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Subject Topic: Need Advice -- Will CPA even be worth it? (Topic Closed Topic Closed) Post ReplyPost New Topic
  
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NAL123
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Posted: 06 Jul 2011 at 15:51 | IP Logged  

In my situation.  I am 35 years old and I have a BA in Accounting & MS in Finance but have been un or underemployed for the past few years. Only have been able to get scattered temp work in Fund Accounting and do not have any public or audit experience.

I qualify to sit for the CPA & take the exam but should I even bother?? My Resume at this time looks horrible, I have had several interviews but no offers mainly because I lack public or corporate accounting experience. Fund accounting is really for a recent college grad.
I am in the position where I can live off my savings for 3 or 4 years pretty comfortably as well as relocate to any part of the country. The problem will be my employment history even if I pass the exam. Or is it completely hopeless??
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jiejenn
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Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 00:05 | IP Logged  

You have nothing to lose to be honest. 

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Smart
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Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 19:35 | IP Logged  

For me, the CPA wasn't worth it.  It didn't help me find a job and it didn't make me any more money.  Instead, I'm stuck spending my own time and money doing CPE just to maintain the license for no benefit.
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NAL123
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Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 21:04 | IP Logged  

I agree. Probably the best thing to do is to try to get a job anywhere and then think about it in a few years.
Recruiters have told me that I am un placeable even for temp work and definitely not for any type of perm work due to my Resume.
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hpforester
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Posted: 08 Jul 2011 at 13:48 | IP Logged  

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.

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