Changing Career to Accounting
I've been in the automotive repair industry as an ASE Master Technician for 30 years and done it all, but it has taken a toll on my body and now am not able to be on my feet on concrete for 50+ hours a week. I finally have finished getting my Bachelor of Science Degree in accounting, but now seem unable to get any job offers or interviews so far. I get replies like: Your accomplishments are impressive, but don't meet our standards. or We require you to have 150 cu and sit for the CPA exam. All accounts have to start somewhere and not at the top, and I realize the CPA requires you to have on the job experience just as my ASE certifications did. I need some practical advice as how to make the transition, as I have no accounting jobs in the past to post on my resume. To me it seems to be sell a yourself in the cover letter to even get a chance. What steps do I need to be doing? All of these jobs are apply only online now days.
Congrats on earning your Accounting degree! I know this is an ideal job opportunity for a college grad professional but have you considered temping while you continue FT search. It's a good alternative to get intro to the accounting practice and there are agencies that specialize in accounting assignments. Robert Half is a reputable agency in your industry. https://www.roberthalf.com/finance
James - I would suggest looking for staff accountant, Accounts Payable (AP) or Accounts Receivable (AR) positions. These are hands-on, detailed roles that would allow you to get your foot in the door without having a CPA license. Also having relevant volunteer experience could differentiate you against other applicants. VITA is a national program that takes volunteers with accounting experience (including students) and prepares tax returns for qualifying taxpayers. Good luck in your search!
James,
I am not sure where you live but many major companies have paid interns that lead to full-time position. I see this type of internships at my local electric company, Purina, BKD, Jack Henry just to name a few. You can Google accounting firms in your area then look at their web pages. You might also think of doing volunteer work to gain the experience as well, LinkedIn has the ability to match you with local business needing volunteers. Since you worked in the automotive industry you might also look at companies like O'Reilly's who would love an accountant that understood automotive parts and can do accounting. Think outside the box and do not get stuck on the word "accountant." I am called, "Inventory Control/Point of Sale Analyst," I do A/P, inventory control, managerial accounting and programing.
Hi James, I felt compelled to reply after Steve Skiles response to you - I assure you, as one in the profession for 30 years, it sure as hell as is not a "gal pal" profession. I was termed last June because I would not overstate revenue and jeopardize my CPA license. I think my age is working against me but I will eventually find something. In the meantime I have been able to pick up consulting work at a reasonable hourly rate. My suggestion to you is learn QuickBooks - that might get you into a small company where you can learn what it involved in a monthly close. If you can at least pick up some consulting work in the mean time, many small CPA firms are looking for people from the fall months through tax filing in April - but your goal would have to be to go for your CPA in that instance. There are a lot of "Bookkeeping" positions but the hourly rate is low - I've seen midteens to very low 20 something for Bookkeeping - but usually you have to know QuickBooks. In my last position I hired a woman about my age (50) who was just starting out in Accounting - she went to college for one of the sciences but decided when she had kids she didn't want to be working with chemicals - got her bachelors in accounting and did her husband's books (he was self employed) while she stayed home with the kids - then when they started college, she started looking outside for accounting work. She told me it took a while - so keep plugging along. You only need to get a couple of years under your belt as a staff person and then you can apply for a Sr. Accounting position if you learned what is involved in a monthly close, reconciliations, etc. Look for "entry level" positions or see if the school where you got your degree has a placement office that may be able to help you.
Please don't give up - you will find something!
Good Luck!
Mary
I hate to break this to you but felt compelled since I was in the same boat. I don't try for accounting anymore. It’s because you are not female. As you can see from my profile picture, I have an accounting degree too. Now temp. agencies are a great idea and male discrimination is not so bad in the tax profession, especially if you want to work for yourself. But yes, you majored in a gal pal profession. Let me know if you have run into this because I sure did.
Hi James,
To be honest, In this job market, your chances are slim to none. Even with multiple degrees and lots of experience, I'm still having a hard time getting through for just an interview. I would suggest a paid internship route to get you some initial experience. The requirements for an Internship are a lot more lax and, once you're in the company, it's a lot easier to build your connections and get yourself a regular job then. Best of luck!
Hi James, Have you tried working with a staffing agency? This can be a great way to gain some experience that will help you get a good permanent position.
I don't know your financial status but since you did get your degree in accounting, my thought is to get into a company, i.e., get an admin job. Just get in where ever you can. If you were to show to be a good/great person who people liked then maybe you can eventually transfer over. I am not saying it will work but right now it does not appear that that offers are coming in. You have to do what you have to do to get where you want to be. this requires sacrifice. In other words, make it happen.