[Anonymous]

Let me just vent for a minute here. This is my second busy and it it is getting to annoy me. Last year was my first year i did not mind the long hours. But when i sit back and look at the big pictures the whole accounting system is screw up. why the hell are we working 60+ hours when we are not even saving lives. we are not doctors, first responders or even pharmacist. I would not mind working long hours if there is a cause like saving another human being or rescuing another human beings. Peolpe in the firm are leaving left and right and i do not fault them what so ever. I would probably leave too after busy season I could say this for sure. The HR jobs are safe b/c people leave public accounting everyday. This system needs to be change, the hours does not justify the pay period.It is a joke.

[Tripp11]

Adopt a flat tax based on consumption. Busy season solved.

Now, granted, you might be out of a job but at least you won't have the agony of busy season anymore.

AUD - 93
BEC - 80
REG - 86
FAR - 83

[acamp]

Flat tax won't solve busy season with respect to financial statement assurance.

Here is what I think during busy season:

1. Make NO career decisions during busy season

2. You are free to leave at anytime. Not indentured servants, it sucks, it really sucks, but there is a reason you went into public and did not opt for an entry level staff accountant position.

3. My goal after public is to never prepare a journal entry, thus, to achieve that goal, I need to spend a decent amount of time in public. (not REALLY the goal, but you get the point)

I also mutter things like, “we're not saving lives” etc, to blow off steam, but I also try to focus on non-busy season:

-25 Days of PTO (yes I take it all every year)

-11 Paid Holidays (yes I take everyone of them)

-Several days worth of web based training are required

-Several days working from home (this increases with seniority)

Leveraging the first three together, I take multiple two-week breaks per year.

Keep your eye on the end game, really, +/- a few years in public can really change trajectory. With that said, if you're on your way out, don't show it. Don't complain, don't whine, no one is having a great time, but team attitude can really suffer with gloomy team members.

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

[Tripp11]

^ All depends on what practice you work at. 🙂

On the assurance side, we have clients with staggered FYEs: 3/31, 4/30, 6/30, 9/30 and 12/31. Makes the assurance side of a “busy season” all spread throughout the entire year.

AUD - 93
BEC - 80
REG - 86
FAR - 83

[Gabe]

^ truth. When I worked in Public as an auditor, it was always someone's busy season- 12/31 clients, EBP's, healthcare clients, etc.

CPA, CFE
CISA- Experience will be completed by August 2016

[golfball7773]

I work 40 hours as an accountant in a non-for-profit. We can't have over time

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - 86
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

AUD - 71, 73

BEC - 74, 86

REG - 77*

FAR - 57

*expired

(I have been trying to become a CPA since 2013). only one test down.......

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[s2sylvir]

^golfball7773

Good or bad? I'm guessing good. But I have worked internal accounting jobs and they bore me with sameness/routine XD

BEC - PASS (79)
AUD - PASS (63, 71, 74, 74, 83)
REG - PASS (88)
FAR - PASS (58, 89)

Becker for all + FAR 10 Point Combo

[Tripp11]

There are public accounting firms out there where you work 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. Some with “flex time” and also they actually walk the walk when they talk about “work/life balance”. You just have to find them.

Are they B4 firms? No. But the firms do exist.

AUD - 93
BEC - 80
REG - 86
FAR - 83

[golfball7773]

good – but I do get bored around the end of the month

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - 86
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

AUD - 71, 73

BEC - 74, 86

REG - 77*

FAR - 57

*expired

(I have been trying to become a CPA since 2013). only one test down.......

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[imjustafatkid]

I work in the finance department of a school system. I'm making more than I was as a staff accountant for my old company and bring home more than my salary would lend someone to believe because I pay so much less for insurance. I also get every school holiday off and only work 4 days a week during the summer. It's a great job while studying for and taking the CPA exam and will qualify for my work credit.

I'm pretty happy. 🙂

B: 82
A: 78
R: 86
F: 75! All done!!!

I started passing exams when I started using NINJA audio & NINJA MCQ. I have also taken all of the Yaeger CPA Review Courses.

[Author]

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