[Jriver]

The experience I had as a entry level tax accountant in a small PA was very basic and felt like I was doing data entry all day. What I can say is that from that experience, I just became more familiar with the process of doing tax returns- ind, corps, partnerships. Anything deeper than that I was not taught. I basically followed prior year workpapers, entered the data to tax software, and handed it over to senior/manager for review. The meaning behind some, or shall I say most, of the things I did I cannot explain. Some light tax law research I did, more for individuals, was as far as it went in prepping tax returns. So is this normal for first years in smaller PA firms? I am also looking to move on to another company. With that basic tax experience and some years of private accounting experience, what kind of opportunities do I have with other PA firms? I also have my CPA. Do I go into another PA firm as experienced staff tax accountant, basically still close to entry level?

Appreciate your input, guys.

[jgrfan1]

One alternative is to learn tax prep well enough to set up your own business. I would do whatever it takes to position yourself so you can go out on your own. If you have a skill that is always going to be in demand, you could make a nice practice for yourself.

BEC - 5/2012 - 91
AUD - 8/2012 - 89
REG - 1/2013 - 90
FAR - 5/2013 - 88
Wife, 2 kids and a job

[Jriver]

Thanks for your input, but can somebody answer the questions I asked? How do you find a firm that guarantees that they will teach you and not use you like a tool?

[Serena]

hwriver, that's something you might want to ask at an interview–or find other people that work within that company (via LinkedIn, etc). I have actually reached out to people that work at companies/firms that I was interested in applying at, asking them questions about the culture & job responsibilities for that level etc. Making a job move is a big decision, and is your chance to learn everything about the company/firm before you decide you even want to apply.

Never be afraid to ask questions for yourself when in a job interview. Your values are just as important as the company's.

It might also pay to speak up when you are in that situation where you feel you are not being used to your full potential. Obviously you have a CPA, so you are MORE than capable of learning and doing more for the firm. Maybe they were used to having sub-par bookkeepers before you so their expectations were low.

AZ
AUD - 10/20/2011 - 77
BEC - 7/28/2012 - 79
FAR - 4/6/2013 - 79
REG - 4/18/2013 - 75 (3rd time's a charm!)

[Serena]

and to answer your question about what level you think you should market yourself as–

I would just be honest when interviewing and let them know you have one year of basic experience, but are fully capable of going beyond the basic data entry and voice your concerns that you wish to ‘grow professionally.'

AZ
AUD - 10/20/2011 - 77
BEC - 7/28/2012 - 79
FAR - 4/6/2013 - 79
REG - 4/18/2013 - 75 (3rd time's a charm!)

[Anonymous]

Sounds about right, welcome to public accounting lol.

I am assuming this is at a small-mid sized firm.

If you are comfortable with what you have been doing for the past year, I would recommend doing the following:

1. Ask more questions

-Make sure the things you've learned you are doing accurately and efficiently

-Ask more challenging questions, about areas you haven't worked in, about other tasks you're willing to take on

2. Begin talking with members in other departments of the firm

-Take on a larger variety of tasks

-See if there are any other areas of the firm you can help in

3. Become extremely proficient at the software

-Excel, word, accounting/tax software, etc. become a master at these

4. Introduce new ideas to the firm

-Have a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, read publications, and network

-You might learn something and introduce a new idea to management

Bottom line is you want to show initiative that you are comfortable with what you have learned and willing to take on new and more challenging roles.

This is just my opinion, some firms may very well be a dead end/not worth it, it's a judgment call on your part.

I am an audit guy, although I have done plenty of tax returns, I'm not exactly sure of what senior level or “experienced” tax accountants in PA are responsible for.

Good luck

[Surf CPA]

I would agree with brickell cpa. This sounds about right. You are just getting started and its a long learning process. I started just where you are and now have a vast knowledge of tax issues.

I would assume they give you notes on your work right? That is where you will get a lot of the learning experience. Sometimes during tax season it is not time or costs effective to give you notes back right away but I'm sure you will get a lot of knowledge and training during the off season and training.

I say give it time.

Aud - 83
Far - 84
Bec - 83
Reg - 79

[Author]

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