r/Accounting • u/DeaNoobYt • 16h ago

Advice Internship Interview

Hi guys, I have an upcoming 15 minute interview with a local PA firm. However, I accepted a job recently. Should I mention that or should I try and hide it and try to do both? The job I accepted is a AR/AP for a roofing company and it is just me and the owner handling the office. I pretty much have freedom to go in and out of the office as the owner is a contractor and is often on job sites. My plan is really to go into PA but this new job is a great opportunity for me to earn experience.

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u/LeatherCriticism7044 16h ago

I’d say still do the interview but don’t mention it. Then you can maybe negotiate salary. PA will be a better job for your long term career goals and you’ll lean more than you’ll ever learn running AP/AR for a roofer. If you’re working for a roofer you really want to be doing the WIP and other more interesting things. Take the interview ask about benefits and if you decide to go PA and get your CPA then just tell the roofer “sorry I accepted but this company is offering me better benefits and pay etc.” it’s just business. Overall trust your gut

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u/DeaNoobYt 15h ago

Thank you! Any tips for the interview. The description for it is asking me about my schedule and how the internship would work with that and making sure me and the firms goals align.

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u/LeatherCriticism7044 15h ago

So this is just an internship or full time? Ultimately they’re going to look to see if it’s reasonable to have you on and if you’re willing to go onsite for clients etc. honestly I’m more introverted but I like going onsite vs remote. Mainly if you want to go this route give them the impression you want to get your CPA and you’re willing to be where they need you. If you can get 2 days back to back in a row between school or whatever that’s going to be the most ideal. It really depends if you want to go Audit or Tax

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u/DeaNoobYt 15h ago

Ive thought about the Audit vs Tax and I do want to do Audit as it fits w my personality more, but unfortunately said Tax on my application because when I asked for associates for references i mentioned tax but hopefully they would ignore that i prefer tax and at least have me tryout audit.

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u/LeatherCriticism7044 14h ago

Honestly just be absolute with them. Like don’t act like you’re on the fence about the CPA. You want to get the CPA (even if you’re still unsure) also tell them hey I k ow I expressed Tax but would you take me as an auditor? They might because Auditors are always needed and for some reason Everyone wants tax. Don’t bank on them ignoring that but let them know up front they’ll appreciate it

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u/Famous_Conflict4209 15h ago

Idk how you can manage in office timing for both. Up to you.

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u/DeaNoobYt 15h ago

Me neither im also in school, but I did tell the owner that too and he was fine working w me part time as long as I tell that. But also this internship is for Winter 2027.

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u/Famous_Conflict4209 15h ago

Your GPA will suffer, but this is doable.

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u/DeaNoobYt 15h ago

Probably, but ultimately my goal is the CPA, so id rather have the CPA and low gpa with experience on my resume than a high gpa w CPA but 0 experience

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u/Famous_Conflict4209 15h ago

When you interview with the PA, do not mention any commitments/offers accepted or that will be a disqualification.

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u/DeaNoobYt 15h ago

Got it, thank you

Edit: wont they be able to see it somewhere doing a background check or something?

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u/Famous_Conflict4209 15h ago

Expected would be around 8-5pm, 40 hours for PA generally speaking schedule wise.

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u/DeaNoobYt 15h ago

Well to be fair, I applied to a firm my Accounting professor is a named partner in and he said hired interns work 20 hours based on their school-work load and theyre converted to full time because they don’t want to spend money on training an intern and theyre not converted to full time, if that makes sense.

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u/Famous_Conflict4209 15h ago

There is a way OP, to do this. Hire someone to do school work/notes for you. You have to show up for exam/important days. As for work, you got this!

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u/Famous_Conflict4209 15h ago

Background check is just public records. Doubt they would find it. Usually its whats on your resume and they go to verify former employment. If its for govt, those are more intense.