Career Advice: Ask Amy

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.

	Recent Questions

I am a CPA and worked as an auditor in public accounting for 4 years. This spring, I got a "great" job offer at a public company. The job is not what I expected. It is very disorganized, with no value on accounting and compliance which leads to overworked & unreliable information. I am the only CPA here, and there is no support for me...in short, I am in over my head, and am very unhappy. I can't just quit without having something else lined up. I am wondering how I approach this short stint on my resume and in the interview process. I know I will have to explain; I just don't know the best way to do so. Your advice is greatly appreciated!   – Asked 5/6/2009

I would make sure that the current environment could not be adapted. Have you voiced some of your concerns with some ideas on how to make it more successful? You mentioned it was a public company, is it possible for you to change departments? Most people feel better about a move if they have exhausted their options.

Assuming you have done the above and cannot make it work, the key is to be able to articulate clearly why the position was not a good fit and what you have learned about yourself to help a future employer determine if you will be a good fit. The best way to go about it is to write down your list of issues and then determine what type of environment you would thrive in. You will need to be able to explain why you want to leave your current position succinctly but do not drag it out. As quickly as possible, turn the conversation to what would type of company would work well for you. The more clear you are on describing a good fit, the better a potential employer will be able to make sure that is the case. As much as you don’t want to get it wrong, rest assured, the employer doesn’t want to get it wrong either. Try to be positive and not disparage the current employer. Stay focused on what would work better for you. You may need to practice this a few times with some friends so you can be confident in your answers. Good luck.

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I have tried looking for a job for about two months without any luck. Do you have any suggestions on how to effectively go about this? Thank you.   – Asked 5/4/2009

Although I am not familiar with the techniques you have used in your job search, the focus has to be on talking to as many people as you can that could hire or know of people that could hire. There are many different things that you can do. Assuming you have done some of the basic blocking and tackling, I'd like to suggest an idea on how you can better utilize your references. Few people maximize their references to the full extent.

Most people can produce a list of 3 references, I'm going to suggest a list of 20. Once the list of 20 people you have worked for or with is produced you can do the following:

Call every person on the list and confirm their contact information (cell number, office number, address and e-mail address). Link with them on your favorite social network site (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc…).

When you speak to them, ask them:

• Are you open to reviewing a copy of my resume if I e-mail it to you?

• If you found yourself in the job market, who are the first three resources you would call upon to help with your search? (Get their names and contact information.)

• Who do you recommend I connect with who might be doing similar work to what I am looking for?


Each one of your calls/meetings will produce 2-5 additional contacts for you. From your list of 20, you will have produced 40+ contacts. Use these contacts to set up face-to-face meetings and informational interviews.

Create a similar list of 20 for friends and family. Call and ask them the same questions. It is these calls and face-to-face meetings that will produce the job leads that may never be advertised.

This is just one example of ways to find people to contact. The key is networking and talking to as many people as you can. Use your time to go to networking events, setting up meetings and talking to professionals about who they might know. I wish you luck.

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I am Accounting Major at a local university. As of now, my network of CPAs is limited to my instructors. What events in MNCPA will increase my network in the profession? Thank you.   – Asked 1/22/2009

I wanted to provide you with more information regarding the Student Membership at MNCPA. The annual membership cost is $26 and the membership requirements are: you must be a junior, senior or graduate student in a full-time accounting program. Your membership will be honored for up to five years from your enrollment date with MNCPA or until you have passed the CPA exam, whichever comes first. This will provide you with tools and resources to help make your job search easier and give you the edge. You can find more information at www.mncpa.org/join/Benefits/networking.asp.

I hope this help. Best of luck.

Amy

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Do you have any suggestions for forming CPA Exam prep study groups? I'm very interested 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

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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

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