Time to give up on accounting?

Question

I've spent 4 years (in private) pursuing my CPA to work at a Big 4 firm that ultimately fired me after a year; because my position focused on an area in which I had no prior experience (IT risk assurance), the learning curve proved too much despite marked improvement in my last review. Subsequent jobs in private consisted of entering journal entries and reconciling up to 100 accounts during a tight 1-2 day close. Unfortunately it feels more like data entry and substandard workpaper compilation (account reconciliations) according to inconsistent standards. Virtually every waking moment revolves around trying to manage a constantly growing work load of recurring tasks in spite of inadequate records/high turnover, micromanagement, and nonexistent communication. I dread going to work and fear jumping around too much has made me unhireable at this point; the only enjoyable aspect for me is automating data analysis as well as creating supplemental monitoring controls via VBA coding. However seeing management work 80+ hours (even an entire Labor weekend) makes me question whether continuing this path is even a good idea. Has anyone else gone through something similar to this? Any sincere advice would be grate appreciated.

Answer 1

Have you found something else/other career that you're passionate about? If you did, maybe you change career and focus on that.



I'm undergoing the same thing in accounting. I'm a CPA. I do tax returns, prepare FS, prepare quarterly FS for regulation commissions, record and analyze transactions. Follows tax rules and regulations and other financial reporting rules, do payroll functions. I'm also the key contact person of independent accounts and I discuss and resolve issues with them.



After doing the same things for the past 10 years, I' m really really tired of it but doesn't know how to start to change career. But I know people who are CPAs and who became successful. I think I made the wrong choices, got unlucky or maybe it's just not for me.



Ask yourself if it is accounting you hate or just the companies you worked with. Or maybe you need a vacation?



Maybe I can't give a good advice because I'm in a similar boat. I just want to share.

Answer 2

You shouldn't let this experience question whether you have made the right choices, you just have to say that maybe this happened for a reason and you can move on from here. I personally never want the job my supervisor has who always seems stressed, but I try not to think about it. I say if you like accounting look for a company that provides work/life balance, maybe what you need a break or change of field, nonprofits also need accountants just saying...

Answer 3

Have you ever considered being a financial analyst for a company in industry? Or maybe going the CFO/Controller route? There are so many opportunities in accounting, (I am an accountant myself). Don't give up on it just yet!

Answer 4

Got library where u live



Spend some months reading about and learning about self-employment.



CPAs can earn good if not great incomes if in USA.



Falling for myths hypes of "big 4" got u where?.



Library can help you create a lifestyle and income of your own.

Answer 5

Same job at a better balanced, more considerate employer?

Answer 6

too long didn't read

Answer 7

try harder