[jennknee]

Hi everyone,

A71 has been a wonderful forum to give advice. I hope you guys don’t mind reading this post and giving me some thoughts. It is going to be a long post… sorry.

I currently live in SF Bay Area, so I imagine there are accounting and finance jobs out there, but there is also some competition. I never obtained an accounting degree (humanities BA), but did qualify to take the exam after taking some community college classes. Something to consider is that I am not fresh out of college, but obtained my humanities degree 5 years ago and am almost 27. I worked previous to my current job doing accounts receivable.

I landed my current job (in government) and have worked here a little over 1 year. I’m currently considered a junior accountant. I have a very unprofessional title — clerk. I do a lot of operational accounting (accounts payable and procurement – 70%), and some other more analytical work (budget, reconciliation – 30%). I was hoping for more hands on experience with financial statement accounts, etc. But I don’t do that very much. I would really like to work under a CPA to get some audit experience in a public accounting firm. I want to get public accounting experience at the very least to get the actual CPA title. Most of the people I work with do not have CPAs. I have already passed the exam while working at this job.

So, that’s my long way of saying I need to find a public accounting job without experience.

– What’s the best way to get the attention of interviewers? Is going to a recruiter a good idea?

– Should I just apply for audit associate positions? Is this available to someone not doing campus recruiting?

– Do you think obtaining a masters degree would help, at least in terms of access to recruiting? (It’s just a lot of money I don’t have and don’t want to take out loans, time, etc…)

– Any other thoughts you may want to contribute?

Thanks so much! 🙂

AUD - 93
BEC - 92
FAR - 91
REG - 91

CA General License 2019

AUD - 7/5/13 - 93
FAR - 8/24/13 - 91
BEC - 11/30/13 - 92
REG - 2/24/14 - 91! DONE!

CPAreviewforFREE, Wiley Test Bank, Becker, and NINJA FLASHCARDS. <3
Candidate from California

[vanadium3]

Awesome that you passed all your test without acct degree. means you are probably smart 🙂

I'd go to a recruiter and tell them 1. you passed cpa exams 2. you need a job where you can be supervised under cpa.

it doesn't hurt right?

CPA

[vanadium3]

Awesome that you passed all your test without acct degree. means you are probably smart 🙂

I'd go to a recruiter and tell them 1. you passed cpa exams 2. you need a job where you can be supervised under cpa.

it doesn't hurt right?

CPA

[Study Monk]

@ jennknee I would become a member of CALcpa and see if they offer any recruiting and networking events. I would also see if there are any recruiting fairs at the college you attended. Even though you don't have an accounting degree you would be a good candidate with the CPA tests passed and can probably attend as an alumni.

You might also want to look into accounting firms that specialize in auditing government entities. I would give them call or send them your resume, since you have the experience. Other than that you may just want to submit your resume everywhere. I would probably wait until August when the recruiting season starts going. Another idea would be to enroll in some classes at either SJSU or CalState East Bay and try to get access to their recruiting fairs as a part-time student.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[Study Monk]

@ jennknee I would become a member of CALcpa and see if they offer any recruiting and networking events. I would also see if there are any recruiting fairs at the college you attended. Even though you don't have an accounting degree you would be a good candidate with the CPA tests passed and can probably attend as an alumni.

You might also want to look into accounting firms that specialize in auditing government entities. I would give them call or send them your resume, since you have the experience. Other than that you may just want to submit your resume everywhere. I would probably wait until August when the recruiting season starts going. Another idea would be to enroll in some classes at either SJSU or CalState East Bay and try to get access to their recruiting fairs as a part-time student.

I spoke to an ancient wise man who sent me on a mushroom induced journey through an ancient forest to find the key to passing the CPA exam. A talking spider monkey told me to throw the last of my drinking water in the dirt to find what I was looking for. So I followed his instructions and the following message appeared in the soil:

"Do 5000 multiple choice questions for each section"

[Anonymous]

I don't have Public Experience, but I think an MBA would be overkill. I have known many who work in Public and they are working on passing the CPA. That said, you have passed and have some experience.

If you are willing to work for what they offer even if it is a pay reduction I would take it for the opportunity. Get a good resume together, and contact local large and small CPA firms at a minimum. They might not be willing to pay for or use a recruiter because you have little experience or no experience in Public as does everyone who starts there.

I have been a CPA for over 20 years in Industry. But I too have always wanted to do Public. No matter what you need to work for a CPA to get yours. And the best advice I can offer is to continue to work for one. It helps with getting the CPE expense covered. Do not accept jobs where you are the only CPA – best advice. Always, make sure there is one higher up the food chain and that there are active (currently licensed) that can be verified on-line. Never ever work alone.

[Anonymous]

I don't have Public Experience, but I think an MBA would be overkill. I have known many who work in Public and they are working on passing the CPA. That said, you have passed and have some experience.

If you are willing to work for what they offer even if it is a pay reduction I would take it for the opportunity. Get a good resume together, and contact local large and small CPA firms at a minimum. They might not be willing to pay for or use a recruiter because you have little experience or no experience in Public as does everyone who starts there.

I have been a CPA for over 20 years in Industry. But I too have always wanted to do Public. No matter what you need to work for a CPA to get yours. And the best advice I can offer is to continue to work for one. It helps with getting the CPE expense covered. Do not accept jobs where you are the only CPA – best advice. Always, make sure there is one higher up the food chain and that there are active (currently licensed) that can be verified on-line. Never ever work alone.

[acamp]

Any interest in Big4? I'd be happy to grab coffee sometime to discuss.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

Any interest in Big4? I'd be happy to grab coffee sometime to discuss.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[fuzyfro89]

If you can make it to a top 15-20 MBA, it would be worth it. HOWEVER, it depends completely on your desired career path. Those programs are definitely very expensive plus the opportunity cost of leaving the workforce for 2 years. In this time, only the higher paying careers (corp finance, consulting, etc) will make the numbers work if you pay the full freight cost of a top MBA program.

As far as finding a job in public, just start bugging people! Seriously, it's unbelievable how much easier Linkedin has made life when you're looking for a job. It's like Facebook for job hunting. Many recruiters use it heavily to connect with people. Talk to internal recruiters, headhunters, senior accountants, managers, anyone who will respond really is worthwhile. If they can't help you get a job, they will at least be able to offer some good advice or maybe pass on your contact information if they like you and can see something as a good fit.

In the SF area, competition is stiff, so networking will be your greatest asset. Whether you are a staff, manager, or even partner level person, there are tons of others at the same level.

If you apply online, I would still try and find a recruiter from that company on Linkedin (or several) and keep hounding them until you get a response. At least this way they know you are interested and will make the 90-second effort of looking up your application and giving your resume a look.

[fuzyfro89]

If you can make it to a top 15-20 MBA, it would be worth it. HOWEVER, it depends completely on your desired career path. Those programs are definitely very expensive plus the opportunity cost of leaving the workforce for 2 years. In this time, only the higher paying careers (corp finance, consulting, etc) will make the numbers work if you pay the full freight cost of a top MBA program.

As far as finding a job in public, just start bugging people! Seriously, it's unbelievable how much easier Linkedin has made life when you're looking for a job. It's like Facebook for job hunting. Many recruiters use it heavily to connect with people. Talk to internal recruiters, headhunters, senior accountants, managers, anyone who will respond really is worthwhile. If they can't help you get a job, they will at least be able to offer some good advice or maybe pass on your contact information if they like you and can see something as a good fit.

In the SF area, competition is stiff, so networking will be your greatest asset. Whether you are a staff, manager, or even partner level person, there are tons of others at the same level.

If you apply online, I would still try and find a recruiter from that company on Linkedin (or several) and keep hounding them until you get a response. At least this way they know you are interested and will make the 90-second effort of looking up your application and giving your resume a look.

[jennknee]

Thanks for all the advice. I will join CalCPA and try to network via LinkedIn, etc.

@acamp — I don't see a private message option, can I email you? Thanks.

AUD - 93
BEC - 92
FAR - 91
REG - 91

CA General License 2019

AUD - 7/5/13 - 93
FAR - 8/24/13 - 91
BEC - 11/30/13 - 92
REG - 2/24/14 - 91! DONE!

CPAreviewforFREE, Wiley Test Bank, Becker, and NINJA FLASHCARDS. <3
Candidate from California

[jennknee]

Thanks for all the advice. I will join CalCPA and try to network via LinkedIn, etc.

@acamp — I don't see a private message option, can I email you? Thanks.

AUD - 93
BEC - 92
FAR - 91
REG - 91

CA General License 2019

AUD - 7/5/13 - 93
FAR - 8/24/13 - 91
BEC - 11/30/13 - 92
REG - 2/24/14 - 91! DONE!

CPAreviewforFREE, Wiley Test Bank, Becker, and NINJA FLASHCARDS. <3
Candidate from California

[Mayo]

Hi jennknee,

I'd be willing to chat a few minutes as well. Feel free to post your email and I'll reach out.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Hi jennknee,

I'd be willing to chat a few minutes as well. Feel free to post your email and I'll reach out.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[jennknee]

My email is jenny3435@hotmail.com

Thank you everyone for your help and advice!

AUD - 93
BEC - 92
FAR - 91
REG - 91

CA General License 2019

AUD - 7/5/13 - 93
FAR - 8/24/13 - 91
BEC - 11/30/13 - 92
REG - 2/24/14 - 91! DONE!

CPAreviewforFREE, Wiley Test Bank, Becker, and NINJA FLASHCARDS. <3
Candidate from California

[Author]

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