[Ganondorf]

I am not sure what to make of this job posting I found. The description seems entry-level since it only requires a two year degree and education can be substituted for experience. However, the title is labeled as Financial Associate II which I don’t think is entry-level because it is II instead of I. It is for a local hospital in my city. I copied and pasted the description below.

Financial Associate II

Job Description

Provides functional operational support and facilitates processing of the accounts payable, payroll, fixed asset, budget, cost accounting and cost reporting systems as specifically delegated by the Manager(s) and/or Senior Financial Specialist. This position does not provide direct patient care.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate’s degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school High School Diploma and two to five years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

Sounds entry level to me. A staff classification of ‘II' is pretty low and is typically used for HR reasons. Depending on the actual duties performed, much of this can easily be entry level.

FAR - 80

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

-John Wayne

[Anonymous]

In my opinion, if you are sitting for the CPA exam, you should not be considering jobs that require a 2 year degree. The pay and workload will be commiserate of a 2 year degree, not fit for someone with the minimum of a bachelor's, working toward getting credentialed. You'd be selling yourself short, I think.

And it's probably “II” because they want a crap ton of experience. It doesn't look entry level to me.

[Missy]

They probably have a matrix to follow regarding job titles and its probably the cost accounting aspect that makes it not truly entry level.

If you're not working and have no experience, its worth it for you to pursue.

That said, often times they already have an internal candidate to promote to such a position (which is why it says experience can be substituted) but have HR; policies that require the job be posted externally also (to be sure the internal candidate is the BEST candidate).

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[aj2013]

My first job out of college was labeled “Junior Accountant,” but I really ended up being an A/P clerk. Sometimes companies just don't know what job titles match which duties, unless someone in the field cares to correct them.

B - 80
A - 80
R - 71, 59, 74, 80 FINALLY!
F - 77

Used Kaplan for FAR, BEC, AUD, and the first 2 REG attempts. I started using NINJA about 2 weeks before my 3rd REG attempt. I believe it's why I was so close to passing and why I passed the 4th time. USE IT FROM THE BEGINNING.

[Ganondorf]

@ CPA means Cant Pass Again

I have a Bachelors in Accounting, so I know a 2 year degree job is a little below me, but I have absolutely no relevant accounting work experience other than my education. I figure a job like this would at least give me experience to get a better job later.

Truth be told, I am not entirely sure I will even sit for the CPA exam. I have very little interest in ever working in public accounting, and I think I would be fine with maxing out at a senior staff level role. I really don't think I am management material, and since I hope to work in private industry I more than likely will never actually need the CPA title. I do have 150 hours so I am eligible to sit for the CPA exam, but I probably won't ever do it unless I get a job that requires it. I just don't see the point in putting in the time and money to pass the exam and then putting in even more time and money keeping up with CPE if I never get a job that actually requires me to be a CPA.

[Anonymous]

I see. I disagree that it's worth you to pursue because the job posting asks 2-5 years of experience. In my experience, if you have no years under your belt when they're asking for it, there's almost no chance of an interview. I feel like they put the combination experience thing in there in case they need or want to make an exception. I got zero call backs when I applied for positions like that.

Not sure to tell you what to do, though. Most people I know got their first job as an internship while still in school. How long have you been out?

[Missy]

Definately pursue it. I don't think its likely you'd get an offer but its a great chance to practice professional interviewing (if you get that far) and maybe some feedback on your resume.

Besides as I mentioned, they may have an internal candidate they are looking to promote to this position and when the more junior position opens up, you may be a viable candidate for that role.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Ganondorf]

@ CPA means Cant Pass Again

I technically have not graduated yet. I finished my 150 hours this summer, but I won't technically graduate until December since they don't have a summer graduation. I do wish I had networked and/or gotten an internship when I was in school. I am kicking myself for it now.

@ mla11692

I am going to send them my resume later tonight. Like you say, even if they are promoting someone internally, maybe I will be more qualified for that new vacant spot. I will take pretty much anything at this point just to get some experience.

[Author]

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