What It's Like to be in Public Accounting & How Much Money External Auditors Make
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- Hi y'all! Thank you so much for your patience but I love that there are so many accounting enthusiasts out in the UA-cam world :)
I'm sharing what it's like to be in public accounting, all the nitty gritty information y'all wanted to know including how much you make in public accounting (dollar dollar bills y'all!!!). If I didn't answer any specific questions, leave them down below. I'll be doing more videos like this in the future :)
Wanna skiip around? No judgment....
1:09 What being an external auditor in public accounting means
1:46 Levels of public accounting firms in the US
2:49 Hierarchy of positions at a public accounting firm
3:01 Duties & expectations for staff, seniors and managers
6:38 Tips & advice to be successful as an external auditor in public accounting
11:39 Number of hours external auditors work
13:22 Benefits (insurance, PTO, working from home, etc.)
18:56 Compensation (raises, bonuses, base salary for public accountants)
22:30 Working conditions
24:37 Downsides to public accounting
26:41 Bloopers
You might find these videos helpful too:
- Vlogs (sharing my life & work) bit.ly/StephieV...
- How to pass the CPA exam • How to Pass the CPA Ex...
- What I do for a living + my background • Why I Chose Accounting...
- How to get a job with the Big 4 & entry level tips • How to Get a Public Ac...
- Basic accounting and auditing: • What Does Accounting a...
- All about my braces (thanks Big 4 insurance!) • Adult Braces Experienc...
This video by RosendaleWrites is super helpful for those interested in what it's like to be a tax accountant in public accounting: • Video
Filmed with Canon T3i bit.ly/StephieC...
♡GET IN TOUCH♡
Want some 1 on 1 Friendly Sisterly Advice? Book here ↓
calendly.com/w...
Blog: www.withstephi...
Instagram: / with.stephie
Business Inquiries: chat@withstephie.co
Not sponsored. All opinions are given with honesty & integrity, as always & do not reflect the opinions of any particular accounting firm... just me :)
Omg thank you Steph! Literally you're a godsend. You are the ONLY UA-camr who provides quality conent on the true life of an accountant. I left my liberal arts college where I was studying international affair and now I am serious about accounting because of the versatility, practical skills and job security. I will always keep watching your videos. You're an amazing combination of beauty and smarts and youre such a positive influence:)
+TaelurAlexis Awww thank YOU sweetheart! Your comment made my day and I'm just glad that you and others enjoy hearing me talk about accounting haha :) I could probably talk about accounting for hours and it's nice to do it where people understand! I totally understand your reasons for choosing accounting and I think you will be very happy with you choice :)
+Stephienese Definitely a godsend, perfect definition, I am so happy I just found your channel! I'm currently an undergrad student working towards the accounting profession and its been hard to find anything on UA-cam (or very many other places to be honest) about it. You wouldn't happen to have any advice or videos or specific knowledge on the tax side of public accounting would you?
I'm not really sure where I want to go in accounting, but I'm currently working in a small time (only about 600 clients) tax and audit firm. I work directly with the owner about 6 hours per week and it is my fourth tax season right now. All I know is that I enjoy doing the manual input of taxes and learning about them and being able to just work with tax, but I've never experienced anything else in the field so I'm open to new experiences.
My main question is how I should approach things after I graduate. I want to work for a couple years and start working on credits towards an MBA, as well as get my CPA as soon as I can. I would like to work in public accounting and work my ways towards one of the big four, specifically pricewaterhouse (since they are the primary offices near where I currently reside).
Oh, also, I've done research into it myself and talked with my boss about it, but would you say that being able to fluently speak both english and japanese would be a decent plus to my resume? I'm currently studying japanese, I love the culture and the country and its history and everything about it haha; but I'm not sure if it will really come in handy when it comes to my paygrade. Maybe down the line? This is just a side question, so feel free not to answer (if you answer this comment at all).
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read all of that, I really really appreciate it! Now to go binge watch the rest of your videos! Thanks again.
TaelurAlexis How is your studying going? I'm planning to be an accountant that's why
Jay Zee she dropped out and is now a dancer in the clubs of Atlanta
pretty sure 6 years later you regret it! give us update pls
As someone who works in public accounting I endorse this video as the details are VERY accurate and reflective of our industry, wish I had resources like this while I was still in college, thanks for sharing!! 😘
+Lemisse Gittens I know right! There are definitely things I wish I knew before I got into public accounting, more to prepare myself than to go a different path haha.... glad to be in touch with a fellow auditor!!
Lemisse Gittens Thanks.
I have an uncle who wouldn't be able to fit in that door. Great video tho.
🤣🤣🤣
Ajay Bal
Hahah
🤣🤣🤣🤣 i cant lol
To be honest, I've been in the health field for several years but now I'm switching over because I realize Id rather deal with numbers and data...people drain me smh
PrettyTiaF are you a doctor \ nurse ?
Unfortunately people put the public in public accounting...
@@joed5419 obviously she means that in the health field you deal with more people... and a lot of high stress situations you have to be chipper all the time around patients and have bedside manners that is hard. With accounting you can literally just sit at your desk get your shit done and not be bothered...
PrettyTiaF same here
I'm so excited to start working! The manager told me there's minimum of 6 weeks travel, yay! Auditing is interesting to me because it's much more than just numbers!
I was already on my Masters Degree program when I got accepted into one of the mid tier firms as an associate and before I was interning in Deloitte. Now I barely keep my head above the water with the amount of studying that I have to do with both work and studies. I'm so glad that I stumble upon your channel. It keeps me motivated! New sub! :D
hey are you in the US or Canada? do you find that working FT and studying hard and is it possible to get all the school done before work? I don't think one can just study because of the hours needed at work too.
Rob B. Neither. LOL. I live is south east asia. So basically the weekend is when I cramp everything in the gym, studying, and groceries. My classes are after work hours and I haven't been signed to clients yet so things are good so far and luckily the partner for my team is very supportive about my study. That helps me a lot so that I won't be assigned to any clients out of town. I'll be home by 11PM and wake up the next morning at 5AM and repeat. All you need is motivation and determination to finish what you've started. Oh and a shish ton of coffee for sure :P
Yosephine
I agree with that.. I am currently working out a new position at work so I need to wait for that to settle first before I start the exams... I have bills to pay... lol... can't just study.
Idk why I'm here. Im on the other side of the spectrum doing pre med but I found this so interesting lol
+CA_Gizelle hahaha well I'm glad I was able to articulate to someone not in the industry
You give me LIFE!!!! Rising junior in college next Fall and trying to be as prepare as I can. Thanks for the video.
+HelloLindaCheeks Awww you are so sweet! Awesome to start preparing this early in your college career!
question: What is the biggest change going from the Big 4 to the mid-tier that you loved/hated the most? What was the ultimate deciding factor for you to move to the mid-tier?
Currently studying for an accounting test I have coming up and I just love watching your videos when I take breaks! You keep me inspired and I love watching your videos because they show people a certain understanding of the many different aspects of the accounting field. Please keep doing what you're doing!! :)
+Jessa Dalit Good luck on your test and I'm honored you spent you free time catching up with me :) Definitely keep motivated, your hard work will pay off! Happy holidays love!
+Stephienese Thanks hun! Happy holidays to you, your hubby and baby! :)
Thank you for taking the time to film this! I would really like to see a video about private accounting vs public accounting. If you know a place where I can get a nice breakdown of what to expect please let me know :)
Currently an accounting major in college thank you so much for your videos!
Alexus Terry How is it?
Lil late if you're already going to school for it Haha
Michael Shaleen Why do you say that?
Foshiggadale probably referring to clerks and book keeping jobs being automated and thinking it applies to big 4 jobs lol, to be ignorant
Great video. Just got into Accounting and I'm looking forward to mastering every aspect of this career. Will definitely keep watching.
Going to intern at a Big 4 in San Francisco this summer & this was so helpful! Thank you :)
Yes! I will PM you :)
Chelsey Chen could you also message me? I'm just starting in my accounting career and really want to get a head start on what I should expect and things I should do (volunteer, extracurricular and grade wise) I'd really appreciate it!
I would also like to know! I am looking into going into accounting and would love to know as much as I can to get into this field. (:
Me too Chelsey Chen I'm also getting into my career for accounting
Hey may i also ask what you had to do
I’m in the middle of a huge career shift, going from healthcare to potentially getting my bachelors online from UMass in accounting and you have made my life and my decision SO much easier! I cannot thank you enough for this video. I’ll definitely be watching more.
I watched one of your videos a year ago and reseached what is takes to become an accountant. Needless to say, I am in a MBA accounting program. lol
+Kinsale101 that's great!! Keep it up, you'll be on your way to an accounting position in no time!
that is incorrect. You get "banked over time pay" that is spent when you take your mandatory vacation time... So no. And it's frustrating because people don't tell you that...
Yes no extra money at all... they put it toward your vacation time, so while you're on vacation you're "getting paid" your "banked overtime hours". I don't know why people don't tell people this...
+Blair Waldorf for the big 4 & mid tier, we don't get any overtime pay. The increase in hours is technically built into your compensation (salary, benefits, PTO) & hopefully flexibility. Depending on your job position you get either 3 -5 weeks of vacation. However, the overtime hours you work don't accrue to more vacation. I hope that makes sense. Not sure how it works for smaller firms though.
I must confess: after entering industry with three busy seasons under my belt, I don't think I can ever live with working in public accounting ever again.
+nonosh Ughhhhhhhh I thought the exact same when I went into industry.... and now I'm here haha. Industry definitely is appealing at times, not gonna lie.
As someone who went back for Accounting as a second bachelor's these are so fantastic. One semester left! Thank you!
+Sammi Ribar Yay that is so exciting! It'll fly by and before you know it, you'll be graduating :)
Steph. Girl. You are killing it with these videos ok! KILLING IT! You are doing so good girl. I *gasped* when I saw this video on my feed! I am literally popping my popcorn right now for this. Thank you so much girl. Keep it up! :)
+Zanya Carey Hehehe you are the sweetest ever!!! Good luck with your finals love and hope you have a nice, relaxing winter break
Enjoy your holiday!
Thank you so much this helped me out a lot. Im currently a senior in high school & I'm just starting to learn about my choices. I'm attending college this fall and I'm majoring in accounting. Loved watching your videos, you seriously remind me so much of myself, thank you for all your tips and knowledge!
I saw looking through UA-cam for the day to day life of accounting professionals as I couldn't get comprehensive advice from accounting majors or professionals where I'm from.I am starting university as an accounting major at the end of this month and I was very hesitant in my decision of being an accounting professional and contemplated switching majors in the next academic year UNTIL I saw your video.I was comforting to hear all the information that you've provided and gave me up that I will be successful in the accounting field.THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! and continue making videos for youths with accounting dreams but are very skeptical about if I will become a reality.
+Rasheem Reid awww thank you so much!! That is definitely my intention in sharing. Just to provide my experience to prepare people coming into the profession. Not to persuade against or for this career choice, just to be a resource on things I wish I knew before I started. Thank you for the encouragement! Definitely inspires me to share more.
I'm a recent graduate in Accounting from The Ohio State University. I'm actively looking for full-time Accounting position in Cincinnati, OH area. This video gave a lot of good information. Thank you so much Stephie. You opened my eyes to the Accounting world.
oh my goodness Steph, I am so excited that I just found your channel. I'm a senior accounting major at a university in GA and I've felt a little unsure about pursuing accounting, but watching your videos are making me feel a bit more secure about it! thank you so much for making these, I can't wait to see more!
+asdfghjkristen418 I'm glad my content was helpful 😊 you must be excited being so close to finishing your degree!
Thank you for sharing! I've been debating if accounting is for me and your videos have been very helpful!
I graduate next year in accountant, I am looking forward to this.
I just started a UA-cam Channel and Blog, "The CPA Experience" to encourage accounting students through their CPA journey. Feel free to check it out! You can also leave a comment on videos you'll like to see!
Jon Koe I dont care about working for a big four firm, I'm just excited to be working in my field.
Mario McIntosh how much money did you spend in getting your degree? (overall)
Hi Steph, a video about internship do's and don'ts or how to succeed in the first year of public accounting (esp for big four) would be great :)! I'm starting my internship soon and I'm nervous about doing well haha...
+Ophie O I can definitely do that! Nervous is good, it shows you care :) As an overall thought, just have a positive, up for anything attitude... ask lots of questions and take notes. Volunteer to do things, even small things like scanning or copying something. If you are charged with ordering meals or coffee, be sure to double check the orders. I really think that an intern's/new associate's most important characteristic is attitude and willingness to learn. I'll put it all in a video though and will try to get it up before you start :) Congrats, btw, that's huge to be doing an internship! You're gonna make so much $$$$, get that overtime girrrrl! :)
Thank you so much Steph ^__^! Your advice really helps :)!
awesome video! definitely hit the spot with every question I had in mind. thank you for putting it all out there and being real. not a lot of people are as helpful as you are. Looking forward to your next video :)
+Jay sanders I'm so glad I hit on everything! It took me a while to compile a list of what I would have liked to know, so glad it was accurate :)
Rewatching this video (the first time I watched this video was when I was about to graduate in college) after having experienced myself working at one of the big 4 as an external auditor, I agree with what you said, Ms. Stephie!
omg. Stephanie, thank you SO much. this is EXACTLY what i needed. this is my first video i have seen in your channel, and i will be watching much much more. subscribed. Sitting for the CPA exam very soon, just started the prep course (Roger)
+Philip Champion I'm so glad it was helpful! Wishing you lots of luck in your CPA journey!
How was roger did u like it ? I’m trying to find reviews but al I find is Becker ?
omgg thank you soo much for making me realize that I can still make YT videos while also working at an accounting firm. I just started working and have been neglecting my channel because everytime I do find some time to film, I end up napping or lounging around at home doing nothing lol
+Connie Yang yes you definitely can! Such a big stress reliever and creative outlet.
As an accountant, you have really brilliant life! Look at the clothes and the vase! And your adorable puppy!! All of these encourage me to be an accountant... Thanks for your videos!
+Jie Zhang thank you!
Im loving going back and watching your videos. I was accepted into nursing and a MSA program. I know, totally opposite ends of the spectrum. Thank you for your thoughts, opinions and sharing your life!
+Bethany Leathers that is so cool your in nursing! I appreciate you watching!
Thank you for this detailed video about accounting and auditing! I have decided on changing majors to finance and I'm looking forward to rewatch this again in the future! :) and I love your makeup also!
+GinelyC thank you love, glad it was helpful 😊
Hi, Steph! I really like your channel! I have been working as an accountant in my country for many years, and now in the USA I want to earn Masters degree in Accounting. Your videos really inspired me! Thank you for all this information. Next semester I will start Graduate Program. I love your videos about accounting, and waiting for next video!!!
+Diana Mir I'm so glad it was helpful!
Fuck, finally a video where someone actually talks about the field. Other people are showing us what they do on their lunch break and what they do in between work. WHO CARES?? That Sara Marie, y.t. channel has videos that are a waste of fucking, time. This is a good video. It actually explains the work and the field.
LOVING these accounting videos / work vlogs. They are getting me so excited to start my career in tax in January
+chokeonthedramax3 OMG starting right in busy season, you are a trooper :) I started my career in January as well... enjoy the next few weeks before then!
+Stephienese haha I know! I'm going to try and enjoy these next few weeks. Luckily I've interned during busy season for two years so I have a taste of what to expect! Lots & lots of Starbucks!!
I'm an accounting student in university and im still deciding what i want to focus on (ex. tax, audit, management etc.) I'm particularly interested in auditing because of the client connections. Thank you very much for the many tips and information! I particularly found your video about how you passed your cpa exam suuuupppppeeeeeerrrr helpful! Best wishes :)
+J Santiago thank you so much and I'm glad my videos have been helpful :)
Thank you for this video. I've been waiting for this for a while now. Definitely helps with my decision on staying in finance or moving to accounting/Auditing as I'm barely just getting started in my career. Stay Blessed 😀😀😀
Hi,which one are you going for? im still debating if I should major in finance or accounting?
+yamilex de pena I haven't decided because i would rather stay in finance because I have a degree in it, it pays more, not as much hours as auditing, and it's my passion. But there are very little opportunities for finance jobs where I live. There are a few accounting opportunities but I don't have a background in accounting and I would have to go back to school for about 3 more semesters to satisfy the 150 credit requirement to take the cpa exam (I graduated with 124 credits). So in other words I'm still deciding lol
+SimplyZ I'm sorry for the long wait love & appreciate your patience :) I'm glad I could provide some info for the accounting/audit side of your dilemma :)
I am also having trouble deciding between Accounting or Finance or perhaps even Economics. I know I love business, but I am afraid that I will be missing out on something great in one of those fields. I feel as if I am leaning towards Finance, but I am still skeptical about Job opportunities.
Thank you so much for letting us into your life, I'm really grateful you made this video , very useful video :) god bless! -coming from a future CPA
Hi Steph, your video is really good. I will start my study in bachelor of accounting and really exciting! I have been working in hospitality and it really sucks. People really treat you like shit. I just need to be patient now until my study will be over but your video is really encouraging.
I just came across your page and can't wait to show them to my high school Accounting class!
+Dee Ann Sikes thank you so much! Hope they are helpful for your students 😊
This is amazing advise! I am starting in public in public accounting in less than 2 months, so thanks alot. 😊
Have fun 😁
this is great. im in the upper division classes now. Intermediate aint no joke.
+dbtjr for real!!!!
I love your good work ethic and professionalism
Thank you so much! This video and your CPA exam video helped and is very inspiring. I will share this with a close friend of mines. We plan to take the exam.
I just discovered your channel today, and I've watched most, if not all, of your videos. :)
I am a future CPA and I definitely find your videos so motivating and inspiring. Keep it up girl! :D
My question for the next video is. If you are an individual looking to start a family soon and care more about the work/life balance in a sense (of course not saying you just want to work 40 hours), is going the mid-tier route from the start a good idea or do you think it is absolutely necessary to start at the Big 4 to be successful in this industry? I know the Big 4 will provide a better outcome and more opportunities but you know some people would rather have a little more free time for family and probably be content with climbing up the ladder at the mid-tier.
+Zanya Carey great questions love! Just snipped so I can address in the next video :)
Thanks hun :)
+Stephienese thank you
+Stephienese what is the title of the video where you address work/family balance.
Thank you for all of this solid insight! Definitely struggling with opportunities to either do Big 4 (EY) or Mid Tier (GT). Big4 seems to burn you out, but has great training and value with opportunities afterward. Mid-tier seems not to carry as much weight on resume it seems, but people seem to stay longer at the firm. Any suggestions?
Love your videos!
Hi! Saw your comment 5 years ago and im currently an intern in GT and am considering to apply to Big 4 after graduate. Just curious about your decision and prolly you have some insights for me, i'd really appreciate :)
@@frisdaferdiana2735 hello and congratulations on your internship. My career took a different path after my internship and worked for a Defense Contractor and Renewable energy firm as a Program Manager. Albeit vastly different than what crossroads you’re facing, I have learned that while certain company “prestige” may sound nice, it’s the networking and work experience that offers the greatest value. Once I stepped away from the accounting world, I did realize that industry does have a strong “kool-aid” culture. Don’t feed into that too much. “Go where celebrated, not tolerated” and you’ll be fine. Best of luck!
MY talented niece, daughter of my eldest sister , presently residing in Texas, USA
I love your videos! I have 3 classes to go on my accounting degree and am in the process of looking for an internship. Great tips and insight (:
+Alexia Mamouzelos Thank you so much, I'm glad it was helpful :) I bet you're getting super excited being close to graduating!!
I love your videos! I'm getting slot of information and motivation in pursuing my dream career. 🤓
+Andrea M. Walker glad it was helpful 😊
Thank for this. Very informative. I'm super excited to get the public accounting experience.
+Edwin Rodriguez glad it was helpful 😊 Wishing you much success on your journey!
Loved this! Thanks so much Steph : )
+itsdannyftw You're so welcome love!! :)
Thank you for the information! I will be transferring to a university in a year and I'm trying to learn as much as I can about my future career. subbed !
+Charly Perez glad it was helpful and wishing you luck on your accounting journey!
Hi Steph just discovered your videos!
I've began studying for the CPA test and it's frustrating. After I finish reading a chapter and begin doing the excersises, I score less than 60%. I've watched your video on how do you study and scheduled your time. I'm not working right now. I'll try my best to keep motivated with this stuff! Cheers!
Good luck! Just keep your eye on the prize and try different studying techniques until you find one that helps you retain & understand the material.
Very Very helpful. I myself have been having trouble as a junior in college and this video was so great.
+Moriah Michaele I'm so glad it was helpful! I hit a rough spot during my junior year too but just keep pushing past it.
Make video how was your first day at your first work in accounting sector. Also your videos are amazing!!
Also the yearly income figures she quoted are salary based. That means you're often working more than 40 hours per week especially during certain times of the year you can work 60-80 hours per week.
Hey love your video ! Can you give any tips or perhaps making a video of how to set up an effective resume for a fresh graduate- specifically what you would look for in one.
Oh wow someone I was dating worked for Deloitte I didn't know it was a top firm, didn't know much about audit at all before meeting her but that's so cool! I'm so proud of her - too bad I can't tell her that now :P
+YourFriendRae hahaha well now you know for the next Big 4 lady 😁
This is every important for undergrad students. Thank you very much ❤️❤️❤️
+Tue Luu glad it was helpful!
Thank You for being Awesome!
Hi Steph! First off, I love all your videos! I have a quick question on what is better to go into: managerial accounting or financial accounting? Can you give me a brief explanation of the pros and cons of each and which you would personally choose? Thanks hon~!
I’m still in high school. I’m planning on being a CPA but still not sure about being one.... Favorite subject is math
I work at a local firm in a rural town as a staff accountant. The biggest challenge is working with the mom & pap businesses who do their own bookkeeping but have no clue what they're doing. Then it's my job to clean up their mess. I work around 70 hours per week during the tax season, but I'm able to bank my hours so I can take more time off in the off season. It's pretty flexible and family-friendly for the most part. It's also very independent, the owner (my manager) has enough work to do himself so he doesn't have time to boss us around. Which is the way things should be. If you can't do your job without someone micromanaging you, then you don't have enough responsibility and integrity to be an accountant. That's what I like most about the firm: the amount of trust our manager has in us and the amount of independence he gives us.
+Nate G01 that sounds like an awesome culture. That's awesome you can roll overtime hours into time off.
Very good info: subbed!
Thank you.
+Minato Namikaze thank you for subbing!
Hi Stephienese,
Thanks for doing these vids - very helpful! I have a few questions I hope you don't mind answering:
1) Can someone in their 30's get into Big 4 providing have Accounting background and working towards CPA?
2) Is it worth someone in their 30's looking to get into Big 4 considering has family obligations?
3) Is Big 4 honestly more suited to people in their twenties, i.e., younger people most likely can work 60+ hours a week?
4) How many hours a day does one spend at a desk in Big 4 jobs? I currently spend 8hrs per day at a desk and wouldn't mind something where I get to move more.
Many thanks!
Thanks for sharing. Excellent information!
Can you talk about the tips for going into the 4 big firms. Interview, pre assessment, requirements and so on. Thank you!! 👌🏼
Thank you so much for all the information you post!
+Gracie I'm so glad it was helpful :)
First year University student planning on majoring in Accounting. If I don`t get an offer from Big 4, what would you do to try and break into Big 4 after graduation?
Don't give up! I was in the same situation in 2009 when I had an offer from a Big 4 firm rescinded right before I graduated. Luckily I took that down time as an opportunity to pursue the CPA while working as an accountant at the New York Times. I continued to apply for Big 4 firms in the Virginia area while I was completing sections of the CPA and was able to secure an audit role with my firm a year later.
Best of luck and always keep your options opened. Its not about where you start in your career but what you do with it.
Don't give up. Big four is not for everyone and you don't even need the big four to be successful in accounting. They will work the hell outta you for 70K an year. Research and decide where you see yourself working (based on your strengths, how you want the work environment to be, etc.)
Thank you so much for this video, it's very helpful!
+Maddie W I'm so glad it was helpful :)
Hi Stephienese! Your vids are awesome, intriguing, and very informational so thanks for all of your time. I do want to ask you for your advice though: I finally just got my first public accounting position as an assurance associate at a smaller but well to do firm and I am wondering what they will mainly be training me on in the beginning? I am a little nervous since I have good Excel skills but not on a professional level. What should I expect and how could I best prepare myself at home for what's to come?!
Not sure why people always want to be general about their compensation. I don’t think it should be a taboo subject. Sharing your salary allows you to compare to others and find out if you’re making what is fair in the market. It’s a win win for both you and people you share it with.
i love your channel I literally spent all afternoon listening to you. You have clarified many questions I had. I was wondering if you would recommend public accounting to a mother? all the working hours scared me a little.
+Myriam Bamba Awww thank you for taking the time out of your day, especially with having kiddos :) I would recommend public accounting for parents but I would suggest a mid-tier firm or smaller. Going into public accounting, you'll just have to know that longer hours are expected during busy season but most firms have programs like reduced hours for reduced pay. If you are interested and go through the interview process, just be upfront about what demands you have with your kids and if you'd be able to have flexibility. It's going to be demanding though so you might have to work more at home or after the kids go to bed especially during busy season.
Thank you so much for making these kind of videos! Nobody really makes accounting student videos
I'm pursing a MBA after that want CPA for the purspose of manager my own business with it comes to numbers.
Really liked this video, very informative! Questions for the next video...
-I've seen several people move from the Big 4 to industry or a smaller accounting firm - do you think it's just the long hours that get to people over time? And why do you think that others stick it out and stay with the larger firms over the long run - do you think it's the higher pay/ better job experience/ or maybe some people just enjoy the higher demands of a larger/ Big 4 firm?
+Stephanie N. Stewart Great questions Steph! I'll definitely address it in my next accounting video :)
Many people leave the big 4 because of the amount of hours you are required to put in. Not like they specifically tell the amount of hours you will be working per week right before you start. But, once you get assigned a client then you start realizing it will require a lot of time to complete and you will have to work overtime to get the job done on time or you are fired. It's stressful but many people go through that route just for the experience to add to their resume so they can ask for more money at their other job. You gain a lot of knowledge but you burn out quickly. You get no overtime.
Thank you so much for this video.. I’m a medical assistant and relocating to North Carolina.. planning to do register nurse.. but I was planning to do something else instead nursing but didn’t know what to do.. I want to do something which is not that difficult like nursing school.. I’m not that young who has a lot of to switch into careers.. I’m already late..I’m in my late 30’s can you please help me suggesting if a person like me who don’t know anything about account will be a good career to choose.. 😊
Who works in the cubicles? You see I don't like working in an environment or at a desk where two people sit at, I'd rather work in a cubicle or in an office where I can hang stuff up and do what I want with the space. I like to dress things up and make my spaces more chic and stress- free. Are you able to do this as an accountant- like putting lights up or photos on the cubicle boards, and other things as such?
Very helpful!! Thank you 🙏
Thank you for the very informative video. What builder did you use? We are relocating to TX early next year and looking into purchasing our house. Hopefully, I will be done with the CPA exam by then! 2 down , 2 more to go!!
+Sony Keren We went with History Maker Homes. It was the builder in the area we wanted. If there are other choices I would suggest going with another builder like Darling Homes. But if you do, just make sure you're on top of them. My hubby made visits to our property almost daily and was able to catch issues that the foreman was missing. Good luck on your CPA journey, you're almost done!!! 🎉🎉🎉
While in school, I know interning is great junior/ senior year. But when you got your job offer was it to start after your senior year? Or did you start after you finished your classes to get to the 150 hour threshold for the exam? And technically you don't have to have your liscense to be able to work for the firm but you have to get it eventually correct? This has always confused me lol but great video as usual. Thanks so much for sharing!!
+Luis Antonio My job offer was after my senior year and I could have extended it longer if I had gone the graduate degree route. But keep in mind, when I graduated my senior year, I had taken extra classes to get 150 hours. They're usually flexible depending on your graduate date (for example, if you graduated in May, you could start in September to have the summer off to study/ chill). For the Big 4, they want you to be CPA exam eligible when you start. You don't have to have your license when you start, you just have to get it before you can be promoted to manager & to get a bonus if your firm provides it (normally a few thousand if you pass within 1 - 2 years of starting at your firm). My mid-tier firm we do hire on people who may be a few credit hours shy of being CPA eligible. These people either take classes at night or online classes to meet the 150 hour threshold. I hope that makes sense! lol
thank you for sharing. it is very helpful. looking forward to next video
+Xuan Feng glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this! :))
+Ophie O You are very welcome love :)
I got an internship at a regional firm in downtown Los Angeles during my senior year at college. I was working full time and a part-time student. I was a student during the busy season too. :/ I got no training at all was just thrown out there on engagements. Always was told "SALY." No employee moral at all. No holiday parties. No Training. Nothing. I got a full-time offer 2 months before I graduated. I was going to get a raise of 10k+ after graduation, but I quit one month after graduation and before my raise. I hated that regional firm. I want to get into the government now.
I just got a Samsung NX mini.... and I'm wondering if you can tell me some tips and tricks for the camera. (FYI. I'm a UA-camr. .. but not alot of people know me) LOVE YOU AND I WATCH YOUR VIDEOS EVERYDAY😄😄😄
+Samer Bahu Awww thank you, you are so sweet! I'll definitely put together a video on some of the things I like using with the Samsung NX mini.
Thank you so much!!!! You are the best just wondering do you mind subscribing... trying to reach 100 ily so much
I'm contemplating the CPA exam and your vids are inspiring. I work in a big non-profit firm (accounting role)...any tips considering that?
i work at a regional firm and for those of you who drink the kool-aid, i warn you... your managers and partners will treat you like shit and never give you credit but only bring up your flaws. my first year of audit they put me on 4 hard engagements and expected me to finish under budget. i completed all financial sections on my own with barely any help. not gonna lie i learned alot but the unrealistic expectations and the negative feedback you get for something you cant really control is what gets to you. learn to kiss ass and dont take up projects that you cant handle.
That is true for my firm as well!
Hey thank you for the video. I have a question about the schedule. As an accountant do you work during the day like mornings or they do work overnight and stuff too?
Hey great video! I just wanted to know what exactly is industry?? And what's the main difference between that and mid tier firms?
I read the caption of your video and expected the salaries to START at 100k/year given that you mentioned you worked a minimum of 55 hours a week. Why would anyone in their right mind work 55-80 hours a week for only 50-75k/year?!?! If you do the math to calculate an hourly rate, you would make more working as a manager at McDonalds! I currently make 125k/year plus a 15-20% annual bonus working in hedge fund accounting with no CPA or advanced degree and I work 9-5. No overtime ever
Good point John. However accounting offers a level of job security that finance simply does not. Plus, many accountants use public accounting to build a solid foundation and reference before they transition into industry where they can earn their 6 figure salaries and finally have that long coveted work-life balance.
+John Patrick Sullivan agreed!! I've been approached with hedge fund accounting positions before but wasn't sure what it all entails since I don't deal with fund accounting very often. I don't work for the firm I talked about in this video anymore, partially for that reason.
You can get a job in partnership accounting either on the asset management side or the administration side. Asset managers being large or small investment firms, hedge funds, private equity or venture capital firms. Nowadays almost all investment firms outsource their administration (ie: fund accounting, tax, financial reporting) to administrators (ie: State Street, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Citco, BNY Mellon, BBH), but asset managers always have a small team of in house hedge fund accountants to review and oversee the work prepared by the administrators. I spent 13 years working for 4 different administrators and am now in my first position on the asset management side. The asset management side is much easier hours because you're just doing the reviewing vs. all of the work. Asset managers love people with CPAs too.
Those are not accurate. It also depends largely on what city you are located in. A HF accounting job in NYC or Boston for example that pays 100K will only pay 70K somewhere like Florida or Texas. I've always worked in Boston, which is an "A" market.
A partner from PWC told me that they take extra time off, especially in the summer outside the busy season. The maximum time that he personally took off was 9 weeks in a row.
Hello, Stephie! I'm currently reviewing for my upcoming CPA licensure examination this October. Do you have some study tips that you adapted for your examination that you think would be helpful for people like me? 🙂
I am only 12 years old and I want to be a accountant so I went and research and this is what I want to do when I am older
This was very helpful!! Thank you
+Jalissa Catherine I'm so glad it was helpful :)
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Most valuable piece of advice i can give to people who want to go into audit
"DON'T"
very informative! Thank you!
Love your looking in this video.
Thanks for the video. I just saw it. I am currently a pre-nursing student, I have applied to nursing schools and was even accepted to some but science is not my thing. my GPA is 3.3, I don't know if I will get into my current school nursing program and I think transferring isn't an option because I can end up not like nursing and ruining my GPA. I have always been good at math and some other skills that accountants do, I am confused right now but your videos are very informative. Thank you.