[sewatk01]

For the past five years I was a military spouse (living overseas) and chose to work PT to save plenty of opportunities to travel, dive and be with my spouse. I’m afraid now that I’m in a position to start my career, its going to backfire. My bachelor’s was in Organizational Mgmt, master’s in accounting (accredited but not a 1st or 2nd tier program), and I am halfway through with the CPA exam and experience requirement. My experience in the field has been a nonprofit bookkeeper for 2 years (PT) and years of individual tax experience. I want experience, but am not interested in public accounting because of the time commitment. I am considering applying for several state jobs in Arkansas.

I would appreciate any help you could provide on: things to highlight in my resume/cover letter, how to get past the trash bin when they see my lackluster job history while overseas, and general advice (or website suggestions) to help me rebuild my resume.

Thank you!

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharrisberger

BEC - 12/13 88!
FAR - 2/14 82 Thank goodness!!! 🙂
REG - 7/14 81
AUD - 8/14

[Anonymous]

Although you don't have to disclose this to anyone if you so choose, I would highlight the fact that you were in the military…

That should be good enough IMO.

[Anonymous]

Although you don't have to disclose this to anyone if you so choose, I would highlight the fact that you were in the military…

That should be good enough IMO.

[CPA soon]

First off, it is not a big deal that you weren't employed before, really all an employer cares about is professional experience in the field so you just put 2 years and don't worry about the prior period. I use optimalresume.com but I have access through my university, I don't know if you simply get access without being affiliated with an organization but you should check. It is a great tool.

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[CPA soon]

First off, it is not a big deal that you weren't employed before, really all an employer cares about is professional experience in the field so you just put 2 years and don't worry about the prior period. I use optimalresume.com but I have access through my university, I don't know if you simply get access without being affiliated with an organization but you should check. It is a great tool.

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[10keyLeah]

If you haven't done so already, be sure to check with your state board to make sure what kind of experience you'll need to get licensed.

Obviously you'll want to include your bookkeeping experience, your education, and that you are sitting for exams. Think of it like this, if you were an employer, what would you want to know? Look at examples online, and let someone else review your resume and critique it.

I had a lackluster work history; none in fact, and I was open and honest about it when I applied and when I was interviewed. I landed a job with a 1 person practice with a CPA that likes to teach and wanted to take me on.

If you are able to include a cover letter, do it. You can talk about your career progress there. Follow the instructions given for applying.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[10keyLeah]

If you haven't done so already, be sure to check with your state board to make sure what kind of experience you'll need to get licensed.

Obviously you'll want to include your bookkeeping experience, your education, and that you are sitting for exams. Think of it like this, if you were an employer, what would you want to know? Look at examples online, and let someone else review your resume and critique it.

I had a lackluster work history; none in fact, and I was open and honest about it when I applied and when I was interviewed. I landed a job with a 1 person practice with a CPA that likes to teach and wanted to take me on.

If you are able to include a cover letter, do it. You can talk about your career progress there. Follow the instructions given for applying.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[sewatk01]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I found a resume workshop to attend this week, and am also excited to check out the website CPA Soon referenced!

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharrisberger

BEC - 12/13 88!
FAR - 2/14 82 Thank goodness!!! 🙂
REG - 7/14 81
AUD - 8/14

[sewatk01]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I found a resume workshop to attend this week, and am also excited to check out the website CPA Soon referenced!

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharrisberger

BEC - 12/13 88!
FAR - 2/14 82 Thank goodness!!! 🙂
REG - 7/14 81
AUD - 8/14

[WileyoleYaeger]

Sewatk01, where are you at in Arkansas? A good friend of mine told me that his company Stephens Inc. (located in LR) is hiring accountants. If you are interested let me know and I will try my best to get you in there.

[WileyoleYaeger]

Sewatk01, where are you at in Arkansas? A good friend of mine told me that his company Stephens Inc. (located in LR) is hiring accountants. If you are interested let me know and I will try my best to get you in there.

[sewatk01]

WileyoleYaeger: Thank you so much for the information! I am looking for opportunities primarily in LR, and it appears as though I'd have about a 20 minute commute to Stephens. I would appreciate any other information your friend can relay regarding what opportunities exist and how/to whom I can submit my information!

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharrisberger

BEC - 12/13 88!
FAR - 2/14 82 Thank goodness!!! 🙂
REG - 7/14 81
AUD - 8/14

[sewatk01]

WileyoleYaeger: Thank you so much for the information! I am looking for opportunities primarily in LR, and it appears as though I'd have about a 20 minute commute to Stephens. I would appreciate any other information your friend can relay regarding what opportunities exist and how/to whom I can submit my information!

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharrisberger

BEC - 12/13 88!
FAR - 2/14 82 Thank goodness!!! 🙂
REG - 7/14 81
AUD - 8/14

[Mayo]

” would appreciate any help you could provide on: things to highlight in my resume/cover letter, how to get past the trash bin when they see my lackluster job history while overseas, and general advice (or website suggestions) to help me rebuild my resume.”

I think it depends on the position. What kind of work are you look for specifically?

“I am considering applying for several state jobs in Arkansas.”

Oh ok…should have read more closely. Well, not much for me to say on state jobs as I've never applied to one. However, with a Master's in Accounting your experience level is entry-level, and having a ton of prior work experience is not really all that necessary.

So basically putting your work history (bookkeeper and Tax preparer) is enough IMO. I think if you post a generic form of your resume (excluding personal info and just naming the employer as Generic NFP) many of us would be willing to give you some feedback on it.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

” would appreciate any help you could provide on: things to highlight in my resume/cover letter, how to get past the trash bin when they see my lackluster job history while overseas, and general advice (or website suggestions) to help me rebuild my resume.”

I think it depends on the position. What kind of work are you look for specifically?

“I am considering applying for several state jobs in Arkansas.”

Oh ok…should have read more closely. Well, not much for me to say on state jobs as I've never applied to one. However, with a Master's in Accounting your experience level is entry-level, and having a ton of prior work experience is not really all that necessary.

So basically putting your work history (bookkeeper and Tax preparer) is enough IMO. I think if you post a generic form of your resume (excluding personal info and just naming the employer as Generic NFP) many of us would be willing to give you some feedback on it.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[HardWork]

You should also mention that you are CPA eligible and that you have passed 2 sections already. It definitely makes you stand out even if you haven't completed all 4 sections.

FAR- 7/15
AUD- 8/28
BEC- 10/6
REG- 11/21

[Author]

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