Job Responsibilities
My major responsibilities are assuring companies which have sales
under 20 million have correctly accounted for business
transactions. I work alot with bookeepers making sure they are
doing there job right. I spemd 25% of my time making sure
account balances agree to supporting documents and making
corrections if needed. I also provide over the phone support if
an emergency situation is present. Then i will update their
depreciation schedule, call to make sure they have paid there
estimated tax payments. After these procedures are finished I
key punch a trial balance into excel. Another 25% of my time is
used taking a trial balance and entering it into the tax
program. This may seem easy howver learning a new software is
hard to do without training. Of course I didn't receive any
training. 25% of my time is also spent compiling reviewed
financial statements. Reviewed financial statments require
analytical review of the balance sheet and income statement and
then compiling financial statements and footnotes. 5% of my time
is spent in staff meetings which are used to identify priority
projects and the percentage of completion. 5% of the time I spend
at client locations interacting with small business owners. 15%
of the time I am involved in tax projections, merger and
aquisitions, and various ad hoc reporting compilations.
|
Job Requirements
I had to obtain a bachelors degree in accounting. I actually
worked my entire college career at a private accounting firm.
This helped develop my bookeeping skills tremendously.
|
Uppers
I like my job because i am involved in complex situations and asked to provide
analysis which will be depended upon. I also get to work in a team environment.
Many times I complete a part and then another staff member works on a part.
|
Downers
The hours are terrible at least 50 a week. During the first
quarter of the year 70 hours a week is needed. You are also
expected to work within unreasonable budgets. In order to
compete you must lie about the hours you worked on. For example
a project is budgeted for 6 hours. However it actually takes 10
hours this means in order for thepartners to like you, will need
to work n extra 4 hours, however no overtime is paid and you a re
salaried on a 40 hour work week.
|
Lifestyle
The hours are long 50-70 a week. Travel is light however thant could change.
Dress codes is business formal which cost alot. I am expected to jon a chamber
of commerce and a social event. In my spare time??
|
Compensation
The compensation for entry level is 45-50K, after 3 years and if
you have passed the CPA exam yoiu can get a bonus. Benefits
stink because accountants are cheap.
|
Advice to Jobseekers
My advice for newcomers are to pass the CPA exam so you can get
more money, be aggressive and strong always demand more. Put the
time in to start a career, If later you decide to go on your own
you will have the experience.
|
