wooliewillie wrote: As a CPA you don't need to take the accounting test for the RA job to come in as a grade 9. The govt has recently hired a lot of very experienced CPA as RA's for Large Business. Being a RA for Small Business is a great training ground.

Are you saying that since I am a CPA they will not require me to take the test for Revenue Agent job with the IRS and do I automatically qualified for Grade 9 or higher grade? Finally, it sounds like the RA for small businesses is better and does the IRS assigns the RA’s to small business area or candidates have a choice? Thanks all for your posts

Revenue Agent = auditor. In SBSE the RA meets with citizens or small companies or their accountants and audits their tax returns to comply to the internal revenue code. This is usually done in the field so there is a bunch of local driving. Much time is spent researching the tax law. Most interface is done with accountants. In LMSB the RA visits large companies and does the same thing. LMSB has higher grades than SBSE, usually. It is possible to switch, once new higher grade jobs open up.

Revenue Officer = collections. I have never done this so I don't know exactly what they do. Less educational requirements. Lower pay grades. I do know people who started this way and then moved up to the RA job.

wooliewillie wrote: I'm not sure how it is now, but a few years ago you would just need to take the personality test, not an accounting test, if you had a CPA. No, you actually apply for the position, so you will know if it is for SBSE (small business) or LMSB (large business). There are a few others too. If you are under 35 and physically fit consider CI,  Criminal Investigation. They send you to paramilitary train in Georgia for 6 months, but the pay is higher. To tell you the truth, they are all super interesting. If you can't get a RA job in your city right away, look at the Revenue Officer jobs. Once you have a year or two under your belt it will help in getting a higher grade job. What I am saying is don't limit yourself to only jobs that pay what a CPA would make on the outside. Aim low, pay your dues. Prepare for tomorrow.

Thank you so much. Do you think my chances of getting RA position is good since the interview process is not competitive like it is in CPA Firms or industry jobs right. I just want to know so I can focus on the RA position even though I need it will take time to get it.

Also after getting a year or 2 of experience as RA do I apply for a higher step at USAJOB website of do I apply internally? I think not all steps are posted on the website right? Thanks again for your posts.