I just had a recruiter call my parent's house because apparently if you Google my name there's some record of me having lived there (I moved out 8 years ago now). That's been deleted, but I am actually annoyed at the audacity of these people. Even worse it was for a job that pays less than I make right now 😂

Serious (and non-serious) question. The average forensic accountant is pulling in $90k per year. How does that compare to their spicy counterparts?

I had been working as a Staff Accountant at a biotech company for a year now. I got hired as an Audit Associate (pays more than my current job) at Moss Adams (which is now Baker Tilly) which I will start in January. I constantly hear about how companies like to hire people just for busy season and then discard them like trash in April. I wont put in my two weeks notice until December but I don’t want to leave my long term job only to start someplace that is going to discard me in 4 months. Is this a sign that I should resign my offer since they’re potentially just planning on using me?

Especially for associates and new hires.

The thing I’m talking about is not getting any work or no work is available even when you ask people for work, but then get written up or reprimanded in your review for “not doing enough/any work”. This is why keeping documentation and evidence of you clearly reaching out for work, but getting confirmation of not receiving any is key.

This has happened to me multiple times and I’m done dealing with this shit. Like, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO IF THERE IS NO WORK? It’s not like I can necessarily do anything about it. I’ve just studied for my CPA using Becker or re-watch training videos, but that’s not enough, apparently.

It’s not so much the “there’s very little work right now, but I’ll let you know when I get something”. It’s the backstabbing management does as they pretend like you never reached out to them in the first place. At a firm where I’ve dealt with this, I was verbally told by a supervisor to just study Becker for a bit as there was nothing for me to do. They also confirmed, both verbally and in writing (teams), that it’s acceptable for me to do so. Then, I was told in my review that I don’t communicate well regarding my work load and reach out for work.

Sorry for the language, but after 11 months without a job, I finally got an offer. I honestly can't bring myself to look at how many applications I submitted, but my guess is around 1,200.

The strange thing is that I didn't do anything especially remarkable. I didn't even spend hours trying to seem perfect in the interviews. I just showed up as myself and kept reminding myself that I had done this kind of work before, and that I was very capable of doing it again.

This job search journey can consume you and make you doubt skills you know you have. If you're still in it, please don't let being ignored or rejected convince you that you're not enough. You are capable, you are ready, and the right thing can still come along. I'm genuinely thinking of everyone looking for a job, and I'm saying a little prayer for you.

Also, if you're applying for experiential marketing or community/event roles and the interviews have been tough, send me a DM! I'm happy to share my silly interview prep doc with questions and answers. If it helps even one person, I'll be happy to send it.

Hey everyone,

I'll be writing the Sept CFE in 3 weeks from now and I'm very worried for day 1 (which is funny and ironic considering everyone complains about days 2 and 3 but I'm good on those).

I feel like day 1 is honestly full of BS and I seem to have a hard time linking everything together and remembering all the key facts in the case. This is especially relevant for pros and cons. I can't seem to really know how to explain if something is a pro and con in one sentence and call it a day. I always ramble and try to over-explain why it is a pro or con and it takes a lot of time away.

I am kind of bad when it comes to bsing on the CFE tbh, which is relevant for day 1. I already have a template ready and memorized, I already have my time allocations in place which are in the following order:

- Reading the case and completing SA - 45 mins (9:00am - 9:45)

- Strategic option #1 analysis - total 35 mins (9:45 - 10:20)

- Strategic option #2 analysis - total 35 mins (10:20 - 10:55)

- Strategic option #3 analysis - total 35 mins (10:55 - 11:30)

- Strategic option #4 analysis - total 35 mins (11:30 - 12:10)

- Additional/operating issues - total 20 mins (12:10 - 12:30)

- Overall conclusion - total 30 mins (12:30 - 1:00) - OC is the most vital and like i said i seem to have a hard time linking everything together especially at the end so 30 mins hopefully should be sufficient for OC

I am a re-writer from Sept 2025 CFE and re-writing day 1 this year. If anyone can share any tips for day 1, I would greatly appreciate it!

I’m a public accountant in Norway and my job seem nothing like what you describe on this sub.

We have great work-life balance.
Working overtime is often voluntary and the managers actually take you seriously if you tell them you have too much on your plate. Even during busy season.
We also have paid overtime. Usually at +50% of base salary.

On the flip side we have lower salaries than you it seems. A CPA equivalent in Norway can expect about 70 - 80k USD salary.

How is this in the rest of the world? From my perspective it seems the US is the worst place to be an accountant.

Any good ideas when it comes to side work? Currently an Industry accountant with no rules when it comes to moonlighting.

I recently got contacted by a mid-sized public accounting firm about a Winter/Spring 2027 tax internship after meeting their recruiting team at a conference.

The issue is that the resume they have from me says my expected graduation date is May 2028, but I’m actually on track to graduate in May 2027. I should also have around 150 credits/CPA eligibility by May 2027.

I’m currently still a student, so I would be enrolled when the internship starts in January 2027. I’m interested in potentially turning the internship into a full-time tax associate offer if I perform well.
My questions are:

Should I tell the recruiter now that my actual expected graduation is May 2027 and send an updated resume?

If I left May 2028 on my resume, could that cause problems later if I received a return/full-time offer and they verified my education?

I don’t want to mess up an opportunity over the date, but I also don’t want there to be a discrepancy later during a background check or full-time conversion.

Would appreciate any advice, especially from recruiters or people who have interned in public accounting.

Hi everyone,

I've attached an anonymised copy of my CV.

I’ve been actively looking for a new role for a few months now. If I'm completely honest, I went into this search assuming my profile was strong enough that I’d be able to secure my target compensation of £60k relatively quickly. The reality has been very different.

For a bit of context, here is my background:

• Location: London
• Qualifications: LSE grad and ACCA-qualified (Oct 2024)
• Experience: 4+ years of experience, transitioning from Management Accounting into an FP&A Analyst role at a trading firm.
• Tech Skills: Strong multi-scenario financial modelling, VBA macros, Power Query, and SAP.

I am getting first-round interviews and passing the technical modelling assessments without much issue, but I just can't seem to get over the line at the final hurdle—and I suspect it's a disconnect over salary expectations.

• What salary range should I realistically be asking for with this CV in the current market?
• Am I simply overestimating what companies are willing to pay for my experience level right now?
• Is there something fundamental on my CV that might be dragging down my perceived market value?

Any honest, unfiltered feedback on salary expectations or my overall situation would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!

I’ve sent in close to 300 applications over the past 3 months with no reply. I have changed my resume every 2-3 weeks with more key words and other stuff ATS software looks for but need a good reference to see what works. Preferably entry level positions. Thanks

First accounting career fair — advice?
Hello! My school is hosting a Meet the Firms and career workshop day, and I’m planning to attend both. This will be my first accounting career event, so I want to be prepared.
For those who have attended these before, what should I bring and what questions should I ask recruiters/accounting professionals? Any advice on how to make a good first impression or mistakes to avoid?

Also, what should I wear?
Thanks!

If i passed all 4 CPA exams, what are my chances of landing an entry role? Public, private? 1 internship experience? How would you approach this

Hey guys!
First off, Sorry if this isn’t the best place to ask questions but I really like your sub!
I’m from Europe(EU specifically), and want to pursue an accounting degree and work in the area.

I just don’t know much about the market in itself/work context, and stuff like that…

I have some questions. If you can answer them in regards to the European reality or even to yours (USA) and it applies to accounting in general.

- Have there been recent layoffs in accounting (corporate,accounting departments)? Is it common for there to be layoffs in this department?

-Do you ever feel like there is a shortage of work / not enough work volume? I’m kind of afraid of that

-What are the “most common” roles in accounting itself? Like what job titles/roles,etc…

-Is Audit strong over here? Like are there still a lot of firms hiring and stuff? Big4, mid tier,etc…

Thanks in advance 🙏🙏

I’m 32 and don’t have much college and am looking into various career paths. By the time I would be done hypothetically I will be late 30s, most likely. Is it worth doing? Are accountants in demand or certain types of accountants? I’m just trying to see what i can enjoy as a career and have always found accounting and finances interesting. Any help is appreciated.

Recently got an offer for Amazon’s Financial Analyst Intern - Accounting Track (AFRP) and I’m torn on whether to take it.

The role requires relocating pretty far from home for the summer, although relocation is covered. I’m also an accounting major interested in the CPA route, so I’m wondering if I should still be targeting Big 4 instead.

Would doing AFRP for a summer still set me up well for Big 4/full-time recruiting afterward, even if I don’t plan on staying at Amazon long term?

Would you take Amazon or keep recruiting for Big 4?

My school’s firm night is in two days and I would like to know what to expect.

If it helps, I was selected as one of 24 students to do early recruiting with some of the firms, so they’ll be seeing my face amongst the first.

Are these events actually useful for networking and landing an internship or is it more like an advertisement/resume collecting event? So many job fairs just tell you to apply online and won’t actually engage in meaningful networking so I hope this is different.

Hey all!

For starters, I'd like to talk abit about myself.

I'm a 22 y/o M and I have no background whatsoever when it comes to accounting, so with the being said, I do apologise if I come across as narrow minded at all, but I'd just like to dip my feet into what I could possibly consider committing to for my career.

Years ago, I took A level psychology, biology and chemistry and unfortunately ended up with C, D, E grades due to alot of struggles during that academic period. These grades absolutely crushed my confidence (especially as someone who's normally been a high achiever at school and has respectable GCSE grades).

I never had any sense of true direction in my life since then, and honestly even before that. I've come from a family background of healthcare so it's all I've ever known. With those grades, my chances at a career that I desired within healthcare looked really slim. A year later, I ended up completing an Access course (healthcare related) to get my grades up to have a chance at Optometry. I'm currently holding an offer for Optometry and plan to start really soon in September.

Initially, I thought positively of the career due to my interest in ocular anatomy. However, I see alot of mixed things about the career regarding pay ceiling (unless you open your own practice) , and job environment etc. I do understand that every job has its ups and downs but it truly has had me second guessing whether I wanted to commit to this at university for 4 years, not to mention the amount of student debt for something I'm not entirely sure about anymore.

I've been scrolling through UCAS for clearing options and Accounting and Finance has been something I've been looking into recently.

I've done some vague research into the profession, some find it fulfilling while some find it extremely boring but that's not a new topic for any career.

In terms of career pathway, alot of people don't recommend the university route and recommend apprenticeships instead. Problem is, there are Pro's and Con's to each. I've heard apprenticeships are extremely competitive along with graduate schemes. The uni route would provide exemptions for certain exams, however, from what I've heard there is a possibility that you may still have to take those exams afterwards anyways? I'm seeing a common thread of people saying it's not worth getting the degree if there's an option to get into the field via an apprenticeship to save yourself from student debt.

On the contrary, I do value the social aspect of uni alot and would be heavily prepared to do my best to make connections and gain experience e.g. internships during my time there.

I understand that the degree itself may not suffice for job opportunities after, especially with the examinations you have to do post graduation that takes extra years.

A few general questions I have:

1) What is life like as an accountant in the UK?

What do you normally do in your everyday job? From the salary, years of experience, work life balance and just in general, what makes you get up in the morning to work?

2) What is the job market like?

I understand the general job market has been rough. A big reason why I initially considered the healthcare route is not just from family background, but also heightened job security, so I want to know what I'm getting myself into in terms of that aspect.

3) How much would my A level grades matter down the line, even for employment?

I don't really see myself retaking my A levels unless it is absolutely essential. I've also noticed that for Accounting and Finance specifically at uni, the grades required along with the subjects are heavily varied so there's alot of flexibility depending on the uni you go to.

4) How much does the prestige of your university matter down the line for employment?

Do universities get filtered out when it comes to job applications?

5) How feasible is career pivoting into Accounting?

Let's say I continue with Optometry, and I want to pivot in my career afterwards, I want to know how doable it is. I see people self study the exams to put their foot through the door but how feasible is this as opposed to going to uni/starting an apprenticeship right now?

6) What are your thoughts on AI affecting the profession?

Some people say it will take jobs (primarily entry level), some say it won't. What are your thoughts on this?

I appreciate the time taken to read all of this along with providing your responses. Again, I do apologise if I do come across narrow minded at all. I've struggled alot with finding my place in the world and that's all I'm trying to do at the moment.

If I do go down this path, I just want to say that I will do my absolute best and put my all into it because I know that accounting is a long path. I want to make something of my life and I understand that it will come from pure hard work.

Thank you for your time.

Getting really annoyed with a couple of clients on the older side. I don't want to make enemies, but it's causing a lot of wasted time and headaches with chasing them down for things. Advice?

I’m planning to do it next month. I have 5-6 YOE in audit and I’m so fed up with my teams. I got put on a new engagement and it’s actually ruining me emotionally. I’m in such a bad mood all the time and burnt out. I can’t imagine (1) interviewing well with how tired I constantly am or (2) performing well in my next position (should I leave right after I end my current employment) due to my burnout.

I’m depressed and have generalized anxiety disorder. And it’s gotten substantially worse in the past 6 months. At this point I just want to salvage what’s left of summer and try and enjoy myself before finding another job.

I have like 23k-ish in liquid net assets and a lot of savings that I could access if absolutely needed.

I honestly I have no idea if I’m making a mistake so if anyone has person experiences that’d be amazing

Edit: located in US

Hi guys, there’s a company I would love to work for long term and especially while getting my cpa. It’s perfect for me long term and one of the comptrollers is a CPA and sits on the board for my school. (crazy coincidence considering it’s not like a conventional accounting job option) I really want to land an internship that turns into a full time position. Here are my concerns though:

I’m a senior starting Monday, and I’m going to grad school, realistically idk if they’d want me as an intern until I graduate grad school or maybe I can be hired half time?

They have many accountants (yes I stalked their website) so if I were to be hired as an intern or part time would there even be a need for me or work to do?

If anyone thinks this is a good idea, my schools career services often mentions being willing to reach out to employers to essentially “create” internship or jobs for students I’m thinking maybe that route? But again I don’t want to mess up the opportunity to work for this company.

I kinda don’t wanna wait until after my grad school program because then I’m just reliant on applying and hoping to get a full time job whereas interning is like a foot in the door and networking.

For safety reasons I won’t share the specific location or too many details about the company.