Question:
I am an Oregon resident planning to work in the Portland area.
This year I will be finishing up earning all the necessary credits in order
to sit for the CPA exam. The job I am currently in is a typical accounting
clerk position at a small business. My plan was to begin looking into
public firms once I have earned all of my credits. Unfortunately, there are
many big changes going at my current job and new "professionals" are being
hired in other departments. Due to this, it looks as though my position may
be given to someone else with higher seniority. This is going to leave me
without a job. I feel I might as well start looking into public firms now.
---Will a public firm hire someone even if they are not yet a CPA?
I will be obtaining my CPA license in 2005 (I plan on enrolling in
Becker-Conviser to prepare)
I plan to finish school during evenings / weekends / internet throughout
2004
---What position will they be given without a CPA license?
---What is the best way to approach a public firm as to inquire about
employment?
---Should I contact the Human Resources Dept?
---Should I try to arrange an office visit?
---I'm assuming in-depth research of the firm should be done before hand?
Answer:
-Of course, and you should begin looking soon so that you can get some
valuable experience under your belt. Tax season just ended, so let
things calm down for a month or so, and then begin actively searching.
The summer is a good hiring time for CPA firms. In the meantime,
start working on your resume and cover letter.
Remember, you have to pass the exam and complete the required
experience time before you qualify for a license.
If you have any contacts that could forward your resume or help you
get an interview with a firm, try those options first. If not, I
strongly recommend sending an unsolicited resume with a strong cover
letter to the 10 to 15 largest firms in your area. With a little
research, you can find the names and addresses of these firms. Is
there a "Book of Lists" for the Portland area? This publication lists
firms of different industries by size. Its a great resource for job
searching. Mention in your cover letter for them to please keep your
resume on file for reference when they are considering staffing needs
in the future. Firms would really prefer to not have to advertise
open positions, so they will usually give the resumes already in-house
an interview opportunity first.
Send your cover letter and resume to the attention of the Personnel
Manager.
If they are interested in meeting you after reading your cover letter
and resume, they will call you.
