84

Posted 1 year ago #
Vince

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GSU Josh, I am in Kennesaw, GA waiting on my AUD score as I took it AUG 21. Since then (after I got kicked out of my brothers house a few days after the exam and homeless for a few days) I am currently networking. Network, network, network. You can apply online to your desired companies, but most goes to the recycling bin or in their "database" and you never hear from them. Its all about who you know, not what you know, when it comes to job searching. I made new business cards, updated my resume, contacted with recruiters I talked to before studying for the CPA, contacted old professors, attend job networking events, and being involved in volunteer work.

FAR (Feb. '10) - 83
REG (Apr. '10) - 88
BEC (May '10) - 79
AUD (Aug '10) - 80

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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are you seriously homeless vince?

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
cpa journey

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GSU Josh

Have you considered project work or temp assignments. With companies running so lean there may be a need for someone to come in and catch up on tasks that have been set aside and left undone. From there you will be in a better position to network and the company may actually hire you.

Posted 1 year ago #
GSU Josh

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I would consider anything at this point. I have signed on with Accountemps, but they're a joke if you ask me. I'm going to give it a few more weeks in my local area, but if I can't find anything I'll just have to start looking anywhere in the state. I have some contacts that may be able to help me find a job somewhere else, but just not where I am now. Lived away from my wife for a year when I was working in 2009. Thought that the CPA title would make a difference. So far it doesn't seem that way, though, I don't have the last one passed on paper yet and no license in hand. We'll see if that makes a difference if I get a passing score back.

The problem is everyone wants all kinds of experience. Apparently, I'm not capable of doing anything since I only have one year experience. I'm almost 26 and have a year of auditing experience and basically done with my CPA. Don't know that I could have done a whole lot more at this point.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

Posted 1 year ago #
cpa journey

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GSU Josh

Sign up with more than one remp place - try 3 - 4.

Also do any of your area churches have a between job ministry? These are people who have set up a ministry to help folks find either perm or temp. You don't have to belong to the church and they are a wonderful way of networking. Memebrs who find a job will often list jobs even before the general public is aware of the opening. They also have point of contact instead of tryong to get past HR.

Another avenue is the federal government has some good auditing jobs in DoD, Veterns Admin.betc. You may have to relocate but it is a solid place to start.

PS - when these recruiters tell you thay can't place you because you lack A B or C - code for they just don't know how to market you. Once you get A B or C - then they move onto another reason they can' place you. Their ideal candidate is with an employee fresh from a Big 4 firm with 3 - 5 years expereince. Outside that - they don't always know how to market you.

If youhave friends or family in a stronger economic area - perhaps target those areas and then stay with them when you get an interview.

Hope this helps - it is hard out there. You are doing all the right things and it will pay off

Posted 1 year ago #
Camelia_CPA

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I live in Ohio, and I applied for jobs (accounting) last few weeks in New York City. I mean, I lived in NYC for 12 yrs. Nobody called me back, even though I have my phone # NYC area. It was shocking. I work in a local bank as a collector (isn't ridiculous??? my "bosses" have a HS degree and they "proof my writing.. I have a mba degree as well besides accounting :))) . I probably have to take that out of my resume, better write, …no job, but studying full time for CPA exam.

I would try every avenue, and I would send out tons of resumes. And please be confident, you have a CPA exam PASSED, and I guess you have so much better chances to get that job. From my previous experience – the last past year, I would have been hired for any SR Accountant job here in Ohio ( where the job market is dead), just if I could have “proved” that I passed at least … FAR… So, be confident..

But, please review, redo, UP TO DATE your resume and just apply apply apply…. Even http://www.indeed.com works. Actually it’s a good website. Accountemps pay cheaply ($10-$15/ hr). Robert & Half, I never liked them, because they were charging enormous fees, and overworking me.....I know you’ll get a job.

About me? I am heavy into AUD… and I am looking to prepare myself to know, and pass, I just don’t want to go in there and look like an idiot )) and wonder another month if I passed. Wish me luck in ..studying.

FAR OCT 11, AUD Jan 11

Posted 1 year ago #
GSU Josh

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Thanks for the encouragement/info, cpa journey and camelia. I'm going to keep on trying. Hopefully, I'll get a passing score here in a couple weeks and can apply for my license. I think that would help some. The church networking sounds like a good idea, I will look into that. I will also look into other temp agencies and keep on applying to anything I see. I just hope I get a passing score back in two weeks. I don't want to study anymore, and I especially don't want to wait until third week in November to get another score back.

Camelia, as far as AUD goes, it's one of the easier tests. Only reason I failed the first time (by one point) was because I didn't read the text whatsoever. I used Becker and only watched the lectures and did mc twice and sims once. Just make sure you at least read/skim the text once so you don't miss any grimy details.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

Posted 1 year ago #
Cody

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I would have to agree with Vince. It is all about networking. Sometimes, it's is about networking to people who you would not even think would be helpful. Take my situation as an example. I got my first (and current) accounting job at a local firm through someone I worked with at a grocery store. His brother is the owner of an accounting firm in town and he hooked me up with an interview. However, before I talked to him and shared my goals/aspirations, I didn't know he was related to the owner. So, the moral of the story is that you have to always and constantly (although not annoyingly, if possible) market yourself to everyone.

Also, I would encourage you to use your alumni network and college's career center. That's how I got my upcoming job with EY. I go to a small college (about 1,500 students) in a rural area (about 1.5 hours from the EY office and almost 3 hours to any city you've heard of (Columbus, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, etc.)). Therefore, I was at a huge disadvantage when it came to finding a job outside the area since I was born and raised in the city where my college is located and nothing is around here. Every firm wants "local" candidates, and I am not "local" to any of the major cities. Further, since my college is so small, no major firms recruit here. So, I leveraged my firm's career center and got in touch with some graduates (however few) who work at Deloitte, EY, PwC, etc. and they got my resumes to the right place. Sometimes it didn't work out - I met with a Senior Manager at Deloitte who is an alum of my college and I completely bombed the interview. But, eventually, it did. I got a staff in Columbus to forward my resume to someone in Cleveland who forwarded it to the right person in Charleston at the right time. I nailed the interview, got an internship, and after working my heart out (and butt off), I got an offer.

So, overall, I would just encourage you to stick with it (i.e. be persistent), network, and use your college's career services office and alumni network (which should be very easy at a big school like Georgia State).

Good luck on the job hunt!

Took the exam for Alaska, working in West Virginia, and used Becker
REG - 96 (7/24/10), BEC - 93 (8/21/10), AUD - 99 (2/26/11), FAR 95 (5/31/11). DONE!
Licensed CPA in Commonwealth of Virginia!

Posted 1 year ago #
Camelia_CPA

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@GSU Josh, I know AUD is pretty much ok :)) I am second language speaking, which I few weeks ago AUD was japonese to me :)). I remember one thursday night i came home, I was so upset, and down, and I read one of your posts here (I don;t remember who was that person), but it was so touchy, the user was speaking about personal achievements, a lot of things...and since that day I started to put passion and dedication and ...pretty much now I am half way throught the AUD concepts. Also, my work schedule is my #1 enamy; it's 10a-10p mo -th, and that takes away a lot of time.

But for you, with the exam passed, I am sure 100% you'll have a few good offers on the table to choose from. And don't think you don't have experience. You have the FAR that talks for you.

FAR OCT 11, AUD Jan 11

Posted 1 year ago #
Vince

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@financeguy I actually have a roof under me right now. But yes I was homeless.
Story:
I got kicked out of my house the day (in fact the drive home) of my REG exam because my stepfather was tired of seeing me study before he went to work, after he got home, and studied until dinner. I moved into my brothers place which took 2 days. That was my break-between-sections as I started BEC the 3rd day. Studied BEC and AUD at my brothers house which almost killed me bc he is COMPLETELY opposite of me and has no friends (I need a social life, he is introverted). Because he thinks he is "overqualified" but yet has zero work experience in his education, he couldnt pay his rent from working at Moe's and playing world of warcraft all day. I got an unexpected call while driving back from a networking event and dinner with friends at midnight saying I had 9 hours to move out so I stayed up all night packing up. I was living out of my car for a week, washing up at a waffle house restroom, job searching/resume updating at caribou coffee, etc. I actually had an interview with a recruiter and she asked me where I was staying, I hesitated and was very hard to tell her my situation but at the end she mentioned she would try to get me in asap bc she felt bad about my situation. My friend talked to his friends and they let me stay at their apartment and now sleeping on their couch. I am now searching for a job as a full time job just like how I treated my CPA study.

It is a struggle and it sucks that my mother loves me very much and has given me 100% support but my stepdad hates me. Oh and you might be asking where my brother moved to. His father (mine too but his cold heart takes an effect on how I think of him) who has a 5 room house, 2 only being occupied, let my brother live in one. He denied me. Maybe if I didnt go for my cpa and was like my brother, not being able to graduate high school with a college prep and have to go tech prep, cant find anything in his video production or his surgical tech thing. you know Im going to stop now bc this will get long and dirty. Lets just say life is not fair and the best of us must tough it out and be persistent. what doesnt kill us makes us stronger.

FAR (Feb. '10) - 83
REG (Apr. '10) - 88
BEC (May '10) - 79
AUD (Aug '10) - 80

Posted 1 year ago #
cpa journey

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Vince

I admire your ability to set goals and work without wavering. Passing three parts of the exam under these conditions says a lot about you and your drive. When you present yourself to the right employer this will shine through and an opportunity will open up. You are on the right track and will succeed.

Families can be difficult but take the best of what they can offer and continue to leaave the worst behind.

Networking will lead you to the opportunity and I will pray it is soon.

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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Well Vince, I would say you win the award for the most difficult situation on this forum. Did you just recently graduate from college?

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
GSU Josh

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Back at the job hunt tomorrow!! Another business day. Also sick of waiting on my final score. Would like to know if I'm done or not.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

Posted 1 year ago #
75 CPA

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I need a job too. However, no one will hire me because I am 64 years old. Therefore, I will go to work for myself.

Today I am ordering Quickbooks for accountants and I will study to become certified in Quickbooks. Additionally, I already use Lacerte for taxes. I will knock on the doors of small businesses and I will offer to do their bookkeepin and taxes.

When the doors are closed, I look for a crack in the windows. That is all the opportunity that I need.

Posted 1 year ago #
GSU Josh

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So I got a call today, and I have an interview scheduled for Friday. I want to do anything possible to give myself the best chance to get this job as opportunities like this are few and far between. It's for a financial analyst position at a local hospital. Does anyone have any advice as to what I should mention or talk about or maybe anything I should look over or review before going in? My last interview I felt like I did fine, but was not asked to return. I read somewhere that you should get a business card and email the interviewers and thank them for the opportunity afterward. Any thoughts? Thanks.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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Well I think you need to let them know why you will bring value to the company. I think you need to show your passion towards a career and what differentiates you from the other candidates. They will most likely ask you a bunch of typical questions that most job interviews have, and most of the interviewers cannot differentiate one candidate from another in most cases. No matter what the questions are, you need to answer them in a way which demonstrates your strengths and why you will be an asset and not a liability to the company.

If you don't have any experience, you need to stay away from talking about lack of experience, and instead talk about what value you can bring to the company.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
AU1222

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Good luck on your interview!

I ALWAYS send a thank you note after an interview. I think it's become socially acceptable to send it via email; however being a good Southern girl, I have been taught that a handwritten note goes a long way. I actually do both--an email the same day thanking the interviewer for his/her time and consideration and then a follow-up handwritten note. Also, I make sure to get a business card from every person with whom I speak and thank them as well...

As far as prep goes, I would research the position and the company as much as possible, but incorporate your research in such a way that it sounds natural during your interview. 'Financial Analyst' has become sort of a generic term in the business world, so if you can get some background about this position's duties and responsibilites, that would help. That way, you can ask specific questions in regard to the job i.e. "I understand that I would be preparing X report each month...what software would I be using to facilitate this?" Employers love candidates who show initiative and can engage in a two-way conversation, as opposed to someone who just sits there and answers question after question. I lost my job last year and had to do quite a bit of interviewing, so I really perfected my approach and found that the more confident I was, the better I did.

Vince, I am so sorry about your situation. I can't imagine how tough it would be to go through all of that without the CPA exam looming over your head. We used to live in Marietta, so I know Kennesaw very well...I hope you find something very soon!

FAR-97
AUD-94
BEC-91
REG-96...DONE!

Posted 1 year ago #
cpa journey

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GSU Josh

Research the company
1. review the FS and Press releases
2. do a search on and see if there is anything happening at the hospital- new research, awards, etc.
3. if possible find something out about the person who will be interviewing you

Have several questions in mind to ask based on what your reaseach turns up - shows inerest and that you did your homework. You would be surprised at the number of people who don't do these things

If you like the company and want the job ask for the job bbefore leaving the interview.

Be sure to interview them too - make sure it will be a place you will be able to grow and contribute
Yes follow-up with a thank you note or email and get business cards from everyone you talk to
Good luck!

Posted 1 year ago #
GSU Josh

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Thanks for the insight, everyone. Cpa journey, what do you mean ask for the job before leaving the interview?

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

Posted 1 year ago #
cpa journey

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GSU Josh

In the closing part of the interview - just tell the interviewer that you enjoyed meeting with him/her and the job sounds like something you would be very interested in and that you would like to be considered. You might mention why you would be a good fit. Also, ask when a decision will be made. Leaving no doubt that you want the job is a good idea. Sell yourself as the best person for the job.

Posted 1 year ago #
Vince

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Thank you everyone.

financeguy, I graduated college with a double major in Accounting and Finance in May 2009. I did not start studying the CPA right after. After I graduated, I seriously considered joining the military as I support our troops and appreciate the freedom I have in America. I decided against it chose the path I went to college for and started studying for the CPA on Jan 5. Why do you ask bro??

FAR (Feb. '10) - 83
REG (Apr. '10) - 88
BEC (May '10) - 79
AUD (Aug '10) - 80

Posted 1 year ago #
financeguy

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@vince

I just asked because when I went to college I moved away from my parents house and lived on my own. I just wondered if you had done that and then moved back in with your parents because you were not able to find a job.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

Posted 1 year ago #
Vince

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Oh, well I lived on or near campus when in college, then moved back home after graduating. And as every accounting college grad, I figured Id get a job in no time from what my professors were saying....

FAR (Feb. '10) - 83
REG (Apr. '10) - 88
BEC (May '10) - 79
AUD (Aug '10) - 80

Posted 1 year ago #
mutiny92

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If you can't find a FT job right away consider looking at temporary accounting jobs through staffing agencies. Many of them hire really good temps to full time positions. They use their temporary time as a real-time interview to see how you work and get along with others.

Posted 1 year ago #
GSU Josh

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Yeah, I've just gotten on with a couple of staffing agencies. No interviews yet as of passing the exam, but it hasn't been long either. Looks like I didn't get the financial analyst position. They were rude enough to not even respond to my emails or even send me a "dear john" email. Guess they don't want a brand new CPA working for them! Their loss. It's kind of weird being done. It's like now what? Hopefully I can get hired somewhere soon making close to $50k. Any advice from any fresh CPA's? Been sending out a lot of resumes online and even applied to KPMG and Ernst & Young. I'm wondering if this whole CPA thing will really make a difference. Only time will tell.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

Posted 1 year ago #
Mpofu

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Keep at it GSU Josh, someone will appreciate you.

Aud(69,75),BEC(73,80),FAR(67,72,84),REG (65,71,79)04/01/2010 Ethics (95) (Colorado)
Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA)-September,2010
Licensed Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA)-September,2010

Posted 1 year ago #
jwel

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wow,Vince-Amazing perseverance.And i thought i was having a tough time.Between phases of depression and my husbands extra marital,i almost lost my mind.

But u guys just inspire me so much.I am so ashamed at myself cos i took so long and been coming up with excuses for not doing well.

Btw anyone in Minnesota,can contact me.Wont pay a lot ...but u will get the audit and tax experience,if you wanna work towards licensing.Mail me at ghmunroe82@gmail.com.Its not a big four job,but will give you the exp and temp work to help u find a better position.I am moving countries and my employer need someone to take over.I can refer you.But it is a small CPA firm where you can put ur skills and knowledge to work.

Thanks

FAR -80
BEC -77
AUD -68 Retake 10/12 77
REG -79 Ethics -DONE!!! Licensing begins....

Posted 1 year ago #