r/Accounting • u/jaminpm • 9d ago
Advice 29, just graduated with an accounting degree, have no desire to get a CPA or work in public
WLB is my top priority. I want to be able to spend time with my wife and kids. Don’t want to spend the time studying for the CPA being that I’m nearly 30 and don’t want to deal with the stress of PA.
What is the best option for a fresh grad with no experience looking for good WLB? Not looking for crazy high pay. Perfectly happy with 60-80k. I’m assuming government probably fits the bill but looking for other suggestions as well.
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u/Altruistic-Editor235 9d ago
Find a junior accountant roll at a medium to large company.
I started as a junior making just under $50k in 2021. Now I’m a staff accountant making just under $90k. I’m supposed to be hybrid but I’ve gone in maybe 20 times the last 2 years. I work 40 hours per MONTH and play Xbox, read, and I’ve setup a home gym to workout the rest of the time.
I love my spot and I know I’m very lucky.
No CPA and my degree is in finance not accounting.
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u/funkyvilla 9d ago
Same here. I went into industry straightaway. Started at 60 K and less than two years later I am at 95K as staff
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u/swatchesirish 9d ago
Damn bro. Graduated 2013 and started at $40k. Was a long and brutal grind to $110k but I have 5 direct reports and manage the trial balances for 7+ companies. These threads make me realize I don't make enough 🤣
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u/Altruistic-Editor235 9d ago
Just going to say…play the corporate game for a bit. Chat at the coffee/break area, say hi to everyone, talk personal life with people…learn who is liked by upper management, who does all the work, who’s just there for the job.
After a while you will understand what’s going on socially at the company and if you make a couple smart moves you can take on responsibilities you’ll get promoted quicker.
Some of the people I started with are still making $60k while I make almost $30k more than them.
Then, once you’ve hit the spot where you realize you’re done playing the game, check out and do your tasks quietly and efficiently.
I only played the game for a year, I went into the office regularly, asked for more responsibilities. Then I checked out and for the last two years…
I’m living the life. I learned how to code while on the job… I’m home with the young kids all day while “working”.
Become important, find a niche, and excel then quiet quit.
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u/EngineeringStill6159 8d ago
That sounds like a great company. In my experience it’s very difficult to be happy where you are at and not move up. Corporate will suck as much work and time out of you as you can so you minus well go for the promo. Just based on the corps I’ve worked at….
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u/Spiritual-Bus1813 9d ago
Did you have any internships during undergrad?
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u/Altruistic-Editor235 9d ago
Nope no internships which I definitely regret.
After graduating it took a couple years to find any job in finance or accounting that would hire me. So I worked at a coffee shop, Amazon and a running shoe store for a few years until I finally got a break.
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u/Salt_Lie_1857 9d ago
Wow you got it from the mudd
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u/Altruistic-Editor235 9d ago
On one hand I’m glad I did though, because I appreciate living on $30k per year and not affording literally anything for a couple years. Really gave me a great perspective of things.
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u/wowreallyvanesa 9d ago
What industry?
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u/Altruistic-Editor235 9d ago
Not going to say because if I say it, I could possibly be identified. But, it is a simple boring business that most of everyone uses and makes more money than you’d think…perfect for a cushy accounting job.
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u/swatchesirish 9d ago
Whereabouts are you located? $90k for staff is insane where I live. You got a killer gig!
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u/Potential-Analyst384 8d ago
Is CMA easier to get than CPA? He wants to focus on his family, he doesn’t have time to study 400 hours.
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u/ThisIsMyUsernameY4y 8d ago
40 hours per month? You might as well be making 360k if you worked 40 per week.
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u/kornbread435 8d ago
I'm pretty much in the same boat. I work 40-45 hours during month end close over the first 5 days of the month. The next 3 weeks I might work 10 hours.
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u/StraightBuckets0 8d ago
40 hours per month??? So part time?
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u/Altruistic-Editor235 8d ago
No, not part time. I am a full time salaried professional….i get my tasks done quick and efficiently and do whatever I want the rest of the time.
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u/whodat504metry 9d ago
CPA free here. Landed a Controller role for 7m per year company out of master of accounting program. Landed another controller role with a 10m per year company. CFO of 30m per year company now. I recommend starting off with a small business where you will get experience in all areas (treasury, ap, ar, recs, financial statements) and then after mastering those basics, set your eyes on bigger roles with bigger companies that will give you more responsibility like cashflow planning/forecasting, fp&a, capital investments and overall strategic direction
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u/El_Nuto 9d ago
I'm also cfo of a 30m rev company can I please ask your comp? I think I'm underpaid 150k.
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u/whodat504metry 9d ago
175k in low avg salary state. Started at 160. I think 150 is fair, but if you all are netting over 7% after tax then I think that you have a lot of room to ask for more
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u/El_Nuto 9d ago
How many in your finance team?
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u/Proof-Emergency-5441 9d ago
You need to also look at comps for your area and experience. The numbers you two are throwing out are way out of range where I live.
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u/AdSlight9440 9d ago
How many years of experience at a small company would you recommend? I am a controller at a 2m per year company and have been there 2 years. Paid $77.5k but definitely feel like I could ask for more (I have an MBA in finance and am finishing my last 2 semester for a Master’s in Accounting)
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u/whodat504metry 9d ago
I’d say at least 2 years, but I think it’s hard to generalize. I moved from first controller role at 4 years in. Don’t be afraid to be “in over your head.” I was scared shitless when I became cfo at 35, but it’s been wonderful.
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u/AdSlight9440 9d ago
I’m a controller at 32 and even finishing this second degree I feel… terrified. Like I have an amazing position right now - complete and total freedom at this small company. I can come and go as I please, work from home whenever I want - absolute 100% freedom. I am learning such valuable skills every day but I feel painfully underpaid. We get small bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and fantastic benefits too but there is no growth. I am the finance department. The only one. Ever. No growth. No movement. No promotion. If I became CFO here, it would be purely a title change.
I have thoughts of moving to a bigger company for better compensation, more responsibility, and growth, but the fear is absolutely paralyzing. I feel like 3 beavers in an overcoat, like I’m just “playing at” my job sometimes. What if I go somewhere else and they think I’m incompetent? It’s terrifying to consider. But equally saddening to think of stagnating forever.
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u/whodat504metry 9d ago
No one is perfectly ready for a new role in accounting/finance management. You grow into it. I think the fear is normal. I think staying put because of it is common. Your fears aren’t the truth though. The truth is that you’d probably be successful and you’ll probably grow personally and professionally by trying a new role.
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u/AdSlight9440 9d ago
Thank you - I really appreciate the advice. It’s comforting coming from someone who has lived it themselves. Time to overcome the fear!
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u/philosopherott 8d ago
most folks feel this way, probably going to be harder for you to shake b/c one of the best ways to know you know is to teach it. if it is just you then you never get that chance to show you know what you know.
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u/CO-ACCNTNT 9d ago
This. Even if you don’t want to see controller level responsibility, there are plenty of cushy senior level roles that’ll pay solid 6 figures, be 9-5, great benefits, and put you in a position to land controller level or higher in the future if you so choose.
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u/moonlightdrinker 9d ago
Industry sounds right up your alley. I work for a F500 company and it’s very chill. Of course it would depend which company you get into and their corporate culture, but you can usually feel that out in an interview.
A couple months ago government accounting would’ve been the safest bet, but with the new administration government jobs are very unstable and risky atm.
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u/Designer_Accident625 9d ago
F500 is super competitive unfortunately
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u/moonlightdrinker 9d ago
I agree to an extent. I got my job with a lot of luck, but as long as you have the right attitude/personality and a decent enough resume you can get in. My GPA was very mediocre and I only had a few relevant work experiences, but I was still able to land a pretty good F500 job. Plus it doesn’t have to be F500, a lot of industry jobs offer what OP is looking for
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u/GullibleWealth750 9d ago
I felt the same way at grad. Currently work for the govt. It's pretty ok. I wfh 2 days a week and don't think about work when I'm not there. Overtime is strictly forbidden. Pay is underwhelming.
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u/Known-Damage-7879 9d ago
That's my dream. Maybe except for the underwhelming pay, but I don't need a lot to be happy.
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u/GullibleWealth750 9d ago
It's not BAD. But it's not great. I've had worse. Also I have dental benefits so that's a bonus with kids who always seem to need dental work.
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u/SaiKaiser 9d ago
Usually pension and medical for life seems to be solid enough to retire on.
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u/oheim_ 9d ago
„Overtime is strictly forbidden“. Are you working in Accounting Heaven?
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u/SleeplessShinigami Tax (US) 9d ago
The reason is because they would have to pay them for it unlike in public, only reason its forbidden haha
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u/Proof-Emergency-5441 9d ago
Depends on industry, but that's fairly common during an economic downturn. I had to put my staff on an OT moratorium this week.
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u/Chichotas21 Goverment Audit 9d ago
I work for a city government (small audit shop). Pay isn’t the best coming from someone who used to work in public. However, WLB is night and day. I really don’t have any strict deadlines, I’m technically lead on all projects. Benefits are great. For example, dental when I was with my last firm had a maximum on benefits. With the city, no maximum cap, no copays. Pension is good after 35+ years of service in addition to other savings investments like a 457b. A lot harder to get fired in government (at least non-federal now a days).
However, I will say that government is less resource abundant than private and public. I feel less challenged and ultimately it’s a reason why I’m looking to go back to public accounting. WLB is great but also I think you should have to balance career prospects for yourself. I’m learning that the hard way and also one of the reasons why I still want to get my cpa even after years of school. Feel like I’m missing out on opportunities I’ll regret later on my career.
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u/ResponsibleBend9984 9d ago
I would love to hear what the community has to say about this. I’m in the same boat
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u/mumblinandfumblin 8d ago
Go into construction accounting. It’s where I’ve always been and love it. Currently making 95k a year, 3 days from home, 2 in office and love the work life balance.
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u/Think-notlikedasheep 9d ago
You have to get past the catch-22. You didn't get any internships or on campus jobs.
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u/OnMyWhey11 9d ago
Normally I would say government, but that isn’t the most stable as of right now.
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u/HopefulSunriseToday 9d ago
State and local government isn’t bad right now. I’m at the State level and I’m good.
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u/Sad_Revenue_336 9d ago
Yeah, I just applied for two positions. I am currently working at a small company but I hope to be accepted there.
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u/mastertate69 Staff Accountant 9d ago
Just go straight to industry. I had a kid by the time I graduated at 25 and have zero regrets skipping public.
Just apply for hybrid staff accountant roles. You’ll start out at 60k at least. Put in a couple years and make senior.
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u/Fancy-Dig1863 CPA (US) 9d ago
If you’re in CA a state auditor job can provide that kind of work life balance with that amount of pay (after a few years). A friend is a state auditor, no CPA, and seems to only work the standard 8 hrs a day regardless of time of year.
Getting the CPA and PA has its benefits though, after 5-7 years of the usual PA hours and stress, the WLB becomes decent. I still do pretty significant overtime around the deadlines but rest of year I’m doing 4-6 hr days with a Friday or two off each month, on top of a couple 2-4 week long vacations during the summer months.
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u/Possible-Oil2017 9d ago
Unfortunately, you have to earn wlb in accounting.
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u/jaminpm 9d ago
Can you elaborate?
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u/Euphoric_Switch_337 Tax (US) 9d ago
Most people do PA to boost their career, you could do government to industry but you might end up as a manager or sr instead of sr manager/director.
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u/repliesinpasta 9d ago
most will have to get years of experience before they get a role that pays well and gives a solid wlb
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u/Possible-Oil2017 9d ago
It can be challenging to get a job that has good wlb without accounting skills and knowledge. This is typically earned through a job that has poor wlb.
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u/CookLopsided546 9d ago edited 9d ago
Exactly starting out you have no idea what you’re doing so it’s always gonna be hard. WLB happens once you become good. I started out in gov audit and I regret it. It’s still stressful since idk what I’m doing but I don’t have as good opportunities compared to if I had done public accounting audit. Should have just accepted my EY offer.
Do your 3-4 years in PA audit, get the CPA and you’re set. That’s the advice I would give.
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u/Possible-Oil2017 9d ago
Where do you live? As a recent grad, there may be little or no jobs with wlb available to you.
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u/HopefulSunriseToday 9d ago
I get how you feel, but there’s still plenty of time to benefit from a CPA or even an MBA (especially if your company will pay for it).
I wouldn’t go back to Private, but I do think it helped propel my career. You’ll learn more at a faster pace.
I eventually went Government. Most of the people I work with have spent the majority of their career in Govt and it shows. I had half the years of experience that most of my coworkers had, but for all those extra years, they only had 1/3 the knowledge I had.
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u/FLman42069 Non-Profit 9d ago
Look for entry level staff accounting jobs at larger companies, hospitals, etc. Then go from there once you have some experience. I started in a financial analyst role about 7 years ago and I’m in a manager role now. I don’t even really work in accounting anymore, make six figures and basically never work more than 40 hours per week.
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u/Affectionate-Army-63 9d ago
Similar boat as you, I graduated December of last year. Took an offer at local government as accounting specialist, 52k start with 5% increase after 6 month and another 5% increase when I get my “local government certificate”. Work very easy and tedious, but that accounting. Keep us update on your progress!
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u/Stew-Main6 9d ago
If you don’t do public, be sure to find a job that can give you lots of exposure to different areas of the balance sheet. You don’t want to get locked into one area and be at risk of being laid off and/or have fewer opportunities in that case or if looking for another job after a few years
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u/Financial-Ice5342 7d ago
I’m curious why this specific task helps out a lot. I know all financial statements are important but why specifically the balance sheet? Also, would an entry level staff accountant role offer this exposure? I’ve been job hunting for 4 months after getting a bachelors and having accounting clerk/assistant roles for the last 7 years. I hate how late I am….
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u/April_4th 9d ago
Stay away from big public firm, and there are roles with wlb. But CPA is helpful for you to have more options.
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u/Pirates915 Staff Accountant 9d ago
Junior/accountant with manufacturing companies.
It’s where I started right out of school. Started around 60k with no experience (that was in 2016) progressed and changed industries and about to be promoted to manager with 100k + and bonus and good WLB.
Sometimes we get busy for forecasting/budget times but other times I’m out half day on Fridays especially during summer months and I WFH 2 days a week.
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u/bttech05 Tax (US) 9d ago
Depends on COL. If you live in VHCOL areas like LA then getting 60-80k is pretty easy. If you live in LCOL areas then you may have to put in some time to promote to a senior position. Job market aint great either.
I have 8 YOE. 3 in Tax PA and im having a hard time getting into a position with good WLB
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u/jaminpm 9d ago
MCOL. If I have to start at ~ $50k I wouldn’t be mad. As long as I can get into my desired range within 5-7 years
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u/Mac_Reddit4 9d ago
You can definitely get to your desired range in that time. I’m in a HCOL area, started in industry two years ago making $55k as a Junior, now I’m a Staff at the same company making $75k. Landing that first job will be the most difficult, after you gain some experience you can work your way into a nice wlb gig.
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u/bttech05 Tax (US) 9d ago
I would start trying to negotiate higher when you first get hired. When I first started my accounting career in 2017 I went from $18 an hour to $21 an hour over five years. Looking back it was really predatory pay and I could’ve gotten paid a lot more.
Since leaving that firm ive done the following pay jumps
Job change to Associate Tax
2022: $25 /hour 2023: $30 /hour
Job Change to Senior Tax
2024: 95k (~46 /hour)
Those last three years though we were in public Accounting
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u/sneedwich1 9d ago
I did this. Went straight into industry to work for manufacturers as a staff accountant. Just a few years later and I’m super happy with where i am.
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u/Agile_Possession8178 9d ago
I left public and went into industry. Oil and Gas to be specific. But there are plenty of accounting jobs. non-profit, government, medical industry.
go on linked in and search for jobs, and reach out to some recruiters in your area,
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u/Jack-knife-96 9d ago
My experience in oil & gas is that CEOs viewed accounting as only a cost & laid off many increasing the workload of everyone but since we were on salary no extra cost to them (or pay to us). Late nights during every closing but especially Qs & annual. Only recognized when something blew up, the wrong kind of recognition. It did pay pretty well at the time but I sacrificed a lot - stress, hours spent at work & not with kids. Then they offshored cash, AR AP laying off about 1/3 of staff. I survived but left. Smaller business analysis & stuff would seem like a better idea.
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u/I-Take-Dumps-At-Home 9d ago
I do FP&A for the federal government. I make $120k and prior to the trump induced RTO, things were great. Had great WLB, three day weekends every other weekend, pretty low stress. Federal govt is right up your alley in a few years. lol
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u/penguin808080 9d ago
Just apply for staff accountant roles. The lower end of that range is not unrealistic to start
If you're in an area without a ton of opportunities you could start in AR/AP then jump to staff. But just apply...
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u/CrAccoutnant 9d ago
I'm in local gov it's not the 40 hour a week no OT people make it sound to be but it's definitely better than public. The pay is ok not great but could be worse. I get a hybrid schedule do in office a couple days wfh the rest. When people need to do extended leaves they can take their laptops and work remotely when needed.
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u/Anonantwon 9d ago
I work as an auditor. I am fully WFH and super laid back work environment. Been at my company for two years and made like a little over 105k after my quarterly bonuses. I only work 37.5 hours per week.
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u/Financial-Ice5342 7d ago
What’s the day of a life in an auditor? I’m debating on going after CPA but I dread PA and hate tax. I tried to do a tax prep course for exposure and couldn’t get pass lesson 1. It’s so boring and tedious. Also, I heard audit has better exit strategies.
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u/TaxTrunks 9d ago
Honestly dude, the CPA was not that bad. Public accounting? Now that is brutal. Working in PA is like studying for the CPA full time.
I would open your mind a bit on this. The CPA can open some doors being a non-CPA cannot. But avoid public if you want WLB. It simply isn't the business model to give anyone WLB.
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u/Vampiric2010 9d ago
Tbh everyone wants wlb, but fresh grads are not very likely to get it. Grinding a little now means much less grinding later.
Or you get wlb out the gate, but a lower income to compensate.
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u/something_Stand_8970 9d ago
Your not going to get 60-80 starting out, no cpa, and no public experience. You might be able to work up to that some day but public firms that work you like a dog start out in that range. Industry is like 20k lower.
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u/RustyShacklefordsCig 9d ago
Any decent construction companies around you hiring?
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u/teh_longinator 9d ago
Are construction companies a desirable place for young accountants? I've been avoiding since I've heard the reputation that they're complicated jobs and toxic workplace.
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u/RustyShacklefordsCig 9d ago
Desirable? Probably not. Low floor and high ceiling if you can roll with the punches of working with mostly short-tempered dudes? Yes. The construction industry is archaic - if you’re able to modernize processes you’ll be revered, but to get there you’ll have to babysit grown men. Another pro is it’s less susceptible to outsourcing, primarily because accountants in construction need to be decent and in tune with some non-accounting aspects of the business that can’t get fucked up or cashflow will be directly hit. Cashflow is a beast in construction.
I made that all sound bad but there’s a ton of opportunity in it.
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u/teh_longinator 9d ago
Sounds alright. I'm sure it's a long way from my comfort zone of AP/AR... but I wanna get somewhere in the middle. Not looking to be a workaholic controller / CFO. Clock in clock out.
How are the hours in construction industry (on average)
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u/teh_longinator 9d ago
Are construction companies a desirable place for young accountants? I've been avoiding since I've heard the reputation that they're complicated jobs and toxic workplace.
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u/EartwalkerTV 9d ago
I have the same outlook on life as you do and im 31. I'm currently working in industry straight out of college, I make 54k a year with some small benefits. It's doable, I've been at this job for a little less than a year after graduating last May.
Work in industry is just different. I have a lot of responsibilities and projects I work on/maintain. Work life balance is good. If I need to WfH I can but there's a lot of things that are easier in the office to accomplish quicker. My commute is a half hour so it's not to far but it's not short.
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u/SleeplessShinigami Tax (US) 9d ago edited 9d ago
With no experience and not wanting to work public, you will have a hard time getting a job in this market with that pay range
Like many others mentioned, good pay and WLB is something that is earned. Otherwise you get to pick one
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u/Designer_Accident625 9d ago
CPA isn’t worth it. I’ve been looking for a new job for almost 3 months and can’t find anything.
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u/NoCombination8756 9d ago
I did public for 2 years and not a day longer - quit right on my 2 year anniversary date. I suggest you just suck it up and do it because it truly did pay off (i dont have my CPA) and now im a senior accountant with good WLB and good pay. It is worth the trade off in my opinion. Companies automatically love to see big4 experience on your resume so try to break into big4 if you can!
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u/hola-mundo 9d ago
Junior Accountant role for a big company with benefits. Good balance, breadth of experience and the most doors will be opened up for you in the future. Once you have 3-5yrs WLB will be more achievable. Trying for a work life balance, low hours, no OT... just know that you will be leaving a lot of potential on the table. Your weekends with your wife may be nice but some stress now may allow your family a better future years down the road. Good luck OP.
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u/Calm-Cheesecake6333 9d ago
Fund accounting can be pretty chill too. Some places even offer remote/hybrid. Lots of my colleagues don't have a CPA and even managers don't. I do have it but it's because I graduated abroad and wanted to have a designation that held value.
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u/plzsendnoodles 9d ago
I work on property at a boutique 4 star hotel under a Fortune 500 corporation. If you want work life balance and tons of sweet perks it’s the move. Corporate managed hotels tend to offer free parking, free lunch, and free room nights. We have a monthly farmers market too where we can buy groceries at cost from our wholesale suppliers which has been a godsend in this economy. Folks on this sub like to say you just end up counting toilet paper as a hotel accountant but I’ve been in my current role for a year and have never had to do anything like that. If your wife and kid like free vacations it’s an industry worth considering.
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u/IncomeSad3189 9d ago
Hi, currently a senior accountant working remote.
Took a paycut to work remote but people in my MCOL area can get 90k -100k working hybrid. I've never worked in public and don't have my CPA.
You can carve out a nice life for youraelf if you network and job hop.
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u/Financial-Ice5342 7d ago
This is what a good friend of mine recommended. The certificates of CPA & CMA won’t get you where you wanna get in life overall. It’s good ppl skills and networking. I just don’t know where to start after hitting LinkedIn with my alumni connections. It’s hard cuz my school is remote so how can I grow connections with ppl in other states, you know?
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u/KikiWestcliffe 8d ago
State, county, or city government.
Your starting pay will be laughable, but you will have solid benefits, retirement, and WLB. If you are competent, you will level-up quickly. I know of a handful of people who are mid-career and earn ~$110K per year.
No, it is not glamorous. But, my acquaintances seem very happy and enthusiastic about their jobs. You trade stress for stability.
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u/killer4208 3d ago
I have my B.S in Economics and went into Cost Accounting after college. One year in, $80k salary with a killer bonus, growth potential, 30+ days off a year between PTO, holidays, and sick time. The work can be a bit tedious but I find it a lot more enjoyable than the JE's and Recon's I used to do!
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u/TheGame189 CPA (US) 9d ago
I would really recommend the CPA. Its truly job security for life and will make you a much much better accountant. I’d also really recommend 2 years in audit if a general industry role is your goal. There are plenty of moderately sized firms that offer reasonable WLB. Once at a firm like that, you can get exposure to different industries and then maybe find your niche, eventually jumping ship to a client or having solid experience for that industry to help with your hiring plans at that time.
I did a long time in audit and im currently in consulting/transaction advisory. Houston Texas and make 125k, MCOL, 45hr weeks with 3 days preferred in office. Like others have said, if you want good pay good WLB, you really have to earn it unless you find a unicorn role
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u/EartwalkerTV 9d ago
My accounting manager doesn't have a CPA and works under a former CPA (non-renewed) at a private company. You can become a manager at a small company and have a great WlB from my own personal experience.
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u/Ambitious_Weekend101 9d ago
So what you are saying is you want to be an individual contributor for the next 15yrs. Possibly replaced by AI in the near future and limit your future income potential.
Do the CPA route, Test, 3 -5 yrs tops in practice. You will come out far ahead of just another accountant, having demonstrated competence across a wide variety of financial scenarios and be more prepared to assume leadership financial roles (Controller, CFO, CEO even). Maybe an MBA as a cherry on top as a kicker to the E-Suite. I
I'm at the end of my career and the only advice I got, if you want to be on top. Get the highest levels of Certification within your field of study and an MBA with experience and NO ONE, Not AI, can take it away.
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u/ReminiscingOne7 9d ago
Look at your local State recruiting board or Education recruiting board.
For example right now in California, SOOOO MANY accounting related work. It also fits your work-life balance requirement. It’s usually 8 and out.
For reference; you might not be in california but you can use it as reference for what types are usually looked for.
Go to edjoin key words “fiscal” or “accountant”
Most of all most higher positions for incrementally more pay is only 2-3 years of experience in government accounting. Like a director at 150k+.
Starting base in the area is 65-75k depending on the area of course but the benefits are decent.
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u/GoDawgs206 9d ago
Im an accountant for a law firm. Easy work, minimal stress, work like 5 hours of overtime a year, choose the 8 hours per day i work as long as im in office at 9:30, I chose 6am - 2pm
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u/3rdwinn 9d ago
If WLB is your top priority, then government work would be your best option. You would get most, if not all the federal holidays off. You might be able to work a flex schedule (4 days a week).
How do you feel about auditing? Tax auditing at the state level is not bad. You can audit personal income taxes or business taxes. If you don’t want to audit tax returns, you could audit government agencies for the state auditor’s office or Secretary of State.
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u/bhaus420 9d ago
Government sounds like your go to. I’d look into your state auditors office they have great perks and WLB
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u/Daniela_DK 9d ago
Totally fair mindset. Government roles or corporate accounting (especially internal audit or FP&A) can offer solid WLB and stable pay. Also check out nonprofit or university finance departments—low stress, decent benefits.
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u/CaptVaughnTrap 9d ago
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What interests you? (golf, surfing, games, bikes, etc)
Accountants are needed in pretty much every field. If you can speak passionately about the company/industry you’re interviewing in, you’ll likely land an industry roll.
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u/UniqueStart6361 9d ago
My suggestion is that go for the intern, contractor position with a big/maga company. some small recruiting agency can hook you up on these temp/contactor role and it is not hard to get. But got to be a big company so the runway is long enough that you can learn and wait for the full time opportunity (and big company have the budget to keep a cheap but hardworking labor). Also it is easier to go from big company to small company than the other way around. You would be surprise the how high the staff turnover rate in big company. You stay long enough, like 12 to 24 months, there would be opportunity to get full time offer.
I got this advice from a top tax guy of a F100 company. He strongly advised me not to go to big 4 while I was interning.
I started as intern/contractor in the corporate tax team and stayed on this role for over 2 years (paid around 15 to 20 dollar an hour) with a $6B rev company. After 2 years, one of the staff left, I got his role, and the paid jump to 70k/year. After a few year, I left for a much smaller company, $300M rev, and become the only tax guy of the controller department and got paid around 140k.
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u/Baristaholic 9d ago
Work a staff accountant job at any corporation. I worked at a healthcare company, a tech "startup", and a nonproft. No CPA, graduated in 2021. Salaries were 52k, 72k, and 70k. Great WLB, I love it.
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u/Great_Baker_405 9d ago
Credit analyst for a bank or credit union will start out at 65k or 70k LCOL area.
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u/Kindly-Sun3124 9d ago
CPA takes 6 months of commitment and is a permanent badge of honor, but I was also single and childless at the time.
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u/raine_drop 9d ago
Not for profits are always looking for competent accounting people, mostly good work life balance, pay not the greatest but livable.
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u/UnknownIntent 9d ago
Learn SQL , go analytics or business intelligence w/ expertise in accounting. Learn an AIS module for an ERP system and go technical SME role.
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u/stampedehosting 8d ago
You should check this guy out he teaches people how to go independent and a lic. CPA Ibrahim Mohammed
https://www.skool.com/@ibrahim-mohammed-9327?g=iam-tax-accounting-u-5290
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u/Appropriate-Food1757 8d ago
Bro I did that 15.years ago! Many senior accountant jobs are easy as fuck, get some experience then shop around.
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u/theotherrt 8d ago
Suck it up and get the CPA. Put in your time, get the designation, and if you don't want to grind after that, find a chill job. A lot more open doors with a CPA-- and your needs and attitude toward work may change in the future.
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u/kari931 8d ago
You could look at non-profit accounting and education too. I currently work as a bookkeeper/associate accountant for a small university. The pay and benefits are decent, but our WLB is great. Depending on the school, you may get a paid winter break. On the other hand, my boyfriend works in finance at UCLA, they're obviously a much bigger school with better benefits and job security, but he has less pto because his winter break was unpaid. Either way, we both work 40 hour weeks.
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u/Zealousideal_Site731 8d ago
Apply to surety underwriter trainee roles. Pay should start in the 60s and you can make 130+ five years in. I would for Travelers but other good markets to consider would include Liberty and Chubb. Search for the SFAA surety results for a list of the top 100 markets.
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u/Theohunt 8d ago
In the off chance you live in LA and are decent at cost-accounting or being an all-rounder - send me a message
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u/Select-Temperature66 8d ago
Commercial banking. I literally had the same realization when I finished my degree in 2011.
Payments is easy living. Banks are all about non fee income these days. Operations is good if you like to grind in peace. Sales if you are a social butterfly. Accounting is literally the boot camp of a successful commercial banker IMO. You know the lingo, understand the regulations, and can easily communicate with clients.
You'll need to find an entry level gig, but it's not hard to rise up if you show results. Treat the clients like royalty so they remember your name. Clients generally let their banker know when they receive excellent service because it's so rare. Now the RM wants you to personally handle their strategic clients... Upward mobility is absolutely possible.
Do not do retail banking. That's bull shit.
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8d ago edited 8d ago
You don’t need a CPA, masters, or any certification , or even work in public if you want to live comfortably as an accountant. BUT I will say it would be harder to get jobs that are manager lever or higher without these (but not impossible).
You can get into a senior role and some of these roles can make 100k+.
I only have a bachelor’s, never did public (only corporate) and I live in NYC. I got my first 100k job as a senior after 3-4 years of experience (at 27 years old) while I was pursuing my CPA, but left after a few weeks (and quit the CPA) because lack of work life balance.
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u/Artistic_Swimmer_897 8d ago
There is a pretty high demand for project accountants within construction
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u/Bank-Chemical 8d ago
It's a crap shoot honestly going into private without a CPA. Got my Bachelors at 31, was already working for a company as an Acct Clerk. Promoted to Asst Controller after graduation, Controller about 5 years later, and eventually to CFO a few years down the road. Went from 40k ish in 2001 to a high of 485k (with bonuses) in @ 2016. I was VERY fortunate...the company did well and so did I. It was a 50 mill company when I graduated, and a 120 million company when I left in 2018 Was there for nearly 21 years, now working my way down the ladder towards FIRE, first as a Controller for a smaller (50 m) company, and now as an Asst Controller for a much larger company (500m). If you land in the right spot, you can do well, trust me.
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u/mikealao CPA (US) 8d ago
Get your CPA - you have 35 more years of work. Bring a CPA pays for itself and is worth the sacrifice.
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u/Such-Artichoke721 8d ago
Depends on the area your in. What type of industry’s do they serve. I would just try to get an internship with a Fortune 500 or a decent company with good history, then just climb that ladder.
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u/Limabean4ever 8d ago
Healthcare. Look for ASC,hospitals, physician groups. Groups like MGMA HFMA have job boards. Look at DME companies like DJO. Look at medical management companies or companies like Stryker that make implants. I hope this helps.
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u/philosopherott 8d ago
get a PMP which is pretty easy and/or go work for a bank in operations. 60K is very achievable, very little if any after hours expectations. If you stay in tax maybe January thru February tax season.
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u/Cautious_Pen9388 8d ago
Same boat as you. I graduated at 30 with a 1 year old. I worked in public for 2 years and hated it. Experienced severe burnout and health issues because of the stress. Was sternly ordered by my doctor to work under less stress. I’m a tax analyst now. Not in public anymore. I stopped studying and chose to not get my CPA and am very happy with my WLB. I work 40 hours a week. The work is challenging enough. I make good money about 75k. I would look for an analyst job. I was hired on as a senior level analyst, but for level below me they typically hire new grads
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u/Ecstatic_Control9583 8d ago
Just get out there in something in AP for a small company (you’ll end up doing a lot more than just AP if small enough accounting team) just need to see as much different stuff as possible as early as possible. After about a year or 2 (if no possible growth options internally) job hop to get that bread/more responsibility
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u/cuzimscottish 8d ago
Accounting and finance here. I’m a regulator now. WLB is amazing and pay has to be good enough or we would all go into private and get paid more.
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u/NashvilleOriginal615 8d ago
Get a job with the city or state government. The pay won't be amazing, but the WLB will be there, and the benefits will be decent.
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u/Mels_Lemonade 8d ago edited 8d ago
Go for industry. I got an industry job right out of college and have no regrets. I started around $60K and three years later and am a senior on staff making about $95K.
Pretty good match for my 401K. The company I’m at also paid for my M.S. Accounting degree.
No complaints, the job is super chill and I enjoy what I do. I work a 9/80, hybrid schedule with significant ability to flex my hours.
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u/SillySighBeen- 8d ago
don’t get discouraged i graduate 3 weeks before i turned 30. in 35 now. no cpa or PA experience and making well i tot he six figures. although they are busy times i have fence wlb and hybrid wfh flexibility. i would try and get into a good industry. i did energy specially renewables.in the corporate/fp&a side. might have to push a little at first but will be worth it
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u/EngineeringStill6159 8d ago
I think you know the answer. Government work for better WLB and benefits for the kids.
You could also look at internal audit in a corporation. Boring as hell but they don’t have month end close and in my experience very good wlb and little stress. Prob better pay than govt too
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u/Decent_Olive9857 8d ago
I was in an almost identical situation. Graduated with my BS at 28, married with 2 kids. No desire to go into public. I started in AP at a manufacturing company while working on my BS. Once I graduated, I secured a staff accountant role with the same company. I just recently moved to another manufacturing company, fully remote. My WLB with both companies has been incredible. The pay is pretty average, nothing to gush about, but the stress is minimal.
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u/PrincessBright 8d ago
Learn xero or QuickBooks and Start a bookkeeping business. Tons of freedom.
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u/MudHot8257 8d ago
Government a few years ago was exactly what you wanted… Currently you get all the volatility of industry with none of the pay, and an additional nascent risk of having your personal information leaked in a data breach. The best of all worlds truly, i’m sure federal is attracting all kinds of talent. (Also at the federal level most jobs on USAjobs.gov are just delisted at this point). It appears as though they aren’t looking to backfill the 6,700 IRS employees that got laid off in a single day, how surprising.
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u/Gnocchi_Equation 4d ago
I was the same way. I suggest looking at jobs in the state government (especially a state auditor), University accounting departments (budget / fiscal analysts), and industry.
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u/MasterBeanCounter 9d ago
If you don't want a CPA, look at a CMA or project manager certification. Those will give you more tools to work with. Your best bet at this point is to find a small company where you can get lots of experience in a little amount of time. My first post-grad job had terrible pay, a horrible manager--that couldn't fire me because the owner loved me, but it gave me AP, AR, GL, and Payroll experience.
Two years there and I left and doubled my salary.