Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 11:05:48 GMT -5
How new are you to the job? What you're talking about sounds like the normal learning curve to me. It takes experience to get good at things, and experience is usually a code word for the freedom to make a few mistakes. If you are perfect at a job right off the bat you are underemployed. No, I'm not new. I've been in this position for almost two years. There are certain aspects of it that require you to make more elaborate deductions and I just miss the cues or come up with the wrong assumptions. It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens often enough for me to realize I am not really suited for the job. But like Phoenix said, I draw a paycheck and I have to show up and give it my best. You say you don't make repeat mistakes so I think you are underestimating how much of a learning curve there is in every job. You are going to run into the same kind of thing in any job.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Feb 11, 2016 11:08:17 GMT -5
I also wonder what my life would be like once I get the CPA license. I hope it will be better. I'm not the kind of person who sacrifices their lives going to work in a heavy snowstorm
I am curious why did you pick accounting if you didn't want to have to be someone who goes in during bad weather? You're getting degrees that will advertise you are capable of taking on more responsibility and more challenges. An employer is not going to be happy to hire someone with a CPA/MBA and then have them not show up during inclement weather or gets super stressed out over their workload.
Going in during bad weather isn't a work/life balance issue. Every area of the country has bad weather in some form, nothing would get done if we all never came in during inclement weather. It's nice when your employer allows you to use your best judgement but sometimes life doesn't work out that way and you need to drag yourself in.
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Feb 11, 2016 11:10:06 GMT -5
I also wonder what my life would be like once I get the CPA license. I hope it will be better. I'm not the kind of person who sacrifices their lives going to work in a heavy snowstorm. I just don't see the point.
I don't mind being a low-level employee or even working part-time once I get my license. I don't need a ton of money, I don't like stress and working 80 hours a week. A little job-related stress is to be expected, but not high stress all the time. Life is too short for that. Fortunately, so far, I've been able to find managers who respect work-life balance.
Honestly reading this I don't know why you're on the path you're on. The people I've come across who got professional licenses (CPA, CFA, etc.) had every intention of cutting their teeth so to speak and putting it to use. In order to finalize your license you need to get a certain amount of hours and another CPA to sign off on those hours at least in CA. I'm all for work-life balance but talking about working part time after getting your masters and eventually CPA license just seems like a lot of time and effort put in when you aren't going to maximize the possibilities. If you wanted to work part time in some sort of accounting role you definitely don't need your masters and/or CPA license. It seems like you're doing it more for the sense of accomplishment than actually wanting to pursue it further which is admirable but a waste of your time, money and energy. Regardless, good luck.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Feb 11, 2016 13:25:07 GMT -5
I'm glad things worked out / calmed down Ava.
This said I too am wondering whether the CPA is a good idea. From what I see on the boards it's really high stress, and you don't seem like somebody who thrives on stress. (This is not a criticism, I'm not either).
I know you planned to get your MBA (which you have!) and CPA and move back home. Have you looked into jobs at home or FL recently with an MBA, but not the CPA?
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emma1420
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Post by emma1420 on Feb 11, 2016 14:46:50 GMT -5
I also wonder what my life would be like once I get the CPA license. I hope it will be better. I'm not the kind of person who sacrifices their lives going to work in a heavy snowstorm. I just don't see the point.
I don't mind being a low-level employee or even working part-time once I get my license. I don't need a ton of money, I don't like stress and working 80 hours a week. A little job-related stress is to be expected, but not high stress all the time. Life is too short for that. Fortunately, so far, I've been able to find managers who respect work-life balance.
Honestly, as others have said I think it will get worse at least for the first few years even if you end up with an employer that doesn't need you to work 50, 60, 70 hour work weeks. You will start a new job with very limited vacation time (three weeks at the most), and you will quickly get a reputation of not being serious about your work if you call in regularly for things like the weather, a car breaking down, etc. And from what I gather from the people I know in accounting, it's a high-pressure very detailed oriented field. I also think you may find it challenging to find a part time position with limited experience. Where I work we only hire people part-time (outside of lower level clerical positions) when they've had extensive experience. We need to know that they can do the work well and that they have a solid track record.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Feb 11, 2016 14:50:25 GMT -5
Ava, since a lot of comments are going in this direction ... I know you emigrated to the US, started out at a low level, and have done a fantastic job of getting yourself highly educated.
But now that you have your MBA, are you sure you really want to continue for the CPA? This may sound really stupid, but since you are incredibly determined and that was your original goal, once your got your MBA, did you ever actually think again about the CPA? Or looked into job opportunities with an MBA, but not a CPA, both back home and in FL?
Just something to think about. You know we are all rooting for you!
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Feb 11, 2016 15:01:05 GMT -5
You can work for an accounting firm without having your license but you've still got to put the time in. At a point to go any higher you need your license because you're either promoted to the next stage or gone but again you've still got to work your way up to that point. I used to work with a guy years ago before I had my license who got his license, quit whatever job he had and tried opening his own business. He thought having his license was enough to bring in clients and he was sadly mistaken. I heard about this after the fact from our boss (owned his own small firm that did quite well) who told me he was a smart guy but he had little or no experience and he hadn't built up relationships with people that would help him bring in business.
Just having your license isn't going to get you a cushy part time job that's low stress where you make enough to get by. People that hire you still want references, want to know where you worked, what you did before and so on. My friends still make comments during tax time like "you must be busy" to which I kind of laugh because I work for a private firm in the finance industry and am not doing tax returns. I definitely review them but we let the experts we pay actually prepare them. They hear accountant and think taxes just like someone else hears lawyer and thinks hey I can ask him/her for legal advice about my neighbor who is threatening to sue me in the state of ___ for ___. Fact is once you get your license you usually specialize in something or go down a certain path. No one is a jack of all trades because you spread yourself too thin and then you know a little about a lot when it's better to know what you know and know it well. Just passing the exam while admirable in ways is akin to getting your degree - it helps you get your foot in the door but you still have a lot to learn and actually apply. One of my professors said CPA stands for 'can't pass again' because you study and retain so much for the exams you won't end up using which anyone can relate to when it comes to things we learned in school.
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techguy
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Post by techguy on Feb 11, 2016 15:18:37 GMT -5
Yeah, I'm also on the bandwagon that a CPA/MBA does not equal a cushy, part time-y, la de da kind of job.
If anything, employers expect MORE from you.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 11, 2016 22:21:52 GMT -5
Thanks for all the advice and words. I know, really, that you guys care for me and don't want to see me fail.
The CPA designation may not seem ideal for me, but I want it. I am very determined, I want to succeed and achieving that designation is my ultimate goal. I am pretty sure I have what it takes to pass the exam and land an entry level CPA job in Miami.
Then, I'll take it from there. When I started Community College I could only take weekend classes because I was working two jobs. Then I could swing things around to attend school full-time. Then I transferred to a university, not knowing if I could handle a full-time job and a full-time school schedule. But I did it. And I got my MBA in two years, working full-time, I failed Statistics, turned around and took it again.
What I mean is that I have a way to get around issues. I am not even worried right now about a first CPA job. My goal right now is the exam. My first CPA job is not going to be an easy ride, I know that. So what? I expect it to be hard and to have to spend long hours at it. It's a given. But CPA firms have a high turnover for a reason. Almost nobody want or can keep up with that kind of schedule for long.
I know four CPAs in real life and none of them work in public accounting. Two of them work in private industry and two of them are teachers. But they keep their licenses current and it has helped their careers big time. I think the ideal job for me would be a nonprofit or a bank.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Feb 12, 2016 1:28:40 GMT -5
My dad was a CPA for 30 years, never made huge money but certainly good money. He worked 3 or 4 days a week over the summer months, 4-5 days a week in the fall and winter, and of course a lot during tax season. He worked for various firms, so its not like it was a complete anomaly. Not all CPA's are trying to kill themselves to make partner somewhere.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Feb 12, 2016 4:52:23 GMT -5
Ava, I wish you well and hope everything you desire comes your way. I've enjoyed reading your progress.
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Works4me
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Post by Works4me on Feb 12, 2016 5:41:49 GMT -5
Having worked full time while going to school full time might make it easier for you after you pass your exams. In fact, you might even have more free time.
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finnime
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Post by finnime on Feb 12, 2016 17:19:46 GMT -5
Ava, I wish you well and hope everything you desire comes your way. I've enjoyed reading your progress.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Feb 12, 2016 21:34:05 GMT -5
At all the CPA firms where I worked, we put in a lot of hours during tax season. That did mean days off in the summer. The last place I worked didn't seem to have a lot of turnover within the firm. I thought they treated their employees well for a CPA firm. They were the only CPA firm that I would say that about.
My nephew is a CPA and MBA. He got what he thought was his dream job in mergers and acquisitions and he hated it. He hated it so much that he found a better job for him and paid back his sign on bonus. He said it wasn't worth working a job he hated. He didn't quit until he found a new job though.
Best to you, Ava, in whatever you do.
I'm just glad to be retired and I don't have to drive in a snowstorm any more.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Feb 12, 2016 22:10:08 GMT -5
My dad was a CPA for 30 years, never made huge money but certainly good money. He worked 3 or 4 days a week over the summer months, 4-5 days a week in the fall and winter, and of course a lot during tax season. He worked for various firms, so its not like it was a complete anomaly. Not all CPA's are trying to kill themselves to make partner somewhere.
Completely agree. And oh dear lord am I happy I never worked for some of you. No way in hell would I be renting cars to get to work unless I was a one-of-a-kind brain surgeon or something. For accounting?? Not in a million years. I've done it when I was young and stupid. Went in to work in snow storms and with high fevers. I did payroll on the day of my grandmother's funeral. Now, looking back at it, I realize how freaking insane it was.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2016 23:42:31 GMT -5
If driving to work is dangerous a person should not drive to work unless not doing so endangers others. A person should work to make his/her life better. Work should not be his/her life.
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justme
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Post by justme on Feb 13, 2016 1:16:35 GMT -5
Do you have any idea other than an "entry level CPA job"? Because, frankly, that's incredibly vague and possibly doesn't exist. I know in the company I work entry level jobs don't require a CPA. That's 2-3 steps up and the CPA wouldn't have them starting out at the higher level if they didn't have experience. Furthermore, there's finance side and accounting side. People on both sides have a CPA, but on the finance side it isn't needed until the CFO level and sometimes the director level - depending on what dept the director is over.
So, in my observations entry level and CPA just don't go together unless you're talking about straight accounting-only firms. And those, from what I hear, really make you pay your dues. Crazy hours, crap assignments, pressure, etc.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Feb 13, 2016 8:45:51 GMT -5
It's interesting that on the "job" thread people are saying that you shouldn't have any loyalty to the employer bc they have no loyalty to you.
But here people are telling OP that she should pretty much disregard any and all personal safety concerns so a report can be issued.
For the record, OP - I don't know if you should really be killing yourself getting CPA license. I know plenty of people who work in small CPA firms doing CPA work without having a license. They just don't sign the returns.
And if you plan to work in corporate world - again, unless you are shooting for a controller and above position - CPA wasn't really necessary. At least in my experience.
But I think once a person has a CPA after his name - there are higher expectations. I remember a long time ago one manager told me that while he doesn't think that someone who passed an exam has more knowledge, he does view them as someone with more endurance and more stamina
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 13, 2016 9:57:24 GMT -5
Do you have any idea other than an "entry level CPA job"? Because, frankly, that's incredibly vague and possibly doesn't exist. I know in the company I work entry level jobs don't require a CPA. That's 2-3 steps up and the CPA wouldn't have them starting out at the higher level if they didn't have experience. Furthermore, there's finance side and accounting side. People on both sides have a CPA, but on the finance side it isn't needed until the CFO level and sometimes the director level - depending on what dept the director is over. So, in my observations entry level and CPA just don't go together unless you're talking about straight accounting-only firms. And those, from what I hear, really make you pay your dues. Crazy hours, crap assignments, pressure, etc. Maybe I'm using the wrong expression but to me an entry level CPA job is the first job you get once you pass your exam and are working under a licensed CPA who has to sign for your experience. Yes, I understand the pay will be crap and the hours long. I am willing and able to deal with that.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Feb 13, 2016 10:05:21 GMT -5
I think it's more like an entry level accounting/auditor job. Typically people graduate and take an entry level associates job. Then they take the exams while working and getting their experience at the same time. I would definitely check into how long after passing all 4 parts you have to secure the experience. You wouldn't want to pass then lose credits because you couldn't find a job to give you experience in time. Not sure if having already passed will make you a more attractive candidate. Perhaps.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 13, 2016 10:13:05 GMT -5
No, I don't want or expect to be a CFO, or a partner in an accounting firm. I just want a job. I want to live and enjoy my life. A job I like will be part of it, but won't be the leitmotif for me. I want to enjoy vacations, time with my family, days at the beach, and I would love to travel. I want to work eight hours and go home and have a life.
I will probably end up with a nice job that does not really really require you to have a CPA designation. But that's my goal and I am going to do it and get there. Same way I didn't really really need to become a citizen. Being a resident was "good enough" I guess. But I like to vote and be a citizen here. So I spent the money, studied for the exam, took the test, etc.
I consider myself loyal to my employers. I am extremely loyal to people, not to corporation. The place where I work is publicly traded and employees are numbers. They pay me to perform certain task and I go in and do them. The company doesn't treat us bad, it's not that. But we are commodities. My manager and my coworkers are the real people I work with, and I care about them. They have my loyalty.
Years ago I was working at a cafeteria making not much money. I had a very old rear wheel traction Toyota that was all I could afford. One winter I made it to work in a horrible snowstorm. You know what I got for that; a pat in the back and to try to cover for everybody who had stay home safe. The manager literally patted my back and said thank you for coming in, good job. Then I spent the next eight hours trying to be the cashier, the cleaner, the deli-person, etc. Going back home that night I had an accident. It was bad. Nobody from work came to help me. Two personal friends took care of me. That made me reconsider many things.
I want to live and enjoy life. A job should be good enough to pay the bills and be something you can enjoy at least 50% of the time, more if possible. Being surrounded by a good team of people is essential.
Other than that, I plan to work eight hours and go home. Every manager I had so far has understood that. I think partly because I make it very clear to them and they respect it. If you start going in during snowstorms, staying late everyday, etc. trust me they would keep pushing you further. Your pay, benefits and advances will not reflect your sacrifices, at least not enough to make it worth for you. Remember we all have limited time to live.
That's me and who I am and how I think.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 13, 2016 10:17:37 GMT -5
I think it's more like an entry level accounting/auditor job. Typically people graduate and take an entry level associates job. Then they take the exams while working and getting their experience at the same time. I would definitely check into how long after passing all 4 parts you have to secure the experience. You wouldn't want to pass then lose credits because you couldn't find a job to give you experience in time. Not sure if having already passed will make you a more attractive candidate. Perhaps. You have three years after you pass the fourth part to apply for your license. Depending on the state where you want to become a CPA, you may need one or two years of experience. I don't know whether passing the exam before looking for a job would make me more or less attractive to an employer. I want to pass at least the first two parts before I start applying. I am already scheduled for the first two; one in May and the other in July. I think I'm going to start looking for a job after passing the second part.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 13, 2016 10:21:51 GMT -5
Here's another thought to ponder. Ava has been working very hard to get her degrees. That in and of itself is adding layers of stress to her life. Once she's done, I would imagine there will be a higher tolerance for work pressures. I know I would be looking for a break mentally after getting the CPA license. Now that's not to say that it's reasonable to expect a job that doesn't add stress to your life. I am also a person that doesn't see anything wrong with wanting to go in, do your job and get out, as long as that person understands that the trade off is less opportunity and advancement in other words if Ava understands that she likely won't last long as a controller with her chosen approach, I don't think she's wrong. A certain level of stress is understandable. I can deal with that. And no, I don't want to be a CFO. I don't even want to be a manager. I like being a team member.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 13, 2016 10:37:12 GMT -5
I think it's more like an entry level accounting/auditor job. Typically people graduate and take an entry level associates job. Then they take the exams while working and getting their experience at the same time. I would definitely check into how long after passing all 4 parts you have to secure the experience. You wouldn't want to pass then lose credits because you couldn't find a job to give you experience in time. Not sure if having already passed will make you a more attractive candidate. Perhaps. By the way, wvugurl, after much thinking I went with Becker. Wish me luck!
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Feb 13, 2016 10:38:39 GMT -5
Good luck ava! I really found it be worthwhile for my personality. They really lay out what you need to do, how much time you should spend, etc.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 13, 2016 11:46:37 GMT -5
Good luck ava! I really found it be worthwhile for my personality. They really lay out what you need to do, how much time you should spend, etc. I've no doubt it's the best program out there. I haven't finished enrolling yet. They sent me the email with the link to allow them ACH payments over the next 18 months.
My heart is palpitating over the idea of adding a $217 monthly bill for a year and a half. Especially considering I have to move in a few months, and that also costs money. I am letting their email sit in my inbox for the rest of the day. I know I should be done with this already but it's a big extra bill for me. I don't know, I'll have to sleep over it.
I thought they would give you 18 months and let you pay at your own pace, and then the balance would be due at the end of the 18 months period. Tomorrow I'll decide if I finish this or go with Wiley, which would cost me $1,800 but no financing. I have to get enrolled in one of these programs this weekend, since I'll take my first part at the end of May and time flies.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Feb 13, 2016 12:43:29 GMT -5
The driving-in-snow example is tricky. The problem is you live in a place with frequent snow. The posters and employers who expect themselves and you to get to work believe that because they don't believe it's dangerous conditions. They're not wrong. When you move to Florida, the entire state will shut down if there is snow. No one will know how to drive in it, so no one will expect you to get to work. They're not wrong either.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 13, 2016 13:01:15 GMT -5
The driving-in-snow example is tricky. The problem is you live in a place with frequent snow. The posters and employers who expect themselves and you to get to work believe that because they don't believe it's dangerous conditions. They're not wrong. When you move to Florida, the entire state will shut down if there is snow. No one will know how to drive in it, so no one will expect you to get to work. They're not wrong either.
It snows frequently here. But expecting it not to be dangerous is an overstatement. We have plenty of accidents and even death each and every snowstorm. No matter how careful you are, it is really tricky. It takes me 4 hours to come back home in snow from my current work location. I'm really careful but after a while snow starts to stick to your tires and you begin to slide. It's not a good experience. I don't want to do it.
I transferred to a location nearby, but that lasted exactly one winter. Now they transferred us to headquarters 30 miles away. Now that my computer is fixed I can work from home if we get another snowstorm. Hopefully we won't see any more of them this winter. I expect this to be my last winter here.
Schools and public offices close for a reason when it snows. It's not safe to be outside in them. I just avoid them if I can. When I started this thread my idea was to go to work, get my computer settled and then come back before it started snowing. But the car didn't start.
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justme
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Post by justme on Feb 13, 2016 13:40:15 GMT -5
The driving-in-snow example is tricky. The problem is you live in a place with frequent snow. The posters and employers who expect themselves and you to get to work believe that because they don't believe it's dangerous conditions. They're not wrong. When you move to Florida, the entire state will shut down if there is snow. No one will know how to drive in it, so no one will expect you to get to work. They're not wrong either.
Well, it has snowed here but it never stuck on the ground so yea they still expect you to come. In Florida it's rain. It can be pouring to where you can only see 20 ft in front of you and I don't think any manager here would look kindly on I can't come in it's raining. Hell I think I've come to work during low grade tropical storms. Hurricanes close some jobs, but not every job.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Feb 13, 2016 13:41:36 GMT -5
I've deleted my OP and my edited post.
Ava, please work on seeking understanding. Not agreement, just understanding.
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