I have a question for the older generations of accountants. Have any of you applied to jobs recently? How difficult or different is the process nowadays? Do the requirements to even get the job seem a bit too much?

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I'm not sure what defines the older generation, but I've been searching for an accounting position for the past four months. Five years ago, I would typically have received two job offers by this time. However, the job market is now very competitive, requiring multiple rounds of interviews and take-home assignments etc. it's insane right now

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I've been doing bookkeeping for thirty years, just saying it makes me feel old Lol. I was in an accounting program in highschool and I did an internship from that. I have no higher education, no degree nor certification outside of an IRS tax preparer..

I might consider maybe a certification, but I have no desire to have a degree.
I ran my own business from '01 to 2014, going back into the job market was hell. But honestly it turned out to be a good thing. I had to show more confidence, and learn my own worth. If I have to fight too hard for a good salary, I'm better off walking away. That position is not for me .
Sometimes I can get a feel for a company and ignore their requirements, I apply anyways with a good cover letter, or reach out to them on a call. My experience is equivalent to a Masters degree, I had to learn to act like it, show my competance by the way I handle myself and know how to express that in my interview. I have worked with a variety of businesses large and small. I know what I can do and what I cannot.
Quite a few companies list requirements that they have been told to put there or read somewhere that they should, without actually knowing why. Don't count on that but try to feel it out.
You don't want to exaggerate your experience, but also do not limit yourself too much or you'll never have new experiences.

I find that it's helpful to ask 'Why is it you are specifically asking for experience in _____? Has it been an issue?

Get a feel for why they have listed certain requirements, if you feel you should be considered despite that, you can let them know why and it won't blow up in your face.

Good luck.

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From all that I've been hearing, the job market is pretty rough currently. It seems people had been hoping things would be picking up in the new year, but that has yet to happen. It feels like companies are just wary of doing any hiring with so much economic uncertainty on the horizon. So any openings that do come along have a lot of competition.

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Yes, the requirements and qualifications are a bit too high and the remuneration a bit on the lower side.

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This current period of time is the worst I've seen/experienced in almost 30 years. Right now, most of us are trying to figure out how to make to retirement in the next 10-15 years. I really feel bad for those just starting out. Accounting used to be one of the top paid professions, from accounting clerk to CFO.
I've seen the payrate in my area for CPAs and it's not really worth it unless you relocate to an area that would pay.

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Much more complicated than when I originally started. I haven't actually applied for a job since I was fresh from college. Every job I took after the first one , they came looking for me and made an offer, no need for an interview. Things have changed in the last 20years.

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