Any accountants here?

DevilishRogue · 2015-08-03T18:01:34+00:00

With an Accounting degree the world is your oyster, you don't have to go into accounting. Same with an MBA but moreso. Start looking at related fields, banking, management consultancy, government, etc. You'll find something that appeals.

throwa15 · 2015-08-03T18:27:56+00:00

You should figure out what you want to do then carefully research alternative jobs you are interested in. Research the career path. Where do guys at each particular job end up 10-15 years down the line? Are they happy? Why do people quit? What does the job entail? Go to your school's networking events, talk to people and you'll learn alot and get alot of advice if you ask the right questions. Then slowly make the switch. Learn the necessary skills in your spare time/ make a portfolio/ apply to jobs.

Maybe go into finance if accounting isn't your thing. Maybe try to get into management consulting. Note the downsides. Highly competitive jobs like investment banking and consulting often have 'up or out' policies. They have an 80% attrition rate every year for the first 6 years because once its clear you're not on the partner track, they fire you. Its long hours and high stress but you will have a great base resume and high starting salary. You may choose a cushy 9-5 corporate finance job instead.

Or you can get a few years experience public accounting, save up, and start your own CPA firm. Go into tax as its more relevant experience for this. You still have to do some unpleasant accounting stuff but you can hire others to do the grunt work while you do sales and bring in business, grow the firm, and supervise.

Are there any related accounting jobs down the line you can work towards that you won't hate? CFO? Controller? As you move up, you'll be dealing with people more, analyzing things more, and its less being an excel monkey.

Also try posting to r/accounting for alternative accounting related careers. They will know more than people here.

If you want to explore something completely different find theres probably a subreddit for them too.

livingthedreamnow · 2015-08-03T18:55:38+00:00

I have an accounting degree, and I've been building my career for roughly 18 years.

Are you going to probably have mind numbing days as a staff accountant, sure. But guess what, you'd have mind numbing days if you were a professional porn star too. Everything gets tedious when you have to do it day in, and day out.

Here's the most basic truths I can give you about this particular profession. There are more job openings than applicants, making it a very secure choice that gives you options. It's a universal skill set that can be employed in practically any market in the world. If you choose to go into industry, you can easily transition from an accounting role, into a higher level finance role.

Any ideas what to do with an accounting degree where my life wont be miserable?

I don't know what your idea of miserable is, but my accounting degree got me to a position where I manage the finances of a large global company during the day, M thru F, and in exchange I get the means to do whatever the fuck I feel like doing with the rest of my life outside of that. That's all I ever wanted to get out of a job, so I'm about as happy as they come.

BetterRedThanRed · 2015-08-03T20:47:49+00:00

A job is a job and not fun. You will get used to any job and after a year, every job is the same to you anyways.

Remember that you work to live, not live to work.

SenorBananaHammock · 2015-08-03T21:43:18+00:00

My sister is a CPA. She is 30 and makes $150k a year as a risk assessor for a bank. She likes it and it isn't as boring as regular accounting.

dirkdice · 2015-08-04T00:48:20+00:00

Put your head down and push through for a few years and you'll have endless opportunities.

jdgalt · 2015-08-04T01:08:48+00:00

My boss (a CPA) says that the CPA exam is the hardest occupational test there is -- worse than even the bar exam. So if you pass, you're in line to make the big bucks. Sure there's some boredom, but it's worth it to me.

If you decide it is boring, later, keep your CPA license active; it will open the door to a variety of management jobs. Or if so inclined, you can become an auditor for the IRS. I'd love the chance to nail a politician; any party would do.

4benny2lava0 · 2015-08-04T01:51:21+00:00

You are gonna bust your ass for a few years, all the green horns get worked like they are in a cotton field.

After that you get a few minions your work load lightens (comparatively) and your pay goes up.

Why did you keep going if you wouldn't like the work?

Also check out forensic accounting. If I didnt bail out on finance I'd be there. Its interesting.

prodigy2throw · 2015-08-04T15:24:23+00:00

I work in one of the top accounting firms. All the men here are total betas except for partners. Just be a little more alpha, lift and network with partners and you'll have the place wrapped around your finger.

Personally, i'll be opening my own firm in the future but being an accountant can be pretty Alpha if done the right way. Get your cpa, hire some beta workers and pay them a fraction of what you charge the client, play golf and network.

Justin9316 · 2015-08-04T14:50:35+00:00

CPA here. I absolutely hate my job. Currently in the process of becoming an FBI Special Agent. They love to hire CPA's to be Special Agents.

Title	Any accountants here?
Author	imthemanyesiam
Upvotes	8
Comments	10
Date	August 3, 2015 5:31 PM UTC (11 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/3fn4m0/any_accountants_here/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/any-accountants-here.151935 https://theredarchive.com/post/151935

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