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Get answers to your career and employment
questions from a career expert and fellow CPA, Amy
Langer. Answers will be featured on the MNCPA Web site.
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| Recent Questions |
Do you have any suggestions for forming CPA Exam prep study groups? I'm very intersted in forming/joining one because I work better in groups but I don't know anyone who is currently studying for the exam. Thanks. – Asked 11/6/2008 Great question and I highly recommend taking studying seriously the first time. I would contact the MNCPA Young Professionals Group (YPG). This is an active group and that could likely get you connected with others who would be interested in this type of group. This would also be a good group to network with, which is always valuable.
I would also look into a CPA exam review course. Good luck in passing, it is worth it. Amy » Ask a question
I had a job offer from a city contingent on:
- approval of hiring by a city council
- completion of a background examination/investigation which reveals no reason for my elimination from the hiring process
- passing pre-employment drug/alcohol testing
Three days after this job offer and the morning after a city council meeting ( where my offer was not shown on the meeting agenda )
the City Administrator called and with drew the offer and only would say that I was not the best fit.
Also the night before their council meeting my former employer's Mayor called me and told me that he would send me a letter that I wanted for my unemployment training and that he had spoken to the city that made me an offer and no more.
My question is - since my last employer did not renew my employment contract without cause can that last employer legally be saying bad things about me ? and is there a way that I can tell them to stop ? I did call my last employer's City Attorney and recite the withdrawn offer but did not in any way insinuate any foul play - but I did also call a
current city councilor and clearly did ask him
if he thought it fair for his city reps to do anything like that and he said No way. Can you
give me any advise? – Asked 8/2/2008 There could be many reasons that the offer was withdrawn. It is possible that the city decided not to fill the role, put it on hold for a particular reason or it could have been from a reference. If you want to know what your last employer would say about you, you should call him/her and ask. Be prepared to hear the answer. Also, if you really feel that slander was involved, you could contact an employment attorney. They would be better suited then me to answer that question. My biggest suggestion would be to move on and look for an organization where you can be successful. Good luck in your search. Amy
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I work in public accounting and want to make more business contacts. What are some ways I can make connections to increase my business? – Asked 2/28/2008 This is a very good question and is very important that you look at it not only to increase your business but also to personally grow. There are many options for you to consider.
• Start with the MNCPA, getting involved with the events, CPE classes and even at a leadership level will give you opportunities to network.
• There are many award events that are hosted by local/regional media. For example, the Business Journal holds many different events throughout the year to honor small businesses, growth businesses, CEO of the year, women led businesses. The Minnesota Monthly Magazine has a Small Business Success Story and hold an annual awards ceremony. These events are largely attended by business owners and their friends/families/employees.
• Join a Board. Find your non profit passion and pursue a Board position. This will enhance your leadership but will also put you in contact with other people in the community. Make sure to search for something that holds appeal and get involved. If you are not interested in a Board position, get involved in a committee. Many non profits are looking for people to assist in gala events, golf events, capital campaign drives, etc.
• Join a social club/golf club. This is a great way to network at a social level and many times at a business level. It many also be fun for your family.
• Create your own club. I know a group of people who wanted a networking group, so they created their own. It started with 3 professionals and they pursued different people in the community to round out their group. For example, they have an attorney, a CPA, a wealth manager, a realtor, a recruiter, etc. They network with each other and bring in guest speakers.
Congratulations on recognizing this is important and I wish you luck. Please let us know how it goes.
Amy
» Ask a question
I've been hearing about having an 'active' cpa license. I'm not in public accounting and don't do tax work, so I'm wondering what is the difference between active and inactive? what does it mean for me in my job? What are the benefits of being active if I don't do public accounting work? – Asked 1/9/2008 The active/inactive CPA designation is relatively new to the profession. Here is a page off of the MNCPA website that details some of the pros and cons of active versus inactive:
http://www.mncpa.org/career/becoming_a_cpa/active-vs-inactive-cpa.asp
An active CPA status is required for (this is from the website):
• CPAs who prepare tax returns for a public accounting firm with a CPA firm permit
• CPAs who issue compilation reports other than through a CPA firm
• CPAs employed by the Office of the Legislative Auditor or State Auditor
If you are not working in a public accounting firm, it is probably not required for your position, it is more of a personal preference on whether you would like to keep your license active or not. There is some confusion on the part of employers on what “inactive” does mean so it may require some explanation if you are looking for new employment. I would recommend really reviewing the website to help determine which status is correct for you.
Regards,
Amy, CPA, inactive
» Ask a question
Curious what accounting practices are selling for? What is the best reference for finding this. Specifically looking at practices focused on the small business bookkeeping and individual tax? thanks – Asked 6/26/2007 To be honest, I am not an expert in this area. I would start with a trusted business broker to lead you through the thought process and the transaction. I would also network with others who have sold their business. I apologize that I couldn’t be of more help. Sincerely, Amy » Ask a question
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