[Parthamis]

I lost my job in December 2016.. and through this year have been studying and passing the CPA exams. and now I have just been offered (not entirely official) to work with the department of Finance in an entirely not accounting related role. I need to take it because I need an income.. Even if it is a really low one. But what should my next move be?

I WANT to move back into public and can see my career in public… Eventually making Partner. I am thinking after 6 months or so, I can start applying to Mid Tier CPA firms, and have little to no pressure as to whether or not I get the job because I will have something in place.

another question: How hard is it to movie into public when you are not a student or recent graduate? Having passed all the CPA exams is helpful, but back in September and October, I went to my School’s career fair as an Alumni, and despite passing 3 parts of the CPA, NONE of the firms set me up for an interview.

Parthamis Prime

AUD - 73, 75... and done.

FAR - 80 (UNBELIEVABLE)

BEC - 78

REG - 81

[MIsconnie]

It is not impossible to move into public as an “experienced” hire, I would say it is a little more difficult than being hired as an intern out of college, but very doable. However, I think you are best suited in communicating your desire to be in public at career fairs and or networking events. Also, finding what your targeted firms want out of staff hires, in most cases firms look for cultural fit (i.e. will you get along with everyone at work and be a team player), this is especially true at regional and mid-tier firms because the teams are generally more close knit.

In the meantime taking that job in Finance is probably your best bet, it's always better to have income while you actively seek work so you can find the best fit for you in public. Maybe you stay for a year or so and gain references at that employer, it can only help your case when you are job hunting. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

Congratulations on passing by the way!

AUD - 79
BEC - 92
FAR - 82
REG - 90

Don't get nervous, you suck when you're nervous

 

[cantpassagain1]

I would take the finance job and keep looking for something in public. I completely agree with misconnie that it is harder to get an internship then an experienced hire at those career fairs/meet the firms events. In fact all the experienced hires at my school had more offers on the table than everyone else. Absolutely try to leverage your professors. Youd be surprised to see how easy and willing they are to get you something.

[Go.For.Broke]

@Parthamis After working in industry for my first 6 years after college (in accounting type roles – and I studied accounting in college), I moved into public accounting. This was mainly because I was beginning to sit for and pass the CPA exams, and I wanted to fulfill the experience requirement (working under a CPA for 1 year). It wasn't hard for me to land a job, because I was applying for an auditor role at a mid-size firm, and they liked that I had experience in industry, so that testing/documenting the work of others, as an auditor, would make a little more sense to me, as I'd been in the roles of those who work at companies I'd be auditing.

I think that it is important that – if you want to become a licensed CPA – you work under a CPA. If this finance role would be reporting to a CPA, that'd be great, because 1.) You have a job and a steady income; 2.) You're fulfilling the requirements to become a CPA.

Hope this is helpful!

AUD - 77
BEC - 75
FAR - 78
REG - 77

Finished.  Praise be to the Almighty!

[Parthamis]

@Go.For.Broke
This job will not be under a CPA. The functions will be essentially assisting in approval of and planning out budgets for various departments in my city.

Since there is no deadline to complete my CPA requirements after passing all exams, I'm not worried about the experience. I will definitely have the experience and certification before I reach a position in a firm that requires the CPA license.

However, my concern is that I will not be able to go back into public. But your post does help to see that working in industry and passing allowed you to move into public. I'll assume government will have the same chances.

Parthamis Prime

AUD - 73, 75... and done.

FAR - 80 (UNBELIEVABLE)

BEC - 78

REG - 81

[PonyUP]

@Parthamis – I am also in Corporate Finance. I am now going back for my CPA. For my work experience I actually went up a level for sign off to my VP/CFO. It does not have to be your direct supervisor, but it can be a supervisor of your supervisor. Talking to the Accounting Board they will also allow the Company Controller to sign off if they have a dotted line or daily mentoring relationship where they can oversee your work. Many Corporate Controllers will be happy to mentor a new CPA, even if you are not in their specific organizational hierarchy. They love the fact that someone may want to move from Finance to the Accounting department.

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

Good Luck future CPA's,

From

PonyUp

[Author]

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