I've been seriously looking into Accounting as a career path for a while now. I am considering getting an online degree while working at my current job. I appreciate the info you provided and feel like you and I are very similar. If I did go into accounting I would definitely want to shoot for Industry. I want just a regular 40 hour 9-5 job with weekends off that pays decently. I don't want it to be crazy or where I am having to learn new stuff daily while also keeping on top of changing tax laws etc. I would very much, like you, enjoy a routine where I come into work, know what to expect, and can just get it done. I LOVE boring and am definitely done with 12 hour shifts. Even if I am making less money, I don't mind, as long as I don't feel like I am living just to work. Heck, 50k for 40 hours a week, holidays off, 9-5 weekends off and a week or two of vacation a year and I have absolutely nothing to complain about sounds like a dream job. My question for you is, if I got my bachelor's, do you think industry is something I could get into relatively easily or must I spend time in public to "prove myself" on a resume or something. Another worrisome thing is the CPA exam. Is that still required for an industry job? I don't think so but then again I know some industry jobs may also want their accountants to be CPA certified to do company tax returns or something.
thank you for watching! No, you don't have to work in public accounting first. Many companies hire people without that background. I do think its great exposure but if you already know what area interest you, that makes more sense to do. You don't have to be a CPA but without some sort of relevant accounting certification or credential, your career growth will be limited. Take a look at my video on different accounting certifications to give you some ideas.
This video is actually so useful! I'm about to graduate in Accounting and Finance in England, but I have USA citizenship so I have a huge decision to make. Not only industry v practice v finance, but also country. USA wages more than double and houses more than half price! This video was so helpful though, I'm leaning towards a good management accounting (industry) rotational graduate scheme.
The Accounting Struggle I am also a non traditional accounting major. Have years of experience in various industries and a degree in Hospitality( before accounting), but I have always enjoyed numbers. I also had to face the Industry vs Public question about 2 years ago and decided to go the Internal Audit route at a multinational insurance company ( I know, right?), I had several offers from a big4, a smaller local firm and the IA position, but I could not refuse all the perks... of the industry position. Almost 2 years later I’m still struggling to like my job. I haven’t seen a number in 2 years ( other than some tax filing volunteering I do and CPA studies) all we do is operations and compliance audits, and I really don’t enjoy insurance , every Sunday I feel the same way you felt while working on taxes, my dept also has other issues that I’m getting tired of. I’m actually seriously considering to move to an actual accounting role, have been eyeing the investment accounting roles at my company but I don’t feel ready for that, plus the investment dept has way too many problems. Have also been considering a tax role, after passing Reg I actually enjoy taxes. Anyways I’m so confused, and of course this is not the best time to make a big career decision .
Hey Courtney. I had a question. If I get my experience with public accounting, would I be able to find contract work during the busy season ? I've read that there is a lot of contract work during busy seasons for both tax and audit. So I could work Jan-Apr and make a good chunk of money.
hi thanks for this video. Would you able to tell me which accounting (public or private) would be better for accounting graduates with zero experience ? i heard public has training programs for beginners, how about private? I graduated already but just concerned of how to apply what I've learned from school to real world. I mean would industry be guiding me and be understanding at least for the first few months? thanks
jojo2519 hi thanks for watching! I can’t really say which would be better because that depends on the person but you will learn so much in public accounting however there usually isn’t that much close 1:1 training like there would be in private. If you can catch on fast public is a great start for exposure and they definitely take college graduates with very little experience. Most FT roles will want to see an internship first
Hi!!! I’ve been working in private for over just 4 years and I’m just starting to seriously study for the CPA this year. How likely would you think it is for somebody to go from private to Public that has not been recruited from college?
Great video. I am currently in public accounting tax at a mid size firm and I’ve been researching the transition from what I am doing now to private. For example what skills do I need to build now that will be transferable you private. Do I need to know advanced excel ? I am currently just using basic excel.
Thank you! Yesssss you have to get into excel. I was in tax and knew basic formulas and functions but on my first day in private they started talking about macros and pivot tables and VLOOKUPs 🤯I was terrified. But the good news is, it’s easy to learn. There are some great excel videos on UA-cam that will help you learn. If your job offers free LinkedIn learning use that to start practicing now.
I might have missed it, but what industry do you now work for? I am currently an accounting student and I know that I would prefer private than public accounting. I am researching industries that are welcoming easy/ accessible to get into with minimum experience. Thanks!
Teresa Clement hey! I now work for an public company in the insurance industry doing accounting for investments. I would say any new role will feel like a challenge at first but public accounting is probably the most fast pace
I’m an accounting major and i haven’t taken any tax or auditing classes yet but I think I might like tax more since I’ll have my own desk. How much do I have to memorize if I do choose tax?
Loreyna saint surin well I wouldn’t let the desk be the deciding factor but it’s something to consider overall. There isn’t much memorization in tax because laws change do much- you will learn as you go. There is always something new to discover in tax.
I'm a "late bloomer", just got my BA in Accounting in May 2018 and now I'm taking my last 2 classes to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. I'll be 40 in 6 months and my family thinks I'm crazy because they come from a generation of pick a "job" and stay there. I'm currently an AP manager and I know it wont qualify as experience for the CPA requirements. How much time do you think I should give myself to study before I start and in between taking the test? And at what point do you think i should start looking into more of my career path?
TRENISHA LAWRENCE congrats on getting back out there. I’m also a late bloomer and the longer you wait the harder it becomes. I think as soon as you become eligible to sit for the exam you should start studying. How much time you need depends on which section and the amount of time you can commit to studying. If you can afford to start doing more accounting specific work then the sooner the better. That real life experience helps with understanding the exam better.
Can you do some videos on tips for just starting out? I am starting on my bachelor's degree in accounting. Also do you have to be a graduate before joining naba
Shanta No E thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely do that. You can (and should) join NABA while you’re still a student-there are so many benefits
I don't care about titles and im not sure if I want to go to public. I'm just doing it because that's what most people are doing. I just want a good job with a work/life balance. What should I do?
Honestly, think about what your ultimate career goal is and the most efficient path towards it. If that doesn't involve accounting then so be it. I will say that a career in accounting is ALWAYS a good idea though :)
@@TheAccountingStruggle I honestly don't know what I want, I don't even think I care about having a career. But, I guess i'll choose big 4 since thats the easy way out.
Thank you for sharing. You've helped me choose my path. Industry accounting it is!
I've been seriously looking into Accounting as a career path for a while now. I am considering getting an online degree while working at my current job. I appreciate the info you provided and feel like you and I are very similar. If I did go into accounting I would definitely want to shoot for Industry. I want just a regular 40 hour 9-5 job with weekends off that pays decently. I don't want it to be crazy or where I am having to learn new stuff daily while also keeping on top of changing tax laws etc. I would very much, like you, enjoy a routine where I come into work, know what to expect, and can just get it done. I LOVE boring and am definitely done with 12 hour shifts. Even if I am making less money, I don't mind, as long as I don't feel like I am living just to work. Heck, 50k for 40 hours a week, holidays off, 9-5 weekends off and a week or two of vacation a year and I have absolutely nothing to complain about sounds like a dream job.
My question for you is, if I got my bachelor's, do you think industry is something I could get into relatively easily or must I spend time in public to "prove myself" on a resume or something. Another worrisome thing is the CPA exam. Is that still required for an industry job? I don't think so but then again I know some industry jobs may also want their accountants to be CPA certified to do company tax returns or something.
thank you for watching! No, you don't have to work in public accounting first. Many companies hire people without that background. I do think its great exposure but if you already know what area interest you, that makes more sense to do. You don't have to be a CPA but without some sort of relevant accounting certification or credential, your career growth will be limited. Take a look at my video on different accounting certifications to give you some ideas.
@@TheAccountingStruggle thank you so much for the speedy response! I definitely will look into more of your videos!
This video is actually so useful! I'm about to graduate in Accounting and Finance in England, but I have USA citizenship so I have a huge decision to make. Not only industry v practice v finance, but also country. USA wages more than double and houses more than half price! This video was so helpful though, I'm leaning towards a good management accounting (industry) rotational graduate scheme.
Hey England🏴 I’m glad you found it useful, wish you all the best!
So glad I found your channel! 🙌🏾
So glad to have you!
The Accounting Struggle I am also a non traditional accounting major. Have years of experience in various industries and a degree in Hospitality( before accounting), but I have always enjoyed numbers. I also had to face the Industry vs Public question about 2 years ago and decided to go the Internal Audit route at a multinational insurance company ( I know, right?), I had several offers from a big4, a smaller local firm and the IA position, but I could not refuse all the perks... of the industry position. Almost 2 years later I’m still struggling to like my job. I haven’t seen a number in 2 years ( other than some tax filing volunteering I do and CPA studies) all we do is operations and compliance audits, and I really don’t enjoy insurance , every Sunday I feel the same way you felt while working on taxes, my dept also has other issues that I’m getting tired of. I’m actually seriously considering to move to an actual accounting role, have been eyeing the investment accounting roles at my company but I don’t feel ready for that, plus the investment dept has way too many problems. Have also been considering a tax role, after passing Reg I actually enjoy taxes. Anyways I’m so confused, and of course this is not the best time to make a big career decision .
Hey Courtney. I had a question. If I get my experience with public accounting, would I be able to find contract work during the busy season ? I've read that there is a lot of contract work during busy seasons for both tax and audit. So I could work Jan-Apr and make a good chunk of money.
hi thanks for this video. Would you able to tell me which accounting (public or private) would be better for accounting graduates with zero experience ? i heard public has training programs for beginners, how about private? I graduated already but just concerned of how to apply what I've learned from school to real world. I mean would industry be guiding me and be understanding at least for the first few months? thanks
jojo2519 hi thanks for watching! I can’t really say which would be better because that depends on the person but you will learn so much in public accounting however there usually isn’t that much close 1:1 training like there would be in private. If you can catch on fast public is a great start for exposure and they definitely take college graduates with very little experience. Most FT roles will want to see an internship first
Hi!!! I’ve been working in private for over just 4 years and I’m just starting to seriously study for the CPA this year. How likely would you think it is for somebody to go from private to Public that has not been recruited from college?
Usually the other way around but either way you would be an experienced accountant. That experience from corporate is certainly valuable
Great video. I am currently in public accounting tax at a mid size firm and I’ve been researching the transition from what I am doing now to private. For example what skills do I need to build now that will be transferable you private. Do I need to know advanced excel ? I am currently just using basic excel.
Thank you! Yesssss you have to get into excel. I was in tax and knew basic formulas and functions but on my first day in private they started talking about macros and pivot tables and VLOOKUPs 🤯I was terrified. But the good news is, it’s easy to learn. There are some great excel videos on UA-cam that will help you learn. If your job offers free LinkedIn learning use that to start practicing now.
I might have missed it, but what industry do you now work for? I am currently an accounting student and I know that I would prefer private than public accounting. I am researching industries that are welcoming easy/ accessible to get into with minimum experience. Thanks!
Teresa Clement hey! I now work for an public company in the insurance industry doing accounting for investments. I would say any new role will feel like a challenge at first but public accounting is probably the most fast pace
I’m an accounting major and i haven’t taken any tax or auditing classes yet but I think I might like tax more since I’ll have my own desk. How much do I have to memorize if I do choose tax?
Loreyna saint surin well I wouldn’t let the desk be the deciding factor but it’s something to consider overall. There isn’t much memorization in tax because laws change do much- you will learn as you go. There is always something new to discover in tax.
The Accounting Struggle thanks!
The Accounting Struggle would you recommend me starting at public accounting and then deciding whether to stay or leave to industry?
Yes, I think it’s the best way to learn and will shape you into a great accountant
I'm a "late bloomer", just got my BA in Accounting in May 2018 and now I'm taking my last 2 classes to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. I'll be 40 in 6 months and my family thinks I'm crazy because they come from a generation of pick a "job" and stay there. I'm currently an AP manager and I know it wont qualify as experience for the CPA requirements. How much time do you think I should give myself to study before I start and in between taking the test? And at what point do you think i should start looking into more of my career path?
TRENISHA LAWRENCE congrats on getting back out there. I’m also a late bloomer and the longer you wait the harder it becomes. I think as soon as you become eligible to sit for the exam you should start studying. How much time you need depends on which section and the amount of time you can commit to studying. If you can afford to start doing more accounting specific work then the sooner the better. That real life experience helps with understanding the exam better.
Can you do some videos on tips for just starting out? I am starting on my bachelor's degree in accounting. Also do you have to be a graduate before joining naba
Shanta No E thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely do that. You can (and should) join NABA while you’re still a student-there are so many benefits
I don't care about titles and im not sure if I want to go to public. I'm just doing it because that's what most people are doing. I just want a good job with a work/life balance. What should I do?
Honestly, think about what your ultimate career goal is and the most efficient path towards it. If that doesn't involve accounting then so be it. I will say that a career in accounting is ALWAYS a good idea though :)
@@TheAccountingStruggle I honestly don't know what I want, I don't even think I care about having a career. But, I guess i'll choose big 4 since thats the easy way out.
@@Loreyna32 Government accounting has a much better work life balance.
You’re cute 😅
Simp
@@chicken_jezus2262 a man complimenting a woman isn't simping.