Thursday, April 19, 2012

Taxes, anyone?

It looks like I'm definitely going to wind up being an accountant. I mean, obviously that was always my major and everything but now shit is getting real. It is shocking to think that in a little over a year real grownups who run huge companies worth more money than anyone should have, will let me give them advice about their finances. That's just crazy.

The other night Josh's friend was over, and he told me about his older brother who works for one of the big four accounting firms. He said that's what I should aim for, that's what will pay the most. Most of the people at school that I've talked to plan to work for a little accounting office - everyone seems to know someone. Everyone's aunt knows an accountant in Queens. Or their dad used a guy who will need someone. I don't know anybody. There's over a year left, so I am trying to keep the panic to a very low boil.

There's a stereotype of accountants being nerdy. It's hard to believe I'll be one of those since I'm like the least nerdy person. I am worried that it'll be me, surrounded by super-nerds who will think I'm an idiot.

9 comments:

Mizasiwa said...

Im pretty sure that Josh's parents or your current boss (cant remember his name sorry) will be able to recomend you to someone - use this dont think of it as a hand out its the way the world works. To be honest I never really imagined you in that type of a career but if you think about how you have budgeted your and your sisters lives for so long it makes a lot of sense.

Anonymous said...

I never found the nerdy stereotype to be true--all of the accountants I've known are regular people. And from what I've seen, working for one of the big four accounting firms is a great way to get started in your career--you don't have to stay forever but you gain a lot of experience that works well for you later on down the road. I think accounting was a good choice for you.
Kathy

Anonymous said...

I'm a CPA. The great thing about a career in accounting is that a even in a bad economy companies need accountants. I went into the private sector (insurance) but working for one of the big 4 is a great way to begin and generally opens up a lot of doors. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I remember that feeling from my first "real" job, being in accounting too. I'd have to cut a check for over $1,000,000 or negotiate with a vendor over the phone and I'd think to myself, "These people actually think I'm a grown up! I can't believe they're trusting me to do this by myself."

Those firsts can be a little daunting but soon they're no biggie.

You probably know this but accountants don't really give financial advice.

I agree with Mizasiwa, don't be shy about letting people help you get connected. It's the name of the game.

Happy growing up!

Lil'Sis said...

I've worked in accounting, finance, hedge fund world many years now; starting at one of the big 4 gets you in the trenches early, crappy work but good experience; just b/c you start somewhere doesn't mean it's where you'll end up either - I was a biology major, now I'm an analyst for a hedge fund, who knew right!

I can see how it's a good fit for you, but I think lots of things could be a good fit for you.

Lisa @ Lisa Moves said...

You know people and this is the best time to use them---I'm sure Artie and Josh's parents both have accountants. Ask them to find out if they are hiring for the summer, and introduce you. (They wouldn't have to introduce you in person, it can be as simple as them making a phone call or an email saying "I know Sam, she's a hard worker" and that gives you the opening to send your resume saying "Mr. So and So suggested that I send you my resume, I think that I would be a good fit for your firm because...")

If this is your junior year of college, are you working at an accounting job this summer? If you aren't you should. I know you have tons of work experience over the past few years, but when looking for a real job accounting firms will be looking for someone who has been working summers in accounting firms. You could ask Artie for a leave of absence for the summer so that you could go back to that job in the fall, and you even have a ready-made substitute--couldn't Danielle do your job for the summer?

Even if all you can find is unpaid internships, this is important. And I bet Josh's parents would be willing to float you a loan for the summer, or pay the entire rent, or make some kind of deal that allows you to get the experience you need.

If you can get into the big 4, it is a great place to start. It opens doors down the road.

Principled Slut said...

Computer programmers are supposed to be 'nerdy' too. But I'm all about blowing stereotypes out of the water.

JJ said...

APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS AT THE BIG FOUR FIRMS.

I put that in caps so you know I'm serious about it. You never know what might happen. It could change your whole career. Apply now for summer.

Here's a link to PWC. http://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/pwctv/joining/internships/index.jhtml#

Here's one for Deloitte.
http://mycareer.deloitte.com/us/en/students/oncampus

You have a GREAT story and you provide the kind of economic diversity firms LOVE. APPLY.

Sara said...

Not to burst your bubble or anything, but if you start out at a medium or large CPA firm, the clients won't even know you exist. The nice thing about that is that you can get some experience under your belt before you talk to them. I worked as a CPA for three years before going private, and it was absolutely invaluable. Good choice!