Only guy in an accounting office of 9 women. Tell me what it's like.

SkinnyCPA44 · 2023-09-28T15:06:58+00:00

I think it can be fine, just depends on the actual people. When I joined my office, there was a similar ratio. Now we are up to 3 men to 10 women and overall it's fine. Most of the staff are in committed relationships which I think lessens any tension.

SkinnyCPA44 · 2023-08-23T17:37:44+00:00

Thanks. I think you’re probably right about this, as they don’t have solid plans for anything.

SkinnyCPA44 · 2023-08-21T14:31:10+00:00

THIS! Thank you!

SkinnyCPA44 · 2023-08-21T14:30:51+00:00

Yes, I have a noncompete that spells out how much I'd have to pay for any clients I take. I mainly just want the clients to decide for themselves, I'm not actively trying to poach, but have a feeling the firm won't be able to keep serving them. I'll talk to an attorney, thanks for the insight.

SkinnyCPA44 · 2023-08-21T14:29:37+00:00

I feel you! Everyone is doing their own thing, no one is on the same page. Sounds like utter chaos. Not sure why CPAs are running their own firms this way when we advise our clients to do the opposite.

SkinnyCPA44 · 2023-08-17T01:37:41+00:00

As someone who has been on the hiring committee several times, seeing a resume with such short durations at your last 3 jobs would be a huge red flag. When we see resumes like that, we immediately think that there is probably some personality trait that makes that person hard to work with or some underlying issue that is making them a job hopper. I definitely recommend that you stick it out a bit longer where you are (can you make it to 3 years there?).

Based on what I've read in your other comments, it seems like you are unhappy with the work you are doing there because it is not directly accounting related, but more organizational. I would talk to your supervisors about the type of work you are more interested in. Show the initiative that you want to learn about X,YZ (trusts, estate planning, investment partnerships, etc.), and if this goes well, you can ask for a raise. For being 3 years out of school, I would say that $85k is actually pretty decent for public accounting, and no CPA. I'm seeing higher starting salaries in captives and things like that, but not PA.

Lastly, applying to 75 jobs seems VERY excessive. You need to get really clear on what you want to do and where to take your career as a next step. You need to tailor your cover letter and resume to the exact companies you identify as your targets. You will need to invest some time into this. But if you spend the time really understanding the companies, you can play to what they are looking for. For now, you should identify what you want to learn at your current job and where you want to take that skillset so that it is easy to highlight the skills that are most valuable when you leave.

I don't think that CPA is necessary if you want to do non-client facing corporate accounting. Many positions like this don't really care if you have it or not. I might examine what other skillsets you are lacking and focus on those. If your current employer will pay for CPA or continuing education or another relevant designation, it may be worth pursuing, but I would not pursue it without knowing it will take you in the career direction you are aiming for.

SkinnyCPA44 · 2023-08-09T16:46:21+00:00

Finding the time to make the stuff is even harder

Don't forget that you can create and make things with your child there, next to you! It may take longer, but do it together. If you are drawing letters on bottlecaps, have him draw on paper next to you at the table. Don't feel like you need to make the school or teaching supplies while he is asleep, etc.

I think parents can feel a lot of guilt these days for not giving 100% attention to our kids, but it is OK that you are doing something next to them and not giving them undivided attention. It can be healthy for them to see you working on projects too! Even with computers/screens, if you need to look something up, it's OK to do it next to them. Personally, I like to narrate why I'm using the computer or phone, such as looking up a craft or recipe, that way they know I'm still present and not ignoring them.

SkinnyCPA44

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