Job Searching in Accounting

I’ve been working as a contractor for almost a year now, and I actually like the variety. But I'm starting to look for something more permanent. Part of me wonders if a recruiter is going to look … more

I am an accountant (no CPA) with 10 yrs experience in large corporations. I was laid off from my last job and spent almost a year searching for a new job before I had to stop to take care of a persona… more

Has anyone ever taken a job despite seeing negative reviews about the company online? I really liked the team I met, but Glassdoor has some comments that are making me nervous. Should I trust the peop… more

I've spent the last 5 years in audit and I'm now trying to break into FP&A but every job posting says they want someone already in FP&A. How did anyone ever get their first role?? So I… more

Is it just me, or does every bookkeeper/accountant role need experience. That age old chicken and egg. Also, I’ve seen a couple of bookkeeper roles that required a degree in accounting! What am I miss… more

Do hiring managers actually care about the college you went to? I didn’t go to a top tier college but I’ve got solid experience and good references. However I keep getting screened out early so does s… more

I was let go from a job after returning from medical leave. No reason was given. The firing was discriminatory. I spoke with two legal officials that confirmed it was wrongful termination. Fast forwar… more

Is there a particular time of year when Big 4 is looking to hire experienced audit staff? I want to apply but haven't seen any experienced audit staff level roles posted.

Is 14 months too soon to leave a first job? I feel like I've learned everything I can here, but I don't want to ruin my resume. If you left your first role after a year, did it cause problems … more

Anyone noticed the job market getting any better? I’ve seen more job ads but not sure if these are fake or whether companies are actually hiring more staff?

I have passes all 4 CPA exams and and in the middle of obtaining my license. I was laid off 2 months and currently looking for a new role but no luck so far. I wonder if it is because of resume. I hav… more

Is it better to take a lower-paying job just to have money coming in, or does that usually end up hurting your career in the long run? I’m feeling the pressure to settle, but I don't want to mess … more

Is leaving after 6 months in public accounting a red flag? I joined a mid-tier firm straight out of uni but the hours are already brutal (70+ weekly) and I’m constantly anxious. I’m considering jumpin… more

For anyone in public accounting (3–6 years) doing deals/FDD/transaction work and wondering what’s next—

There are roles out there with way more variety and better exposure than the typical path.

If you’… more

My firm just counter-offered me 18% above my current salary after I handed in my notice. The new company is offering better hours and a clearer path to Controller. The money difference is now pretty s… more

Interviewed internally for a promotion role recently and it didn’t go well. It’s been 3 weeks and I haven’t heard back. I know it’s going to be bad news, but any tips for navigating the conversation?… more

Hi, so I am currently a college student getting my degree in accounting and business. I want to become a CPA. I have been trying to get a job in a bank or something just so I can start gaining some wo… more

I'm trying to get out of real estate accounting but I'm already in the mid-90's salary. A recruiter told me if I move to another industry I'd have to get a pay cut...is this true?? Eve… more

What’s the best perk you’ve ever received at a job? I’ve had some pretty lousy ones over the years so I’m interested to know some examples of really good ones

Is it a mistake to leave a stable job just to see how other companies operate? I feel like I’ve hit a plateau where I am, and I'm not picking up any new systems or processes. I value the security … more

I’m currently an experienced tax manager specializing in corporate tax and ASC740 reporting looking to transition to industry (ideally). I’m curious of the best way to go about finding opportunities i… more

I left public accounting in 2022 to help care for a sick parent and have a 2-year resume gap. I'm CPA licensed and had 5 years at a mid-size firm before that. Recruiters keep ghosting me after the… more

I recently left a job that was pretty messy. The turnover was high, and there wasn't much of a system in place. I just don't want to sound bitter when I talk about it in interviews. How can I … more

I’ve been applying to entry-level roles that ask for 2–3 years of experience plus multiple systems I’ve barely used. I graduated with good grades and internships but I still feel like I don’t meet the… more

Is ACA/CPA still worth it if I don’t want to stay in accounting? I started studying for my qualification but I’m realizing I might want to pivot into finance or consulting later. Is it still worth doi… more

People act like working for a Big 4 is a career requirement, but the burnout stories are wild. Does the prestige carry enough weight to justify the 80-hour weeks, or is it just an old-school mindset?

I've tried so hard to start an accounting career. I studied Economics in uni but because I had a decent grasp on accounting principles in secondary school decided to do aat 2 and even became an un… more

I am currently a tax manager in public accounting considering making the jump to industry. Would appreciate feedback from anyone who has made the transition - workload/compensation/work-life balance

When a perspective company is calling to verify your previous work history, what are they allowed to ask? Also, do they typically ask if you were “permanent” or “contract”?

Maybe it's just me but I find that my resumes have been sticking a lot more in the last month or so. I got laid off last summer and found, a week later, that my wife & I were expecting. I have… more

I’m on a tiny four-person accounting team where everyone notices every little thing. Even taking a day of PTO raises eyebrows. Any tips for job hunting discreetly when your absence would be noticeable… more

Hi! Do you think it is possible to find a job in accounting with B1-level English?

At what point did you feel like a "senior" accountant? I’m doing a lot of higher-level projects now, but I still have some imposter syndrome about applying for the actual role. Is having the… more

Hypothetical question. While I know neither of these scenarios are ideal, which one is worse going into a job search? Resigning from a job without a new job lined up or getting terminated?

I wore business casual to an interview because the job posting mentioned a casual environment. But the second I walked in, everyone looked like they were in the middle of Big 4 busy season. I felt so … more

For the last few months I've been applying like crazy to lots of various roles but I've only had two interviews during this time. Does anyone have any advice regarding what I can do to make my… more

I have over five years of experience in the accounting field, and I have a BS and MS in accounting. I keep hearing the job market is tough, but I have been looking for full- time work since August of … more

Is it a bad idea to tell recruiters I'm starting the CPA exam this year if I haven't actually scheduled a date yet? I'm definitely committed to doing it, but I'm still nailing down my … more

I’ve just been informed that I’ll be leading some company interviews next week, which I’m quite nervous about. Has anyone got any tips for me? I’ve never been the interviewer before so it’ll be an ext… more