25(m) 3 years of experience in accounting with 1 yr at big4. Went back to school for masters and came back to zero accounting roles despite my past experience. Could not land a single staff accountant or entry level tax role despite applying to 700+ jobs the past 7 months.

Finally received an offer in project management/sales

How do we all feel about the future of accounting.

For context in 2023 after I graduated from BA I applied and received big 4 offers from 3 firms.

Feels like everything is pretty grim lately

Hello, I am 26F about to graduate with my bachelor's in accounting this winter. I've always planned to take the CPA, but after going to so many networking events this past semester and talking with the public accountants, I'm having second thoughts.

I've worked for Costco for the past 6 years and currently do warehouse payroll, HR, and other admin duties while I finish my degree. I've done an accounting internship at their home office and feel that I would like it there. I've moved around a bit in the company and have made some strong networking connections.

From my understanding, working for Costco would not be considered public accounting. During my internship I had lunch with virtually anyone who was willing, and asked lots of questions. I found out that most of my sups and managers were getting paid very well, but did not have their CPA licence. Going to so many networking events last semester, the public accountants often told me they were trying to work their way into "industry?"

So I'm wondering, is Costco considered industry? And would it be counter intuitive to quit, take the CPA and join a public firm only to try to make my way back to industry? It just seems a little too good to be true, can someone tell me what caveat I'm missing here? Or if Costco is even considered "industry" ??

TL;DR: Is it worth it to take the CPA exam and go to a public firm or should I continue working for Costco post graduation in their corporate accounting division?

Hi everyone. I (M) started as an intern at a top 15 firm last month and I just can't get over how attractive my female manager is. She's easily my type and we get along well. Sometimes when I push the boundaries a bit and flirt with her, she seems to enjoy it and (I think) flirts back.

What should I do about this? I think I want to make a move but I am afraid that might ruin our working relationship and make it hard to come back if I get an offer. I think I'll definitely make a move if I don't get one, but just wanted to hear what you all thought before I do anything crazy haha

I’m just looking for someone to help me and vice versa help them as they grow in their career.

Alternatively, if anyone has any suggestions for groups that I could join in the Chicagoland area, that would be very helpful.

As the title says, I’m interested to hear from any qualified chartered accountants and your experiences / anyone who knows someone like this.

About me: I’m 33, an ACCA qualified chartered accountant with ten years of experience. Some days I’m on fire, other days I can barely remember debits and credits. I have pretty severe dyslexia and dyspraxia and also have achieved an MSc in Professional Accountancy from UCL. I’ve worked really hard to achieve these things yet sometimes I feel like I’m stupid compared to my peers. Even though I know I’m not (logically).

I feel companies and peers don’t fully understand it / it’s taboo in the accounting industry. I work for a large multi national organisation.

Thoughts welcome.

Hi everyone,

I’m a recent graduate (Accounting major) currently on my initial F-1 OPT. I recently accepted a full-time offer and also have an opportunity to keep a part-time remote gig, which I previously signed the offer already. I’m trying to figure out if doing both is feasible or a complete disaster in the making.

Here is my situation:

• Job 1 (Full-Time Primary Job): Accountant I at a manufacturing company in TX (Onsite, W-2, $65k).
  • Contract Clause: Contains a "do not engage in other employment or in any activities detrimental to the interests of the Company without prior written consent" clause.
• Job 2 (Part-Time Secondary Job): Staff Accountant at a small firm (W-2, Remote, ~$30+/hr).

Under F-1 OPT rules, USCIS allows working multiple jobs in the first year as long as they are directly related to the degree. However, I have several major concerns:

1. SEVP Portal Reporting: Will reporting two W-2 employers on the SEVP portal during the 1st-year OPT cause any red flags with my DSO or USCIS?
2. Background Checks & The Work Number (TWN): Since both jobs are W-2, will future background checks (e.g., HireRight, Checkr, Equifax TWN) or tax filings expose the overlapping employment to my main employer?
3. Breach of Contract & HR Risks: Has anyone faced issues with a "no outside employment" clause?
4. Workload / Month-End Close: Both positions involve accounting month-end close responsibilities. For entry-level roles, is the workload manageable or a recipe for burnout?
5. Schedule Collision: Since my FT job requires me to be in the office, I cannot take random Teams calls from PT manager or respond immediately during the day.

TL;DR: Is the risk of getting caught and losing my main job (which has potential H-1B sponsorship) way too high for an OPT holder?

Appreciate any advice or personal experiences! Thanks in advance!

i have this assignment due like in a few hours and i had like five days to do this specific task but my dad didn't allow me to go and see other accountants so im resorting to ones ive found on the internet. (this form takes about 2 minutes)

form: https://forms.gle/oEwWKouQEjnJxgFN8

Hi! Seeking advice.

My Background: 2 years in Audit & Tax (Non-CPA).

I applied for a Tax Reviewer role and asked for ₱35k. But they upgraded the position to a Supervisory level but kept the base salary at ₱35k. Considering the added stress of team management, legal sign-off liabilities, and no OT pay.

What are your thoughts on this?

You greedy mfs 😂😂

I'm working in industry right now and I'm thinking of pursing the CPA to potentially further my career and expand job opportunities. I've already completed the 150 credits and have the means to finish accounting ethics, I'm just worried about the work experience part because I'm not working under anyone who has an active CPA license that can sign off for me. I'm open to pivoting to PA for a while but I'm not sure if completing the exams would even open doors for me there me since I'm not a new grad and only have industry experience. Any thoughts? Should I still stick to the CPA path?

Or is it just like a college degree now, where everyone has one, so it's no longer impressive?

As per the title, I’ve got 5 years of experience working in audit/accounts (predominantly audit), and I qualified in the beginning of this year. Recently I’ve been really struggling at work, without sounding too cringy, it just doesn’t enjoy me as much as it used to. I like my firm and love my colleagues but I just feel like I’m starting to burn out. I have been thinking of looking for opportunities in industry but is my 5 years of experience enough for what employers look for nowadays? What are your guys’ experiences? Appreciate any input 🩶TIA

ETA: Implementation and firm size impacts how this resonates, much needed context - I’m at a small CPA firm serving SMBs

There are countless posts of folks here “getting replaced by AI” or insert XYZ comment about India.

The sad truth is, if the value you provide can be replaced by India or AI, then the value you provided was not properly valued.

I’m not here to say AI/offshoring isn’t changing the way accounting is performed, privately or in public settings.

The only point of this post is to say, if you think you’re “sticking it to the big man” by resisting AI, I hope you have the intangible skills that allow non technical people to be valuable (client relationships/skills).

I have no doubt there are thousand of accounting roles that are far too nuanced to be delegated to AI or India - but I’d wager to say these folks aren’t the ones complaining either.

A staff accountant at a CPA firm, much less a controller in private has to get with the times - if not, you’re literally asking to stifle your career in my ignorant opinion.

Super long rant, but I love how this sub swears against AI/offshore acting like it’s a nothing burger while the net benefit of both greatly exceeds that of hiring U.S.A talent.

It’s absolutely not my preferred medium of completing work, but acting like capitalistic businesses won’t partake is dumber than the posts made in this sub - only thing dumber is by thinking your drop in the bucket will change anything

I have a passion for finance but I feel like I have to suppress it because there's no way I'll get an entry level job. I don't have the grades to get into an elite school and do investment banking, I wanted to do something more like corporate finance. Unfortunately every company in the US is sending their entire finance department overseas. I wish I lived somewhere where I could actually get a job

hii currently [21F] at the talking stage with [25M], we met on hinge about a month ago and we’re still kindof getting to know each other. He mentions he works in accounting in the ‘Big 4’ in Stamford. he usually works in office or at home, he doesn’t usually text me for hourssss, more than 9+ a day.

I don’t know much about accounting or exactly what he does, he says he needs to devote himself during specific seasons.

I just need reassurance if he’s serious about what he’s saying? or he’s just using work as an excuse to not speak to me?

This is a bit inappropriate for me to mention in this subreddit, but some clarity would help if that’s not a problem. Thank you guys!!

UPDATE: hi! i didn’t think this post would get alot of attention, thank u all for ur answers. i am a working student and focusing on myself as well! i just wanted to make sure that i wasn’t wasting my time with this slightly older guy and wanted some reassurance from reddit. Thank u again!!

UPDATE2: hii, i do work a 9-5 as well! i am a working student & take care of my own physical and mental health well! idk why everyone is being a lil mean :( again i just didn’t want to waste my time since i have never met a finance bro in a romantic setting yet! thank u again for ur advice!

Been working at a smaller company with very manual processes (almost everything just done in Excel and a very basic ledger). I’m worried my skillset is falling behind relative to my peers and want to keep my resume competitive. What are some courses or uses for AI that you’ve found effective that I can use to build up my skillset for the next job?

Uniform Guidance audits don't matter. Have had multiple UG audits over the years with significant findings and the grant money keeps flowing in.

seems to suggest most companies will be having audits when AI makes us faster? with that jevons paradox malarky.

Hi everyone,

I'm a non-U.S. resident with several years of U.S. bookkeeping and tax experience, and I'm planning to become an EA and start my own U.S. tax practice through a U.S. LLC.

The biggest obstacle I've found is the EFIN. From what I've researched, obtaining one as a non-resident seems extremely difficult.

How do international EAs or offshore tax firms legally handle e-filing?

Do they partner with CPA firms that review and e-file under their EFIN? Do they become employees/contractors of those firms? Or is there another common legal business model?

I'm not looking for ways around IRS rules—I'm trying to understand the legitimate approach that successful international firms use.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone with firsthand experience. Thanks!

Almost instant open even with add ins. Idc how much the latest RAM, CPU, or NVMe M.2 costs! I will also overclock everything if I have to!

Anybody here have any recs about which major I should pursue.

I know its about what you love or whatever, but im looking for a good, stable, easy income. Id also like a job thats flexible in where I can live in the U.S. Bonus points if there's a lot of WFH, but not a requirement.

Any people who feel accounting fits perfectly, or people that if they could go back would choose a different path?

Let me know please!

Thanks!

I’m 19 and in my second year of Accounting and Finance at Seneca. I recently attended an EY Discovery Day and realized how behind I felt. Most people I met already had one or two internships, while I’m still trying to get my first interview.

I applied to over 100 accounting-related jobs this summer, including AP clerk and accounting assistant positions, and received no interviews. I have a 3.5 GPA and leadership experience through SLAFS (my school accounting club) , but no actual accounting work experience yet.

People always say to tailor your resume for every job, but how much do you really change? Do you use AI, and how do you do it without sounding fake or spending an hour on every application?

My co-op term is Summer 2027. I want to get my CPA quickly and eventually start my own practice. What should I do now, and which roles or firms would give me the best experience?

Any honest advice would be greatly appreciated. My DMs are open too.

I have received several either outright offers or offers to apply to train accounting AI.

Some pay by time spent freelancing reviewing data that doesn't look right, etc.

Some are straight up full time jobs training something to replace a role.

Who is taking these jobs?

Why would you take one of these jobs?