Still no job in public accounting.... still with my current company, just had my review and for the 4th year... still no raise despite another stellar review. The excuse this time was that although I've taken on a LOT in the past year and improved a lot of processes, I need to get into marketing and account management to get a raise. The company just doesn't value accountants - which is no surprise, I knew that all along.
Out of desperation I emailed the nearest public accounting firm and told him that I'd be willing to volunteer my expertise on a part-time basis to gain experience since everybody seems to want experience.
He wrote back instantly.
DH wasn't thrilled, still isn't. And of course, I would rather have a paid position - but even a $50K salary is a paycut compared to a $33K salary that doesn't have to pay childcare for 4 kids... at least volunteering gives me more control over my hours.
I've been applying to other accountant jobs. Have an interview with an insurance administrator company that is looking for an accountant. I'd be interviewing with the HR Director, CFO, and Director of Ops. It isn't public accounting, but it gets me closer to my goal.
I'm meeting with the nearest CPA firm on Thursday.
and I had also applied to another CPA firm in the next town that I'm following up on.
I'm also taking CPE courses that I can find for free. So far I've taken 20 CPE credits on Quickbooks, Lacerte, and ProSeries. I have 15 more to go and then I need to find 5 more to meet my goal.
Nice thing with my current job is that it is easy... so finding the time to fit in CPEs is not challenging.
The other thing I wonder about it salary... is $50K as a salary requirement low? high? average? for someone with no experience but has a master's in accounting and passed the CPA exam? I see all sorts of salary numbers ranging from $40K to $60K
But anyhow. Things are doing well.... just trying to find a solution to the job front. There is no growth in my current position and will never be... I know where I want to be. Work with a public firm and then in 10 years either be a partner, start my own firm, or get into consulting. The cornerstone of my career would be centered around technology and how accountants & business owners respond to its changing environment.
So we'll see. The strategy for 2011 is to get a paid position, but if I can't... I'll do whatever I can to stay current and gain experience in the meantime.
On a more personal note, I'm excited that my husband takes vacation starting Thursday... we celebrate our 11th anniversary this month.
Been awhile
December 7th, 2010 at 05:10 pm
December 7th, 2010 at 05:18 pm 1291742307
Good to hear from you. I do hope that things in your marriage are going well and you are all getting familiar with your new surroundings!
December 7th, 2010 at 05:20 pm 1291742436
Salary is the same way. Starting pay was about $30k (big 5 firm; most expensive zip codes in the U.S., mind you) circa 1999, but I'd say the pay about doubled the last decade due to huge demand. I wouldn't be surprised if starting salaries were starting to contract. OF course, this would be the most anyone would pay since I am talking a high-waged city. I do not know how smaller towns fit, accordingly. I took a 10% pay cut when we moved to Sacramento, but the benefits (overtime/profit sharing) meant I ended up being paid about the same anyway. It's infinitely cheaper to live here.
This could just be another reason that salaries vary. I think the benefits can make or break a position. By "benefits" I do mean overtime and profit sharing. Traditional benefits like medical have been abysmal (in my experience) no matter how small or big the firm. But my boss has paid me 10% above my salary (profit sharing), plus is very generous with overtime pay. The first firm I worked for was the only one who offered overtime pay in that city, but the salary was a little less, accordingly.
December 7th, 2010 at 05:21 pm 1291742466
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December 7th, 2010 at 08:29 pm 1291753764
DH is completely against it because there may not be a job offer in the end. And it would cost us about $1500 due to childcare, not to mention I am still doing my current job. Really trying to weigh this cause I know if I do this I will not have his support at all - but both firms are expanding so the prospects are good. The one I meet with on Thursday does a lot with technology which is what I would want the cornerstone of my career to be.
December 7th, 2010 at 09:21 pm 1291756899
December 7th, 2010 at 09:57 pm 1291759070
On your interview, ask about what kind of work you will be doing though. For us, during tax season there is no time to train anyone, but we need a lot of administrative help. I would be wary of getting stuck in that kind of capacity (without really getting the experience you need!). The audit offer sounds pretty good though!
December 10th, 2010 at 11:36 pm 1292024198
Jerry