[Anonymous]

Hi Ninjas-

I have a Master’s in Management and a Master’s in Accounting. After university I worked for a company for almost 8 years while I did my Master’s in Accounting. I was not in the Accounting department but worked closely with them and was mentored by the Senior Managers. After leaving there in 2012, I have worked as a A/P Specialist temp for a year wile I was pregnant with my second child, before I got this position I am in as an A/P Specialist. The end of 2014, I decided I wanted to be a CPA, so I did the whole process and was eligible by this year. I am currently sitting for the CPA exams and have taken BEC so far and currently studying for REG.

I have been at my current job for two years, and there has been no promotion and no raise either. It is a small company and our department consists of a V.P of Finance, Staff Accountant and A/P Specialist me. So there isn’t really any upward mobility as I see it. I know what I do and it is pretty easy but I want to do more. I know my goal now is to pass the CPA exams and become licensed but as we all know it takes time. I don’t want to get stuck in A/P for as long as it takes me to pass the exams. Please I welcome all your advice and suggestions on what you think the best move for me should be. I am very ambitious, a fast learner, and determined.

BEC-Failed

REG-7/25

Thank you all in advance

Attagyal

[Anonymous]

You are way overqualified to be a A/P Specialist. You are probably even more qualified than the Staff Accountant at your office since most staff accountants don't have master degree. If you could deal with the stress of a new job and studying for the CPA exams, you should find a better job.

[Anonymous]

@CalCPA thanks for your response. It is because of my over qualification that I want to suck it up and just deal with the stress of a new job which matches my qualifications. Yes, I am wayyyyy more qualified than the Staff Accountant and she has no plans of going anywhere, she has been with the company for almost 10 years. She is much older and it seems like she has just settled. I know I just need to find a new job and just deal. Do you know what positions I should look at?

Thank you

[Missy]

If you have 2 young children and a fairly undemanding job, I'd get the CPA exam out of the way before looking. Many of the more technical jobs are going to have greater demands on your time if you're used to clocking out promptly at 5.

It is entirely possible to take the exams with a better job and kids, but if you can cut yourself slack wherever possible take advantage of it.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[Missy]

.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

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

[Anonymous]

If you live in a big city, there should be plenty of different accounting opportunities. For private industry, you can search for staff or senior accountant position. However, it might be hard to get a senior position with just AP experience unless it is a small company. For public, you can do auditing or taxation at a firm. Or you can join government/non-profit for the more laid back environment. You would have to decide which area of accounting to get into.

[Anonymous]

@CalCPA yes I will look into the job suggestions you provided. I hope my educational, experience, and CPA candidacy will make them overlook the A/P experience. I appreciate your advice and suggestions. Also I am in the D.C, Virginia, Maryland area.

@mla11692 thank you for the advice as well.

[fuzyfro89]

Plenty of opportunities in the greater DC metro.

You mentioned kids, so is work/life balance something that you need, or do you plan to have them in day care or with family? Something to think about as you decide what may be possible. Public will be very demanding, especially at the staff level where it's harder to get that flexibility, though not impossible if you make your needs known and work around it. Most industry jobs will have more regular hours, but just know that a lot of jobs have regular hours over 40. Mine averages around 50/week working in corp finance, and easily ramps up to close to 60 some times… though FAR LESS often than in public.

From there, you just have to hustle. We all have things that hold us back. Not so good school. Sub-par grades. Sub-par interviewing skills. Poor past work experience. Or any number of other things. Just remember it's a numbers game and you get out of it what you put in. In an area like DC where there are lots of jobs, if you don't succeed after 6 months, then you need to alter your approach.

I'd focus on getting exams out of the way since you do have experience currently and presumably already passed 1 part. That's awesome! Keep it up and probably by early next year you can start shifting the focus toward finding a new career path.

Focus on networking, practice interview skills, and learn how to sell yourself. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

@fuzyfro89 Hubby and my family help with the kids on weekends, while I go to the library to study. On weekdays I study in the morning and at night when my kids are asleep. Very great points you mentioned I will make sure to follow them. I appreciate the encouragement you all give me hope more than you know.

Cheers and thanks again

[Author]

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