Lucky Break into Accounting?

Question

Hi Guys,

I'm a 30y/o career changer to accounting and have recently been offered an internship in corporate tax. The problem is that I have only 2 days to accept but I have 2nd round interviews with Public Accounting firms in the next week, one a big 4.

I truly want my CPA and the public accounting experience but what are the chances of getting an offer from a 2nd round interview. This position is on the table and I'm not opposed to a taxation internship that will probably lead to a full time offer.

What are your thoughts... Should I gamble on the 2nd round interviews or accept the corp tax internship?

What I didn't mention is that because I am going through the university If I accept the corporate accounting offer I forgo the upcoming interviews.

This rule was put in place to prevent students from accepting an offer only to accept a better one. This would possibly discourage employers from participating in the internship program.

Also, FYI all these internships are 8 months in length with a traditional hire-in.

Thanks

Answer 1

Such a problem!! I live in Michigan where the unemployment is highest in the nation and no jobs. I'm currently looking and envy your situation.

It might be a gamble if you don't put all your cards on the table. Don't want to lose out on everything--old cliche' - a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Think you need to analyze where you really want to work--limit yourself to corporate tax or the craziness of public accounting. Chances are the big 4 will give you an offer, however, come April 15th, you might be knocking on doors again. Many accounting firms will lay off after tax season. It's just the industry. Job security is very important.

The place that offered you internship in corporate tax, is that a CPA firm? If not, and you really want to be a CPA, you have to get that requirement in. Then the only choice is hope to an get offer with a big 4 firm. (When I was studying for my CPA, it was the big 8).

Also, look at future opportunities with your employer and benefit packages. One questions that should always be asked in an interview is where you will see yourself in 5, 10, 15+ years. If that question had not been asked, have an answer ready.

Good luck to you and keep in touch--would like to know your decision.

Answer 2

You can't be a nice guy, you have to look out for #1. You also owe it to yourself to go to the interview to explore job opportunities to decide where you want to end up. I know someone who let a fairly good job go because there were 2 other opportunities that looked very promising. Then the other 2 didn't pan out. She ended up taking a crappy job for almost a year until another good opportunity came along.

You could:
1) Accept the internship & still go to the interview. (If you have to tell internship co. you have a personal commitment that day & need off without pay when you accept the offer.)
2) Accept the new job and see if you can get the interview scheduled very early in the a.m. or late in the p.m.

Ask alot of questions at the CPA firm interview so you get a really good idea about what the job will be like (% of travel, type of work). If you get a job at a good CPA firm you will have to then leave the internship. No big deal to you or to them since tax season is still a couple of months away. They will understand.

I worked in corporate tax for 5 years. It was very repetitive and there were very few opportunities for big money. Depends on the company though.

Good luck!