TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 10, 2017 15:29:50 GMT -5
You will have to work long hours in the spring, but look at CPA firms who are hiring for tax season. They are hiring now. Some places hire you and you work extra hours during tax season and get paid time off after tax season. Others hire you for the short term and if you do a good job, hire you permanently.
Hold you head up high. A month is no time at all.
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regina24601
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Post by regina24601 on Oct 10, 2017 15:32:21 GMT -5
Ava - Have you considered working for TurboTax? Believe it or not, they hire CPAs to field client questions. Work from home, training provided, and they always want bilingual people. I have no idea what they pay, but my inbox gets bombarded by job ads from them during tax season.
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milee
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Post by milee on Oct 10, 2017 15:39:27 GMT -5
You can be licensed in more than one state. Each state has different requirements for the license and you have to fulfill those requirements, but there's no reason getting a license in CT will prevent her from later getting one in FL. Thanks, Milee. I know we nurses can carry licenses in more than one state but wasn't sure about CPAs. I presume it would then be possible to apply for both licenses at the same time or, at least, within a few weeks of one another? Might be a little tricky depending on the states involved. One of the requirements for most states is that the CPA candidate has to have worked at least a certain amount of hours under the supervision of a CPA, who has to sign off on the candidate's work. I think in Florida, the requirement is equivalent to one year experience and the CPA signing off can be a CPA licensed in any state of the US. No idea if it's the same for CT; CT might require a different amount or type of work and/or might require a CT CPA to sign off. Not saying it's not possible, just saying it's not necessarily a slam dunk and if Ava wants to do that, she needs to carefully research what both state requirements are.
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Post by empress of self-improvement on Oct 10, 2017 16:04:19 GMT -5
A month is not nearly long enough in the current job market Ava. It took me six months of looking before I landed at Boys Town. Another four before I got the heck out of there and landed here. At first I kept a spreadsheet of all the jobs I was applying for so I would remember if they called. I stopped after I hit 100 because all the spreadsheet made me want to do was kill myself. Job hunting is one of the most soul sucking activities on the planet. I have no advice beyond keep putting one foot in front of the other. I did the same thing and am starting it up again because the bullshit at my office is starting to irritate me. Well, that and the commute. I love New Hampshire but I sure as shit don't ever want to live there again. EVER. And the construction on 102 sucks ass. So I just applied to one place where my friend works. We shall see. At least it's a straight shot up 95. Bad part is it's a day job. I am not really fond of daylight. And no, I don't burst into flames. Just too many stupid people out during the day.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Oct 10, 2017 16:25:39 GMT -5
What's the hiring cycle like for accounting positions? I know a lot of industries don't hire much in the last quarter of the year. Maybe it's just too much competition right now, especially with the recent hurricanes. Keep plugging, you still have a job and something is bound to come up eventually. Somewhat true in the accounting industry. They like to have personnel well in place before tax season starts if public accounting firm.
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pooks
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Post by pooks on Oct 10, 2017 16:29:46 GMT -5
I always apply for non CPA accounting jobs in the Fall but don't get called for an interview until January. So in my limited experience, employers are slow to hire in the 4th quarter, but things pick up after the first of the year.
Good Luck!
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Oct 10, 2017 16:36:11 GMT -5
Ava this may be crazy but could you transfer to a university in Florida for the last two courses you need to do? Would that give you access to their placement office?
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milee
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Post by milee on Oct 10, 2017 16:47:11 GMT -5
Ava this may be crazy but could you transfer to a university in Florida for the last two courses you need to do? Would that give you access to their placement office? Not crazy at all - very good idea. Two potential hurdles, though. UF is in Gainesville - not at all close to Miami and it's fairly tough to get into, especially for out of state students.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 10, 2017 16:47:37 GMT -5
A month is not nearly long enough in the current job market Ava. It took me six months of looking before I landed at Boys Town. Another four before I got the heck out of there and landed here. At first I kept a spreadsheet of all the jobs I was applying for so I would remember if they called. I stopped after I hit 100 because all the spreadsheet made me want to do was kill myself. Job hunting is one of the most soul sucking activities on the planet. I have no advice beyond keep putting one foot in front of the other. I agree with you; it is soul sucking. I was also keeping a spreadsheet and stopped. Gets too depressing to see the many places that don't respond, not even to reject you.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 10, 2017 16:50:23 GMT -5
It's definitely harder being out of state. Are you including a cover letter stating your intent to move to FL (I know it's obvious you'd move for a job, but I'd make a clear statement that you're moving to Florida on XXXXX date, and are looking for a job in the area...even if you have no intention of moving on that date...it sets the expectation that you're moving, not that you're just shotgunning resumes out to anyone, anywhere). My cover letter includes a paragraph stating that I am an out of state applicant and that I will be moving to the area soon for personal reasons.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 10, 2017 16:52:50 GMT -5
Are there any professional type job headhunters you could use to expand your network? Honestly it takes MONTHS to land a job now. Used to be you apply and start shortly thereafter. Now there are months and months of processing. It's really ridiculous. I've reached out to two professional recruiters through LinkedIn, neither got back to me. I guess I got lucky when I got my current job. I filled out 40 applications and three weeks later I was with my current company. It looks like it is taking longer nowadays, way longer.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 10, 2017 16:56:06 GMT -5
It seems like, if you don't follow the typical progression, it's really hard to break in. (Typical progression being, intern for a public accounting firm as soon as you have your degree and 150 hours, then they hire you as you're in the process of taking the tests. Or something like that.) That said, it seems like a bad time of year for openings, unless you're in tax, I suppose. Everything has seemed to dry up in the last couple weeks in my area. I agree with you; it's very rigid and difficult to get in unless you follow the progression. But that is not doable for adult students, for people who have to pay bills, mortgages, etc. while going to night school. I wasn't able to do internships. I wasn't hired when I got a Bachelor's Degree because I didn't have the infamous 150 credits. So here I am.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 10, 2017 16:57:57 GMT -5
Keep positive and keep applying. Have you considered a career coach? I would consider one. How do I find a career coach and how much do they charge?
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 10, 2017 17:02:07 GMT -5
Thanks, Milee. I know we nurses can carry licenses in more than one state but wasn't sure about CPAs. I presume it would then be possible to apply for both licenses at the same time or, at least, within a few weeks of one another? Might be a little tricky depending on the states involved. One of the requirements for most states is that the CPA candidate has to have worked at least a certain amount of hours under the supervision of a CPA, who has to sign off on the candidate's work. I think in Florida, the requirement is equivalent to one year experience and the CPA signing off can be a CPA licensed in any state of the US. No idea if it's the same for CT; CT might require a different amount or type of work and/or might require a CT CPA to sign off. Not saying it's not possible, just saying it's not necessarily a slam dunk and if Ava wants to do that, she needs to carefully research what both state requirements are. I can apply for a license either for Florida or CT. The experience has to happen in the state I'm going to get licensed. Doesn't mean I cannot get a license for another state later, but I envisage the same hurdles I am facing now.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 10, 2017 17:04:21 GMT -5
I'm very confused. Part of me feels like switching my test results to Connecticut and call it a day. It sure would be easier to find a job here. Another part of me wants to keep fighting for what I really want; to move down south.
The problem is that I have three years to present my experience. One month is already gone.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Oct 10, 2017 17:36:17 GMT -5
It might not hurt to take a look at openings in Connecticut. Transferring might be the easiest way.
I ended up working for the federal government for this reason. The way I went back and did my grad school ruled out internships for me. I did get hired with a local firm but once I lost that job, I found it impossible to get another entry level CPA job.
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janee
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Post by janee on Oct 11, 2017 10:46:02 GMT -5
I have a friend that has gotten her last two jobs through connections she used at accounting temp positions. I would not give up--you want to be in Florida--try to make that work. Otherwise, make your plan for CT, then move a few years down the road.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Oct 11, 2017 11:04:36 GMT -5
I have a friend that has gotten her last two jobs through connections she used at accounting temp positions. I would not give up--you want to be in Florida--try to make that work. Otherwise, make your plan for CT, then move a few years down the road. I feel like most jobs are gotten (or not offered) based on who you know, not always what you know. Ava, it's going to be harder for you to find someone that you know in FL. I don't think the distance is an issue, per say. I just started back up with one of my clients again. 5 years ago, they literally moved 2K miles away for family reasons. And, over the summer they moved back here. Really, they were able to set up shop, re-starting their jobs here, buying a house, getting their kids enrolled in school, everything in about two months. The thing that facilitated them being able to move back and forth between cities that far away a few times over at least a decade is connections.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 11, 2017 11:21:53 GMT -5
I have a friend that has gotten her last two jobs through connections she used at accounting temp positions. I would not give up--you want to be in Florida--try to make that work. Otherwise, make your plan for CT, then move a few years down the road. I feel like most jobs are gotten (or not offered) based on who you know, not always what you know. Ava, it's going to be harder for you to find someone that you know in FL. I don't think the distance is an issue, per say. I just started back up with one of my clients again. 5 years ago, they literally moved 2K miles away for family reasons. And, over the summer they moved back here. Really, they were able to set up shop, re-starting their jobs here, buying a house, getting their kids enrolled in school, everything in about two months. The thing that facilitated them being able to move back and forth between cities that far away a few times over at least a decade is connections.I couldn't agree with you more. Connections is what makes that sort of move possible. Unfortunately, I have no connections in Florida.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Oct 11, 2017 11:29:06 GMT -5
I couldn't agree with you more. Connections is what makes that sort of move possible. Unfortunately, I have no connections in Florida. Right. So, my focus would be figuring out a way to make those connections. Job transfers, temp to hire positions...these are good strategies we've suggested. What do you think about them? Are there any other ways for you to think out of the box within your field?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2017 11:31:16 GMT -5
Does Connecticut have a reciprocal agreement with Florida? My ex couldn't qualify to take the exam in Alabama because he didn't have 150 hours. He didn't actually have an accounting degree either, just a couple of course. He was a math major who had graduated twenty-something years before. But he worked in corporate accounting and got an urge to get the credential.
He actually sat for the exam in Georgia, which was possible because his company was headquartered in Atlanta. His boss was in Atlanta, and he did enough traveling back and forth that the boss would sign off on it. After he passed the exam, he got his license in Georgia. In two years, he was able to apply for a license in Alabama under the reciprocity agreement.
I threw that out there because once you get fully licensed in Connecticut, you might find it easier to find a job in Florida if they do the reciprocity thing. So check out that aspect. You've got coursework to finish, anyway. Find someone in Connecticut willing to hire you and let you get the requisite experience.
Two years (or whatever) passes quickly.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 11, 2017 11:34:41 GMT -5
I know two CPA's who attended school with me and are currently working here in CT. One of them works for a large private company and the other for a small local public accounting firm.
Yesterday night a light-bulb went on my head and I realized there was someone else I could reach. There was this fantastic professor at the C.C. and she always helped and encouraged me. After I graduated from the C.C. we kept in touch for a while and then we lost contact. I had her email, messaged her and she answered right away. She now teaches at a local university and also helps as liaison between recent graduates and employers, and as an advisor to people trying to enter the field. She right away offered to help me. So I emailed her back right now offering to treat her for lunch soon so we can catch up and talk. Hopefully she'll respond. Even if I can't get a job through my connections, I will be able to enroll and participate in activities at the CT CPA society, and meet new people. I can make connections here, but not in Florida for the simple reason that I'm not there.
Even though I don't like Connecticut, if I think about what is more important for me at this moment, obtaining my CPA license comes on top of the list. Yes, I would prefer for it to happen in Florida but I'll do what it takes. If it has to be in CT then so be it. My goal right now is to become a CPA.
I'll start the application to transfer my exam results to CT tonight.
Who knows, maybe down the road I'll be able to move out of here. Doesn't look feasible right now. The job market is very tough and I need to start soon.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 11, 2017 11:36:29 GMT -5
Does Connecticut have a reciprocal agreement with Florida? My ex couldn't qualify to take the exam in Alabama because he didn't have 150 hours. He didn't actually have an accounting degree either, just a couple of course. He was a math major who had graduated twenty-something years before. But he worked in corporate accounting and got an urge to get the credential. He actually sat for the exam in Georgia, which was possible because his company was headquartered in Atlanta. His boss was in Atlanta, and he did enough traveling back and forth that the boss would sign off on it. After he passed the exam, he got his license in Georgia. In two years, he was able to apply for a license in Alabama under the reciprocity agreement. I threw that out there because once you get fully licensed in Connecticut, you might find it easier to find a job in Florida if they do the reciprocity thing. So check out that aspect. You've got coursework to finish, anyway. Find someone in Connecticut willing to hire you and let you get the requisite experience. Two years (or whatever) passes quickly. I think they have a reciprocity agreement, but not sure. Anyway I have already qualified for Florida so I can apply to transfer my license later today. I'm going to apply and try to find a job here in CT right now.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Oct 11, 2017 11:38:55 GMT -5
With Florida, it depends on how long you had your CPA license in the other state. If less than 5 years, then you need to meet their education requirements. If short on the education requirements, then take the necessary classes then you can get your license. If more than 5 years, then it can be reciportated.
Ava - I'm sorry you are having issues finding a job down there. Unfortunately, it just takes time. 🤗
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 11, 2017 11:43:32 GMT -5
With Florida, it depends on how long you had your CPA license in the other state. If less than 5 years, then you need to meet their education requirements. If short on the education requirements, then take the necessary classes then you can get your license. If more than 5 years, then it can be reciportated. Ava - I'm sorry you are having issues finding a job down there. Unfortunately, it just takes time. 🤗 I know it takes time. But I need to start soon. I'll worry about moving down there at some other point in time. Really, without local connections is very difficult to get the job I need. And I have applied to temp agencies, but they also don't get back to me. So time to start plan B.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Oct 11, 2017 14:34:08 GMT -5
I know this doesn't help with "local connections," but if you think employers are passing over your application because you aren't local, would it help to get a P.O. Box with a Florida address? These days, people's cell phone numbers are often not "local" cell phone numbers. And what does it take to join the Florida CPA organization? If it's just dues, that's easy. Plan a vacation or two around their meetings, and meet some people in the field. Another line on the resume.
But meeting up with your former professor is an excellent idea! Who knows what doors she can open for you...!
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Oct 11, 2017 15:18:01 GMT -5
Keep positive and keep applying. Have you considered a career coach? I would consider one. How do I find a career coach and how much do they charge? Not sure, but starting with cover letter and resume see if you can find industry specific professional coach to review.
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suesinfl
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Post by suesinfl on Oct 11, 2017 19:28:00 GMT -5
Ava, I wish you the best. One temp firm is roberthalf.com and they used to be highly recommended because they specialize in the accounting world. I know a couple of people that used them a few years ago to get their foot in the door, so to speak. Keep in mind that local governments have just passed their budgets for the next year and sometimes they drag their feet with posting their open positions. Also, even though Miami area has a higher COL then my area, it is still cheaper than the area that you are coming from. I know you have researched the COL, but don't disregard jobs that pay much lower than what you are making now.
Not much help, I know, but just things that you may not have though about.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 11, 2017 21:43:08 GMT -5
Ava, I wish you the best. One temp firm is roberthalf.com and they used to be highly recommended because they specialize in the accounting world. I know a couple of people that used them a few years ago to get their foot in the door, so to speak. Keep in mind that local governments have just passed their budgets for the next year and sometimes they drag their feet with posting their open positions. Also, even though Miami area has a higher COL then my area, it is still cheaper than the area that you are coming from. I know you have researched the COL, but don't disregard jobs that pay much lower than what you are making now. Not much help, I know, but just things that you may not have though about. Hi, Sue. Thanks for the well-wishes. I applied to RobertHalf three times and never got any sort of response. My guess is that they are bombarded with applicants.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Oct 11, 2017 21:46:36 GMT -5
I know this doesn't help with "local connections," but if you think employers are passing over your application because you aren't local, would it help to get a P.O. Box with a Florida address? These days, people's cell phone numbers are often not "local" cell phone numbers. And what does it take to join the Florida CPA organization? If it's just dues, that's easy. Plan a vacation or two around their meetings, and meet some people in the field. Another line on the resume. But meeting up with your former professor is an excellent idea! Who knows what doors she can open for you...! I don't really see how a P.O. Box would help me. I live and work and CT and I don't see the point of trying to make people believe I am located in Florida. It is what it is. As for joining the Florida CPA association, I could do it right now. But it won't help me. What helps is being around and taking part in events, meetings, volunteering, etc. on a regular basis. That's why I think joining the CT association would help me make connections. I will meet with my former professor if she agrees. She said she'll do it. Waiting for her response to my invitation for lunch.
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