[Laura M.]

I am getting my resume together to apply for some jobs. I have been at my current job for almost 8 years and this was my first job out of college. When I was hired, they called me a “Staff Accountant” but I have never asked, or been told that I am anything but that. Some of the jobs I am looking at are saying they require X years as a Senior, or manager or staff. Do I still have to consider myself staff if I have never been told otherwise?? My firm has about 12 people so there isn’t really anyplace to move up unless you become partner…I don’t want to lie, but I think if a place says you need your degree and 2 years at a Senior level that I shouldn’t be looked over because I technically don’t know my title. What would you do? I cannot ask because that would look super obvious, by the way…Thanks in advance!

FAR - 82
AUD - 79 (lost credit), 75
BEC - 76
REG - 91

CPAexcel and Ninja Notes and Ninja MCQ

[acamp]

Are you still doing basically the same stuff or have your responsibilities increased? Are you supervising people? Etc.

The positions you are looking at probably want people who have been doing more senior tasks, so while your title might be Staff Accountant, your responsibilities might be that of a Senior Accountant, or Accounting Manager? If so, you need to make this super clear on your resume. I might consider using your title with a quick description such as, “Staff Accountant – Supervising Audit Engagements” or something that lists your basic title but quickly points out that you are doing more than what most people think of as a staff accountant.

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California CPA

[Kettlepot]

I would keep using Staff Accountant as your title if that is what you company is calling you. When an employer goes to verify your dates of employment, they are likely to also ask for title. If there's a mis-match here, it could be a red flag.

Be descriptive in your description on your resume. Any hiring manager worth contacting is going to know that job titles are not standardized and will read in to what it is you actually did.

Far: 49
BEC: 79 (Expired)
AUD: 51, 67, 64
REG: 59, 64, 59, 69

[Laura M.]

My honest guess is that if I asked they would tell me I was something other than a Staff Accountant but I don't know what title they would give me. I don't manage people bc there is no one to manage. I went ahead and put Staff on my resume but if a job calls for Senior or Manager, I think I will just put “accountant” and then describe what I do.

FAR - 82
AUD - 79 (lost credit), 75
BEC - 76
REG - 91

CPAexcel and Ninja Notes and Ninja MCQ

[Laura M.]

@acamp My responsibilities have majorly increased. Basically things I do get signed off by the CPA in charge of me and while she does “review” my work, because I have consistently done good work for her, she looks less and less every time, Since her name is attached to everything I do I completely understand reviewing it, but I was told after I have my license that I will be signing off on stuff just like all the partners do.

FAR - 82
AUD - 79 (lost credit), 75
BEC - 76
REG - 91

CPAexcel and Ninja Notes and Ninja MCQ

[Author]

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