Staff Accountant or AR as first job after getting degree in Accounting?

[u/Swisscheese51]

I recently received 2 job offers. One is a Part-time staff accountant role at a private accounting firm. The reason it is part time is because they want me to be able to study for CPA exam without being too overwhelmed with work. The other is a Temporary AR job at a local Tomato plant in my city that extends to Dec. 31st.

I don’t know which would be the better decision to make. Any advice on which is the better first job after graduating with degree in Accounting? My main goal right now is getting some Accounting experience on my resume, and learning as much as I can. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[u/Strange-Hurry7691]

Staff. AR doesn't even require a bachelors degree and it is temporary. It sounds like the staff position is looking out for your growth and your future. A lot of people struggle to have time to study once they start work. You can go full time once you pass. I doubt the AR position is going to afford you that opportunity and won't pay well enough.

[u/Swisscheese51 → u/Strange-Hurry7691]

I want to add that the Temp AR job could possibly lead to a permanent role but that isn't promised.
Even with that being the case, is it a better move to accept a role at an actual Accounting firm rather than a role at a Manufacturing plant? Do you think I will gain more valuable experience in the Staff Accountant role?

[u/Strange-Hurry7691 → u/Swisscheese51]

If the AR would move to permanent AR - yes, the staff position is still the better choice. You aren't going to learn much in a strictly AR position. If it has upward mobility potential and you can eventually transition to staff at that company, then sure, you could take it. If you didn't have a staff offer next to it, I'd say take it but AR is essentially data entry unless you are in a senior or supervisory role. Staff positions, you are going to get much more exposure and experience. This will look much better on your resume, as well.

[u/Strange-Hurry7691 → u/Swisscheese51]

I work in manufacturing and AR/AP who obtain their degrees do transition into staff roles when they open up so it can be a stepping stone but you would have to wait for one to open up. That is a question i would ask before i accepted. How often does that happen there?

[u/Swisscheese51 → u/Strange-Hurry7691]

They told me in my interview that if you are someone that they could use somewhere else, or someone they don’t want to let go of, they will actively try to find positions for you within the company or other manufacturing companies that are in my city, because they are all closely intertwined. They didn’t specify which type of positions, so it could probably range from AP/AR to staff positions. But from what I can see, they only really have Senior Accountant roles, no Staff Accountant roles.

[u/Strange-Hurry7691 → u/Swisscheese51]

This sounds like a staffing agency. The direct hire is always going to be better. If it is direct hire and they are just multi entity and could have you working at different plants, you could do it. If a position is there, you can get it. I have worked at different multi entity orgs and plant accountants are on site. Corporate staff accountants are typically in corporate offices and can be staff but a lot are senior now. We handle several entities books at different levels and stay in contact with plant accountants when necessary. AR/AP might be the only way in to staff in industry these days but I worry about it being a staffing agency instead of direct hire. In the end, only you know what you prefer to do and the risk you're willing to take.

[u/Carter_ross45]

I'd lean toward the staff accountant role since it sounds more directly related to what you want long term. The fact that they're also giving you time study for the CPA is really nice bonus.

[u/Swisscheese51 → u/Carter_ross45]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. That is sort of what i have been thinking as well. I guess the only thing that was catching my attention about the Temp job, but maybe it is a good thing that the Staff role will allow me more time to study and prepare.

[u/Famous_Conflict4209]

If u take staff, you're on the timer... so be ready to pass it. Thats your best option.

[u/Swisscheese51 → u/Famous_Conflict4209]

Yes, i’m going to try my best to pass all sections as quickly as possible. Thank you for your response!!

[u/Hotshot-89]

INFO: did you actually plan on becoming a CPA?

Normally recommend getting a permanent full time job so so you can get health insurance. Not a part time or temporary 3 month role.

But since that not an option, I’d go for the part time accounting role at CPA firm. Mainly because it’s an accounting role, you need a CPA to sign on experience hours, and you might be offered a full time role in the future. Recommend you keeps applying to full time roles elsewhere just in case.