Job Searching in Accounting

Why are recruiters like Nanny McPhee? Always contacting you when you don’t need them but never available when you do need them! So infuriating

This job market feels impossible. I recently graduated and have been applying for entry-level audit roles. I have a 4-month audit internship at a mid-tier firm on my resume and did well there, so I th… more

Late 30s CPA here. Ex-Big 4 (3.5 YOE, private co. reviews) turned federal tax auditor. Feeling stuck and looking to pivot into public company audit, Accounting Advisory (AAS). However, I’m struggling … more

What are the charge hour requirements by levels at other accounting firms?

I got an offer from a Big 4 firm but the pay is lower than I expected. The recruiter says the salary is the same for everyone and can’t be changed. Is that true or do most people ask for more?

Has anyone successfully transitioned between industry and public? What was the biggest challenge during the job search?

I’ve been looking for a new job for over a year now. My background is in accounting, but I’ve been applying to roles both inside and outside the field with zero luck. Anyone else out there struggling … more

What’s the current job market like in NYC? Anything changed since Mamdani’s taken over?

A lot of employees overlook their 401(k) employer match, which can result in leaving free retirement contributions on the table.
It may be worth double-checking your contribution rate against your empl… more

Are you finding that many job board postings are fake now? I’ve had zero luck with my applications on Glassdoor/Indeed. Today I saw a great job, but it wasn't on the company’s website. So I called… more

I’m moving to the east coast (currently live in CO) in a couple of months now and I’ve been applying to roles in the area but there’s been a big stumbling block of companies wanting to do in-person in… more

Recruiters keep saying there’s a shortage of accountants and yet I’m applying to roles that already have 100+ applicants. What’s everyone else’s experience been like?

Looking for ideas for exit opportunities in tax. NY region. I’ve come up with 1) join a smaller firm 2) family office 3) go private

Am I missing anything?

How long did it take you to be offered a remote role? I have been going into the office almost everyday for the past 4 years. I’m over going into the office when not necessary. I have been actively l… more

I’m interviewing for an internal role soon. It’s a panel format, and they’re interviewing all candidates on the same day with a 24-hour turnaround. Since they might even decide that afternoon, is it w… more

I was looking at local job listings last week (MCOL area) and the entry-level rates are ridiculous. Seeing Staff roles for $18 to $23 an hour makes it pretty clear why kids are skipping accounting for… more

Hello! I'm a management accounting graduate, civil service professional exam passer, and U.S. Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam passer. I did my student internship at Philippine National Bank (PNB), … more

I keep getting interviews for jobs I feel qualified for, but no one takes me seriously enough to hire me. What red flags are they noticing that make them think I’m not worth hiring?

Hello everyone,

I recently earned my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Finance and am seeking entry-level accounting opportunities in the New York City area. My experience includes bookke… more

I've been applying for about six weeks now, and I can't tell if the job market is just slow right now or if my applications are the problem. My LinkedIn posts and profile are getting decent vi… more

Which milestone felt more significant financially for you: your first salary over $60k, $70k, $80k or $100k? Sometimes even a $5k rise feels life-changing depending on when it happens.

Forensic accountant looking to pivot to internal audit in Houston, TX. Any recommendations on which companies to look into, or recruiters to work with?

One thing that still surprises me about accounting is how wide the salary ranges are for the same level. You’ll see two seniors with similar experience making $20–30k apart. At some point it feels les… more

When do you tell your boss you're applying internally? Our HR system automatically alerts managers late in the process, but I want to be the one to tell him. We have a great relationship, and he k… more

Badly need advice. I'm a 25-year-old CPA (october 2025 passer) with no prior job experience, and am still currently unemployed due to family emergencies. Nobody has mentored me on what steps to ta… more

I'm applying for FP&A Sr manager positions, but many job postings now mention AI tools and automation platforms. I have experience with Excel and the Oracle suite, but I'm unsure how much … more

Hello, I’m struggling in my current job. The stress is affecting my mental and physical health. I moved from Accounting into Operations for career growth, and my new boss hasn’t been supportive with m… more

Is it possible to enter another big 4 firm as a senior manager and be successful? Will they help you build your network and book of business? Or easier to take a step/title lower and start as manager?

I have an in-person interview in Texas next month, and I hear that the high temperatures this time of year are brutal there. I want to make a good impression, but a full suit and tie sounds miserable.… more

I recently started my job search into more professional avenues and found that collections wasn't really a good fit for me. My previous boss suggested I should find a job in accounting due to my s… more

Been applying like crazy to positions recently but not really hearing anything back. Is there anything I should make sure to include/not include on my resume so I actually start getting some responses… more

Recently laid off and still processing it.

I'm a CPA with 4+ years of experience as a Senior Audit Associate. I had strong performance reviews and was leading two engagements, so this came as a shock.

I know ma… more

My interview has just been moved because the interviewer only just realised that Canada are playing in the world cup next Wednesday… I’m lost for words

How do you focus on your day job while job hunting? I went from 10-hour days to a strict 8 hours, and even fewer when I have interviews. My productivity has taken a huge hit, and trying to keep my cal… more

After being with the same company for nearly 8 years, I decided it was time to look for a new accounting opportunity but I didn't realize how much interviewing has changed since the last time I wa… more

I made it to final round interviews at two of the big 4 but unfortunately didn't get either role. Both rejections came within 48 hours of the final interviews with generic feedback which was simil… more

I’ve been at the same company since graduation 5 years ago, and I'm finally looking to leave. I started looking at interview prep and realized I have absolutely no idea how to talk about myself an… more

I Applied for a certain Job. The deadline date was monthend. I got an email from the supposed before due date, indicating that the position was meant to be filled urgently .and they had selected me as… more

I graduated with my BS in Accounting this past December, but I'm still working retail. I'm applying for accounting jobs, but keep getting rejected because I don't have any office or accoun… more

I am currently looking for a new job. And a position I applied for is hiring again. I didn’t get it the first time around because I didn’t have the experience they wanted and was unable to get approva… more