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NAL123
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Posted: 08 Jul 2011 at 15:10 \| IP Logged

hpforester wrote:

I have never in my life (except for the post above) heard that a CPA license wasn't worth it. I've practiced tax accounting in a corporate environment for over 10 years and recently decided to get my license even though it's not required for tax. It will, however, provide for higher compensation and better promotions in the future.

I guess you can answer this question yourself by putting yourself in an HR's individual shoes and evaluating a candidate for an accounting position. Would you take one that is a CPA with little experience, or one who has more experience but no license. Just because someone does not have a lot of experience it does not mean that they are not trainable. In fact, most public accounting firms prefer someone who they can groom into their own environment rather than brining in someone who is seasoned and who may already be set in his/her ways.

Since you have your MBA in finance, perhaps you can consider CFA? It's just as credible as a CPA and the examination process is much less stressful. In any event, I would encourage everyone to be licensed in whatever field they choose. It makes them more competitive and definitely more attractive to potential employers.

Don't mean to be negative but my age, unstable work history as well as lack of public experience will unfortunately overtake any 'positive' that passing the CPA exam would have. I experienced this back in 2002 after getting my MS degree in Finance at the end of 2001. Recruiters were more concerned about why I would do such a thing (return to school full time) and were all over this horrible gap on my Resume (which was just 6 months since I did the last semester full time).

I am well aware of this and maybe should have asked if it was possible to somehow explain all these negatives that I have (which will absolutely be the centerpiece of any interview I may have) if I did get a CPA license. Reading some of the other posts it doesn't seem possible especially given that people who ARE employed are having trouble getting an offer after passing all the exams

NAL123
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Posted: 08 Jul 2011 at 15:13 \| IP Logged

hpforester wrote:

Just because someone does not have a lot of experience it does not mean that they are not trainable. In fact, most public accounting firms prefer someone who they can groom into their own environment rather than brining in someone who is seasoned and who may already be set in his/her ways.

When you are just out of school or recently out of school maybe. Once you hit your 30's not so much, in your 40's impossible, 50's delusional etc.. Actually HR would prefer someone with appropriate experience and no CPA than someone with a CPA and lack of experience particularly as I said if they are older than a typical 'recent grad'. The employment numbers confirm this when you see who is getting work and who isn't.

Jorge Stevenson
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Posted: 08 Jul 2011 at 20:12 \| IP Logged

hpforester wrote:

I could not disagree more strongly with the above information. That is the certification-collector manifesto, right there.

If you REALLY want a better job in accounting, you're going to have to get it through networking. Think of it this way - your network includes yourself, your friends, your friends' friends, etc. And they all want to help you, if you just give them an opportunity to. That's how you need to frame it in your mind.

At this point, your resume is what it is and some no-name recruiter is going to have an easier time pumping a recent grad's resume to the firms than trying to explain why you're a better candidate. You need to network. It makes sure that your resume is always at the top of the pile.

FWIW, from what I've heard the CPA exam is a joke compared to the CFA. Forget the CPA, Master of Accounting, etc...those are for younger people (i.e. late 20s at the most). You've gotta bring out the big guns.

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DumbButTrying
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Posted: 09 Jul 2011 at 09:10 \| IP Logged

The CPA is the best professional credential available, more valuable than CFA or even MBA. The CPA is a "trade" credential which shows you have passed the steep barrier to entry. It doesn't matter how old you are when you get your CPA. You'll be head and shoulders over all the other accountants who slouched through their careers without going back to get their CPAs. My gut instinct is that your personality problems are rubbing the recruiters the wrong way. Work on your networking skills and develop an upbeat attitude. Nobody wants to be around a grump. I guarantee that passing the CPA exam will boost your spirits and attitude more than hooking up with a supermodel.

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Posted: 09 Jul 2011 at 15:00 \| IP Logged

DumbButTrying wrote:

LOL. I used to think all of that right after I finished the exam too.

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