[Anonymous]

Hi, I saw that there was a thread here about a person that passed the exams and has a masters degree but cannot find a position in accounting. The post was 2 years old.

So… to get a better feel for the career field, I know it depends on location as well, but is anyone else finding a hard time to land a job even with the exams passed?

as for me I graduated BBA accounting and finance, just passed all four sections. The bad thing is I dont have any experience, I worked in a restaurant all throughout college, and I cant qualify for internships cuz im not in school anymore.

So any thoughts on this guys?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Unless you're applying for a entry level job, passing 4 parts of the exam doesn't really do much for you. Everyone is looking for experience.

Luckily, tax extensions are due in about a month so you may be able to find a firm that is looking for help. They may even keep you on board for next years tax season as well.

A lot of these tax season positions come with training you so keep an eye out from now until next year and apply to these firms. Many of these firms will tend to be on the smaller side, but who cares. If you do well enough, they may keep you there on a full time of not part time position indefinitely.

[Keely]

I have no direct public accounting experience and only have two parts passed, but I was able to land a public accounting job relatively easily.

I will say, I do have experience in accounting-related functions like payroll, bank recs, A/R, etc., which on the several interviews I went on seemed to be a plus. One of my interviewers said, “At least you have seen a bank reconciliation before, most haven't.” I got all of that experience in a secretarial role. I don't know if you are going for public accounting or not, but they do not expect you to have any experience when you first come in. When I was looking for a job, industry seemed to be limited because they DO expect you to have some experience in accounting (a lot want you to have public experience). If you can't find anything in public, I suggest finding an office manager/administrative type position. The pay may not be great, but it will give you some hands-on experience with accounting functions and will look decent on a resume.

Also, join your local CPA society. It's a good way to meet people and show yourself off. Entry-level jobs are mostly based off personality and whether you are articulate and present yourself well.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Anonymous]

I graduated a year ago with no accounting experience. I sent a couple of emails to a few firms in my area offering to do an unpaid internship. I was hired within a week (with pay) and still work there. I think with the economy being what it is it's harder to get a job than in the past. It might take getting a little creative but I recommend trying to get your foot in the door offering tax season help – which is what I did – and even if it's unpaid you will at the very least get some experience and at best get asked to stay on. Good luck!

[Keely]

I totally agree with the above. Do some research and send out as much communication as you can. I actually got my job by gong to the firm's website and finding the partner's email instead of sending my resume through HR. I sent it to him even though the website didn't say anything about them hiring, but it turns out they had just created a new position. So, you never know! What's the worst they can say, no? Good luck!

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[foreseeableCPA]

@keely

thats actually a smart thing to do. I'm sure partners don't really receive many emails like that so they actually take the time to respond. recruiters receive an enormous amount of emails regarding employment that they cant reply to each one. I shall try your method out and see if I can get a response

CPA - Class of 2013
CIA - Class of 2016

[gennatay]

The firms are gearing up for recruitment for 2013. Look out for any “Meet the Firms” events. Most of them have entry-level positions listed as Staff Accountants on their websites. Have you tried your schools career center?

[Kru]

I have not been able to find a job either …I was an Inventory Accountant more than 3 years until the company went bankrupt. I was almost offered a similar role with one of the biggest online-retailers but the position was later canceled. I feel like I would have to say goodbye to Inventory Management and get into Tax Adv and Preparation.

AUD - 82p
FAR - 69, 72, 75p
BEC - 09/2012
REG - 10 or 11/2012

Using CPAExcel, Gleim for SIMs, and Red Bull

[Anonymous]

No worries! The next president has a PLAN to create 12 million jobs!!! lol

[Kru]

I say…CPAs, rather than Lawyers, for President in the future…lol

AUD - 82p
FAR - 69, 72, 75p
BEC - 09/2012
REG - 10 or 11/2012

Using CPAExcel, Gleim for SIMs, and Red Bull

[titine]

Definitely go to Meet The Firms event at your school, especially when you already passed the exam since you're already ahead of others. And try keeping contact with recruiters and HR personnel even though you don't get a job right away. I had an interview in April, was told that there's only temp position, which I refused, but got offer for permanent just few weeks ago, so hang in there. Wish you best of luck!

[Anonymous]

I have a masters and passed all four parts but no experience….I'm having a hard time finding a job…I do have an interview next week with a mid size firm….I hope I get it because I testing nervous…I need to work ASAP!

[Anonymous]

what states are you guys located in, in which are trying to find jobs?

[Author]

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