I have 5 yrs background in e-learning industry as a designer of industry and gov't training material. My degrees are BA linguistics and MEd in educational technology.
For my master's degree, I did take courses in financial management and systems theory (applied to non-profit orgs such as schools, etc.) but basically I'd be starting from zero with basic accounting courses, and a 2nd masters degree (MBA, MAcy).
Will I be out of a place (just call me "gramps":) as an entry-level accountant along with 22-30 year olds at a big 4 firm?
Advice for breaking into this field for an until-now academic and soft-skills guy who is good at numbers and detailed analysis?
2007-06-05 05:22:50 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Financial Services
I just came out the Big 4.
They are so diverse that it is highly improbable that you will start out entry level. In the Big 4, you will probably need to get the CPA to move into mgnt. (I had no desire to move into mgnt, so I left). Plus, the Big 4 environment SUCKS! (I will change careers before I work in public accounting ever again, imo)
Another certification route is the CMA (Certified Management Accountant). With that designation, you don't need the 150hr requirement, and you don't need a degree specifically in accounting! (you just need a bach. degree - in ANY field). But that exam is hard..really hard! (there are a lot more business topics on that exam than there is on the CPA). Go to www.imanet.org for more details.
Combine the CMA w/ an MBA, and you'll be knocking down doors!
I know too many accountants who work in this profession who don't have that "accounting" degree.
2007-06-05 05:36:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is absolutely not too late to change careers, especially if you can offer an employer a ready, willing and able to learn employee. They like that you know!
At your age, you are coming into a period called the I Know What I Want Now. The period should be followed by the Now I'm Going to Go For It! period. Alongside, this period is that wonderful time known as the Now, I'm Happy period.
I can only imagine that you will be a wonderful employee in your field of choice as you will bring enthusiasm,
To thineself be true.
2007-06-05 10:01:12 · answer #2 · answered by TygerLily 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1985. While looking for REAL work, I worked as a manager of a Little Ceasar's pizza store...but left when I was offered to manage a store on a local Navy base. I wanted nothing to do with that. I heard of a job driving truck for Lowe's...enjoyed that immensly. But an old friend told me of a job working as a gov't contractor on U.S. Navy ships verifying what was allowed to be carried on board in support of what equipment they had. I did that as a collateral duty when I was in the Navy. Full time is was BORING. I then got a good job in a local shipyard running a warehouse supporting U.S. Navy ships. However, when work was cut back I got laid off. A friend was looking for someone with leadship back ground to supervise one of the 2 cemeteries (whoops...MEMORIAL GARDENS). I took that job as a stop gap job. After 6 months, I was told of a company working with foreign navies that was looking for someone experienced in logisitics. I did that for 14 years, then when THAT work slacked off, I was put on special projects (I got to do some travel out of town and out of country). Then I was offered, by the same company, a position in logistics with the Navy Space & Warfare Systems. And here I am....3rd 'career' but still working logistics. I'll be here until I fully retire...next January I'm eligible, but I enjoy working here, and really like the people. They have sent me to 12 classes to do the job I do and I can't see bailing after 3 1/2 years on them. I work on my own (reporting directly to the comptroller), make my own decisions, and work at my own pace. When I 'fully retire', I'd like to get a volunteer position teaching English as a second language. That would actually be a 'second career', since it would be out of the realm of logistics. All my jobs since retiring were because of my Navy experiences...logistics and leadership.
2016-05-17 08:48:54 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, Gramps, No you are not too old to change a career.
Matter of fact I am over 40 and changing mine as we speak.
Employers like to see well educated, mature adults.
Though, I will tell you this,
Employers like to hire younger because they do not require a higher salary.
Mature older adults usually have a family and need to support them.
2007-06-05 05:29:06 · answer #4 · answered by Mom of 2 great boys 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
912
2016-11-30 19:25:57 · answer #5 · answered by Elvia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way!! You are still incredibly young by many people's standards. I broke into the financial industry in my 30s.
2007-06-08 11:48:14 · answer #6 · answered by Alletery 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's never too late to change careers. I'm on my sixth now. Take all your experience and apply it to the next.
2007-06-05 06:00:03 · answer #7 · answered by Michael B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it is not and should e-mail your resume to me because I am in the staffing industry and I can help you find the job you are looking for.
2007-06-11 10:59:02 · answer #8 · answered by Eric C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋