OT: Accounting Career

[HLDisney]

I've been in accounting for over 20 years now (2 years in public and the remainder in private) and I agree that the work schedules are the hardest to deal with. My DD was born at the beginning of January and every year, we go through the torture of figuring out what to do with her birthday. I can never take the day off, this year, I couldn't leave work early to bring cupcakes to her class, I'm usually working the weekends surrounding her birthday so scheduling a party requires doing something in December (which is a problem with the Dec holidays) or else in mid-January.

And yes, the first week of every month is no good for vacation, I'm always working the first Saturday of every quarter and I haven't had July 4th off as a holiday in years.

I did do public accounting for a while but I didn't like the travel and the "busy season"

But the one benefit that keeps me in this field is that accountants are always needed so I'm not as likely to become obsolete, as say, a computer programmer specializing in Pascal (does anyone remember that software??)

Helen

 

[cl1067]

Another CPA. I worked in private right out of school and then worked for a regional CPA firm. I loved my years at the CPA firm, but as my children got older, busy season and the travel (and I only did about 3-5 days per month), got to be too hard.

I recently worked for 2 large companies...one was private, looking at going public and the other public and have decided that is not for me. Right now I'm working as a Controller at not-for-profit and I love it! Even during our year end times (and we have 2 years - 3 companies at 12/31 and 3 at 6/30), I'm not working much more than 45-50 hours.

I will say for the most part, you have to "do your time" in public accounting to get the good private accounting jobs. I would not be where I am today without that experience.

 

[Kit'smommy]

I've been in accounting for over 20 years now (2 years in public and the remainder in private) and I agree that the work schedules are the hardest to deal with. My DD was born at the beginning of January and every year, we go through the torture of figuring out what to do with her birthday. I can never take the day off, this year, I couldn't leave work early to bring cupcakes to her class, I'm usually working the weekends surrounding her birthday so scheduling a party requires doing something in December (which is a problem with the Dec holidays) or else in mid-January.

DS was born on February 5th at 38 weeks. On February 4th, my OB sent me from one of my weekly appointments to the hospital for an utrasound. They wouldn't let me even leave the hospital even to get my bag from my house. I had already turned everything over to my very competent staff accountant so I was not worried about close getting finished. I called my DH who was working on close for his company to tell him we were going to be having a baby soon and they were keeping me at the hospital. He asked me "so, do I need to come NOW?" He still owes me for that comment...

 

[Kit'smommy]

and I haven't had July 4th off as a holiday in years.

July 4th is a holiday???

 

[prncess674]

I will say for the most part, you have to "do your time" in public accounting to get the good private accounting jobs. I would not be where I am today without that experience.

If at all possible "do your time" at a big 4 accounting firm. Even if you don't go to a big name accounting program you can still get in. It is harder to be a college new hire so I always suggest to people is do a year at a regional firm then apply for a job at one of the Big 4. It is amazing how many industry jobs have "Big 4 experience preferred/required." If you can ride it out till manager you are really golden. Having that experience lets you practically write your own ticket in industry.

Big 4 levels
Staff/Analyst/Consultant
Senior/Senior Consultant
Manager
Senior Manager
Partner

I work for one of the Big 4 in the consulting practice. My degree is in accounting but I work with large multinational corporations implementing new financial systems. It is exciting and challenging. I get to use my accounting background but also stay on the cutting edge of technology. My job also requires a lot of client interaction. Some people would hate it, but I love it.

What is it that you think you would love about being an accountant?