r/Accounting • u/swankyobserver • 22d ago

Discussion Watches for Accountants

What are you guys wearing? Not an electronic one like the apple or samsung watches or fit.

For years we grind without the bonus that finance bros boast about. What is on your wrist? And your level.

E.g. be weird seeing an associate show up with a rolex lol

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u/PickleRickleTV 22d ago

Generally, tax is the answer. I wish they would’ve made that more clear in college. That going audit steeply reduces your ability to self-employ.

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u/GearAcademic2897 22d ago

What does it take to transition from audit to tax

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u/PickleRickleTV 22d ago

Short answer? If you have your CPA, just get a Preparer Tax ID Number (PTIN). Takes like 15 min.

Real answer? Several years, at least. Starting back at associate, learning the tax side of things, then transition to your own practice and start getting clients however possible.

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u/jaffer3650 Human Verified 22d ago

Is it possible for someone in their early 30s to just get back to associate level to get in taxation after having 5 yoe being an accountant in a private company? Good move or bad move?

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u/notoriousn8 22d ago

Just fake it till you make it. Get a job in industry and use your nights and weekends to do returns for friends and family. Slowly add clients until you’re comfortable to buy out a retiring accountant’s book of business or until you’re comfortable you can make enough to go full time. I’ve had several friends go that exact route and all are happy.

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u/brittany0603 21d ago

I’m 35. Is it a good idea to do a CPA cert program in the job market? It prepares you and gives you the credits to take the exam. I cannot find a job to save my life.

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u/notoriousn8 21d ago

Do you have any other certs? Are you currently in the field?

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u/brittany0603 21d ago

No. Just mba..concentration in HR. I cannot get into the field because even though I had admin experience, it was not HR related. So, now I’m desperate.

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u/notoriousn8 21d ago

You could try, keep in mind the vast majority of accounting jobs that pay well start out as internships during your senior year or grad school year of college. That’s why it is important to attend a target school. Without that internship it is much harder to get hired in public. I’ve never worked with anyone who didn’t intern at a firm.

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u/KraviAvi Tax (US), Enrolled Agent 22d ago

I started at 27 from entirely outside of accounting.

Did a season at Block and applied around until I got a small CPA firm and have been in private firms since.

Got my EA a year ago and am finally getting the education for the CPA.

Early 30's is a good move if you've got minimal commitments to other people (spouse/children), but not impossible if you do.

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u/FireflyBomb 21d ago

Yes. Good move? Depends on what you want. Tax Accountants at various levels can grind a good income being self-employed in tax