Required: Public Accounting, CPA and Retail

247 total package

The VP & Division Controller will assist the EVP/Chief Financial Officer with maintaining the accounting records in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, issuing external and internal financial statements, evaluating the company’s internal control structure and coordinating the accounting functions within the department with Shared Services Functions.
Essential Responsibilities:
1. Direct all day-to-day technical and financial accounting activities and functions of Company, including: timely and accurate monthly financial reporting, consolidation and closing processes, including reconciliation of various financial statement accounts.
2. Development and implementation of strengthened internal control and accounting policies and procedures (both systematic and user functional to ensure data integrity and safeguarding of assets), while minimizing manual effort and ensure compliance with requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
3. Responsible for managing all aspects of the annual external audit, including fieldwork, preparation and review of audited financial statements and facilitating audit status/update meetings as well as coordination of the overall audit process with Finance.
4. Will be a key interface to the finance team, providing financial and accounting guidance and assistance to department leaders as required.
5. Develop and implement accounting department structure and processes to increase the efficiency of the department while establishing/maintaining an effective internal control structure, with self-audit procedures that will ensure the consistent application of accounting policies.
6. Develop a highly skilled and well-trained staff (provide appropriate training, coaching and career opportunities) to ensure the efficient and effective management of all functions, with the ability to support a rapid-growth company, always striving to “raise the bar”.
7. Develop effective means of communication with associates at all levels across the business to build a relationship of trust and respect, collaborating to resolve financial and related operational issues.
8. Responsible for understanding the business strategies, operations, and initiatives of assigned departments and ensuring proper accounting is applied. Also responsible for ensuring changes in retail store operations and customer offerings are properly reflected in the financial statements and accounting records.
9. Maintain in a manner acceptable to all government regulatory agencies and good order, all records and files assigned to this function and ensure the safekeeping and confidentiality of all company records including computer information. Responsible for oversight, operation and upkeep of data systems, software, hardware, and reporting systems.
10. Responsible for the timely preparation of accurate, complete and reliable, financial statements; ensure audited financial statements and notes to the financial statements are accurately prepared in accordance with GAAP; review and analyze financial statements to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable.
11. Establish/Maintain an effective internal control structure, with self-audit procedures that will ensure the consistent application of accounting policies, including overseeing the timely and accurate preparation of account reconciliations. Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax, legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions.
12. Assist FP&A with the annual budget process to ensure timely and accurate reporting of final budget to Corporate Finance, including financial statements and all supplementary schedules. Also support FP&A with monthly variance analysis.

High growth company located on the west side of Houston is looking for a Senior Cost Accountant / Analyst for their team. This person would report directly to the Controller, but would interact heavily with plant managers. The ideal person will be able to work independently and take on new responsibilities as the companies continues to grow (growth plans: double in next 5 years). 

Some of the Key Responsibilities include: 
1. Inventory transaction processing o Purchase receipts
o Transfers between warehouses
o Physical inventory counts

2. Set up new item codes on the business system

3. Perform regular cycle counts of key inventory items

4. Prepare periodic surplus reserve review

5. Prepare journal entries for inventory o Sales/purchase accruals
o Adjust inventory reserves as appropriate
• Surplus
• Quantitative
• Obsolescence, if necessary o Reconciling corrections

6. Prepare monthly analysis of the inventory clearing account

7. Comparison and reconciliation to Production’s inventory listing Monthly

8. Reconciliation of the inventory sub-ledger to the general ledger.

9. Cost analysis for Production

10. Comparison and reconciliation of inventory records to 3rd party warehouses.

11. Coordinate the activities of the periodic physical inventory counts. Semi-annual, depending upon overall accuracy of inventory.

Summary

This position will be engaged as a member of the corporate accounting, reporting, and planning team in addition to taking an active role in the quarterly valuation process and has the potential to move into an Assistant Controller or higher role long-term. This role offers the opportunity to further develop accounting (including valuation) skills as well as financial planning and analysis skills.

Responsibilities
• GL accounting, reconciliation, review, and analysis
• SEC reporting
• Management reporting
• Audit coordination and facilitation
• Coordination and execution of quarterly valuation process and related reporting
• Budgeting and planning
• Assist the month and quarter end accounting close processes and be able to recommend and implement improvements where needed
• Special projects as directed by executive management

Skills/Qualifications
• Big 4 or Big 4/Industry combination experience is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Master’s in Accounting or MBA is a plus
• CPA is preferred
• Significant exposure to general accounting and financial reporting, including internal controls, is required
• 3-5 years of experience is required
• Strong knowledge of GAAP is required
• Must demonstrate leadership potential
• Must exhibit a strong work ethic and be willing to complete projects accurately under tight deadlines
• Should exhibit strong organizational skills
• Should exhibit strong excel skills

Job Description:

To assist finance leadership in organizational development, benchmarking, operational reporting, scorecards, management, reporting, performance management, measuring trends, budgeting, analysis and other financial activities with a limited functional or organizational scope.

Specific Job Related Duties

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Provide day-to-day management to the General Accounting Office. The Senior Finance Manager provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to staff regarding the proper accounting of revenues and expenditures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Specific Job Related Duties:
This includes prioritizing work flow and load; managing the monthly and annual ledger close process including recording of accrualss; financial statement review including variance analysis; maintenance of the general ledger; ensuring transactions are compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); management of State Appropriations; maintaining and enhancing the control environment; monitoring departmental cost center reconciliations; oversight of balance sheet account reconciliations; assisting with annual budget and forecasting; filing of statutory reports related to blended component unit; development and the reporting of operational metrics; technical and leadership training and development of staff; assist the Controller and Assistant Controller with the preparation of audit responses and the preparation of PBC lists; and employee satisfaction.

Preferred Education:

Masters of Accounting or MBA preferred

Preferred License/Certificate:

Certified Public Accountant preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for monthly consolidation in Oracle, prepare consolidated journals for current month processing, post consolidated journals, update Hyperion upon completion of consolidation, prepare consolidated by-legal and trial balance, run equity write-up at the end of each month and post journal, verify foreign currency translation exchange rates uploaded into Oracle. Minority Interest reconciliation. Prepare Non-consolidated subsidiary journal entry and reconcile associated balances on a monthly basis.

Prepare monthly internal operations books. Prepare Quarterly Board of Directors financial and graphs.

Coordinate and obtain monthly flash reports from operating divisions, and prepare and distribute the monthly consolidated flash report to Sr. Management.

Prepare Debt Covenant financial information and letter on a quarterly basis or as otherwise required.

Account analysis and review, preparation of quarterly/annual audit requirements, update Equite Write-up program for changes to ownership structure between parent and subsidiary relationships within the consolidated Core Laboratories global organization.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Accounting. Knowledge of SEC reporting requirements and minimum three years related General Corporate Accounting experience required.

Hyperion Planning & Budgeting, and Microsoft Office (strong Excel required). Financial Report Writer and SmartView skills preferred.

https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140602015225-1296727-12-habits-of-highly-effective-job-seekers?trk=eml-ced-b-art-Ch-6-8568985872722970252&midToken=AQEmfseMAjvmzg&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=1o9zcfNCweumg1&_mSplash=1

Never stop and never quit; that’s the motto of a job seeker who will never give up until he gets what he wants. A true go-getter does not get discouraged when he hits a stumbling block. Instead he views this as a challenge and is all the more inspired to do better. If you are constantly motivated, you will eventually realize that even in a down market, job seekers are not that powerless or without any alternatives. In fact, you have more control over your career circumstances than you allow yourself to think.

The following are strategies that consistently generate strong results for job seekers:

1. Be patient and remain positive.

A lot of job seekers tend to have a short fuse especially when they feel that time is running out. The longer you’re looking for a job, the more frustrated you become. To remain productive, pursue a handful of target companies on your list. If one opportunity doesn’t work out, you’ve still got others to look forward to. Another strategy is to be persistent in calling hiring managers for a follow-up, after you’ve submitted your resume or have been to an interview. Let them know that you are interested, but avoid being rude and impatient. Calling them once or twice every day will not get you any favors. Remember that the hiring process is usually extensive, and companies are just being careful in making their decision. Explore a lot of your prospects and always strive to keep an optimistic point of view.

2. Don’t underestimate the power of first impressions.

As you continue applying for positions in various companies, take care of how you interact with others. Attempt to leave a great first impression, whether it’s the secretary, the hiring manager or your fellow applicants. If you wish to differentiate yourself from other candidates, you must appear to be more eager, determined and serious to get the job. You must let them know how much you want to be there: show up early, dress smartly, be alert and be prepared.

3. Let employers know what you have to offer.

In every job interview, you have to convince the employer (or the hiring manager) why they should hire you out of all the other qualified applicants. The best way to do this is to identify the needs of the company and how you can fill them, using your skills and expertise. You must present yourself as an asset, and how being part of the team is a benefit to the organization, given your experience. Specify relevant challenges that you have overcome in the past, problems where you found practical solutions, and ideas that have produced tangible results. Employers always want to know that they are getting value for their money, and so you must convince them that hiring you is a definite advantage to contribute to the growth of the company.

4. Put together a portfolio.

It is never enough just to have a resume these days. As the marketplace becomes more competitive, people are finding new and creative ways on how to present themselves. One of these is by having a career portfolio. How extensive depends on the kind of work you do.

Usually it includes the following: a short (one-page) biography about your employment experience, a compilation of inspiring accomplishment stories, covers letters, and professional references. You can also include a list of your target organizations and a short marketing speech about yourself. If you are part of the creative industry, then you can also prepare a digital or printed book of your works (published or unpublished) – be it written articles, design samples.

5. Use the Internet to your advantage.

A lot of companies already have their own career websites and prefer to receive resumes and applications online. Some of them even use LinkedIn Pages or Facebook Fan Pages to engage possible candidates, using video testimonials of their own employees. Use the web to get in touch and engage with your target organizations and to research more about your industry. You can also create a website for yourself, and display your CV and portfolio there. Moreover, you can create a blog where you discuss topics that deal with your skills and experience. Build an audience through the use of social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter , Google Hangouts are a few examples to add to your credibility. And some even record their own introduction video and upload onto YouTube. By having a significant online presence and by presenting yourself as an expert on certain matters related to the position you are looking for, the right people will eventually find you. To support your networking activities, you can also use e-mail to keep in touch with your colleagues and other contacts.

6. Practice going to a job interview.

This is to improve your speaking and negotiating skills. Anticipate questions that might be asked during the interview, and prepare answers that are firm and direct to the point. Write a short speech (marketing spiel) about yourself, stating your job objectives, your experience and strengths that you can bring to the table, and commit them to memory. Practice negotiating about salary, compensation and benefits, among other things. Be polite, but firm. To gauge your performance, you can do any of the following tips: speak in front of the mirror, converse with a friend and act as if you’re in a real situation, or record yourself and listen to it later.

7. Build a network of reliable contacts.

These are people who have connections to your target organizations and industries. Keep in touch and meet with them regularly, and get to know them in a more personal capacity. Refrain from making your conversations strictly about business – ask about their interests, their families. Discuss ideas. Be sincere in building relationships with them. Don’t hesitate to offer your help where it is needed, even if you don’t get anything in return.

8. Improve your management skills.

As this is not your first walk in the park, there are a lot more things expected from you by future employers. Your capabilities may be something of value, but it is the years in your experience that makes you a target for bigger expectations and responsibilities. You’re no longer rank-and-file; you are a seasoned potential hire looking to secure a position at the executive level. You will be expected to handle teams, start projects, and deliver the big guns. Keep your skills current and relevant by attending seminars on career building and the like. Read up on business and industry trends, as well as organizational and strategic management. Talk to people who are in your field and learn from them constantly.

9. Nurture your brand.

You are your brand. You are what you sell to hiring managers and employers. Find your unique selling proposition, and cultivate that. Your strengths are your best marketing advantage, and you must position yourself as an expert at what you do at all time. Start by writing articles, giving presentations, speaking at events, or even teaching a class. Join professional and business organizations, and make every effort to get a leadership role. Be active in your community and win people over with your ideas and commitment.

10. Stop comparing yourself to others.

Weighing one person’s accomplishments against yours will only derail you from achieving more things. Accept that each life is different, and every person has his own path to take. Don’t waste time thinking of what could have been. Learn from your mistakes and start over again if need be. Many people go through a rough period while unemployed, but after a period of self-assessment, most realize that things happen for a reason. For example, one finds a job better than the last one and views being laid off as a blessing in disguise. Another who was forced to early retirement found more time to be with family and discovered another passion, which led to starting a business. The big lesson is: look at the big picture. Find the positive in your situation. Commit to this change in perspective and turn your adversity into a productive experience.

11. Never stop learning.

Continue developing your abilities by pursuing new things. Take classes, seminars or industry conferences that interest you, not just because it’s related to the work you are looking for right now. Enhance your credentials by getting a new professional certification. Enroll for lessons that are not necessarily related to corporate culture: guitar lessons, swimming lessons, even flower arrangement lessons. Keep your hands and your mind busy! Do all the things you’ve been meaning to do, but never had the time to. Explore the world that is out there, waiting to be discovered.

12. Live healthy, and live well.

Job search requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Eat well; get a lot of exercise, but rest when you need to rest. Have hobbies and enjoy doing what interests you. Get together with friends often. Spend time with your family. Don’t eschew routines and relationships at the expense of working hard to get the job that you want. If you take care of yourself, the good things will follow.

Performing a successful job search can bring in a lot of pressure. But end of the day, it’s still just a job. It is important to remember that it does not take precedence over things that really matter: a healthy body, people who love you, and a life to live to the fullest.

Wishing you the best

Ngee Key is the Founder of Springboard Talent, a coaching, training and consulting firm. Our mission is to help you to uncover your talent, maximize your potential, and equip you with strategies to create a fulfilling career.

Send me a Linkedin Connection invitation if you would like to connect. Do use this email address if you require one: ngeekey@springboardtalent.com

 

• FP&A – Manager – Odessa / Midland –  Oil & Gas Field Services – Will relocate
• FP&A Analyst – North Houston – looking for young professionals climbing the ladder (quickly)
• Senior FP&A Analyst – NW Houston – right hand to the VP – back office analytics – high exposure and visibility
• FP&A Lead – North Houston – Operational role, work with business unit lead of 1.5 billion dollar division 
• FP&A – Galleria – New grads with just a little finance experience needed for company looking to double in size…need 2! 

Email: dcd@fittsroberts.com with resume attached if interested. Happy Friday! 

Onshore Oil & Gas – Staff, Seniors and Lead Accountants – 4 openings!!!!! 

Must have E&P experience. 

West Houston: 

• Excellent Benefits! 50 cents to cover your whole family, $250 deductible
• Flex Hours (6:30am-3:30pm, 7am-4pm, 8am-5pm, etc.)
• Bonus program!
• Open due to two promotions!!

Downtown Houston: 

• Love to have fun – lean staff
• 9/80 schedule
• 25% bonus target (usually exceeds this)
• Equity 
• 100% paid benefits for Employee & Family – high deductible plan but they put the $ in an account for you to use

West Houston:

• On the “uptick” in terms of growth, all organic, no acquisitions, and will not be bought out anytime soon. 
• They LOVE to grow and develop their team(and promote them!), people who work for Murphy don’t leave because they are rewarded appropriately.
• It’s a big company, but they have a pure culture, you will not be just a number here! 
• • The whole team is “bought in” to the organization and everyone wants to see it succeed!

Our growing manufacturing / distribution client in the oil & gas industry with approximately 40M in sales is looking for a Controller for their accounting department. 

The Manufacturing Controller will be responsible for working across functions to establish accounting standards. In addition, the Manufacturing Controller will be responsible for full P&L responsibilities and the monthly financial package.

• Analysis and understand manufacturing location P&L swings. Including expense, absorption, variances, sale, and cost of sales. 
• Driving/leading plant cost roll and understanding the impact of manufacturing plant cost roll on product cost. Working with team to load appropriate data and establishing overhead rates in order to roll cost at least annually. 
• Support process improvements to improve efficiency and accuracy of group and the facilities you support. 

The Manufacturing Controller qualifications include:

• Degreed accountant (CPA/MBA/Public accounting experience a plus) 
• 5 to 7 years of experience with 1 to 2 years of supervisory experience preferably in the manufacturing industry with exposure to/through understanding of cost accounting and variance analysis 
• Basic understanding of cost variances
• QuickBooks Enterprise solutions software experience a plus 
• Advanced Excel skills a plus

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2014/05/houston-is-adding-energy-jobs-faster-than-last.html?ana=e_hstn_rdup&s=newsletter&ed=2014-05-27&u=glKEt+uVA4SWk8BOTgN7pE+OY41&t=1401200622

http://www.inc.com/brent-gleeson/11-steps-to-achieving-impossible-goals.html?cid=sf01001

The loftiest goal I ever set in the early stages of my professional career was to become a Navy SEAL. Achieving that milestone gave me a new perspective and set the foundation for the rest of my life. Nothing seemed too far from my grasp.

The first six months of training, called Basis Underwater Demolition/SEAL, is designed to identify those not solely committed to the mission of becoming a Navy SEAL, separate them from the herd, and force them to quit. Unless you quickly identify what you personally need to be successful, you will fail. Here are 11 important tactics I learned during that journey that I use every day in the constant pursuit of personal and professional success.

1. Get the simple things right.

During training, Sunday was always depressing, because you knew the inevitable torture that Monday would bring. Monday was inspection day. To be successful as a SEAL, your attention to detail must be unwavering. So you start with the little things, like making your bed and cleaning the floors. I used to keep my bed impeccably made and sleep on top of the covers with a sleeping bag. If everything wasn’t perfect, you paid for it. And sometimes when it was perfect, you paid anyway. The lesson: If you can’t get the simple things right, you can’t expect to successfully tackle more daunting tasks.

2. Set both realistic and unrealistic goals.

Successful people are relentless goal setters. They break down larger milestones into smaller, more achievable tasks. One of the most unrealistic goals a SEAL candidate can set is completing Hell Week. You don’t sleep for a week. You run countless miles with boats, logs, and backpacks. You swim dozens of miles in the frigid ocean. You run the obstacle course daily and do more pushups and pull-ups than you can count. All while battling second-stage hypothermia, sores, and often fractures. Some students quit just minutes into Hell Week. You can’t allow yourself to imagine what the end will look like. So you make–and achieve–one small goal at a time and pray for the sun to come up the next day. A series of near-term realistic goals will help you get closer to your big audacious ones.

3. Work hard.

This one seems obvious, but many people underestimate the level of effort it takes to be successful and achieve aggressive goals. It astonishes me that some of the guys showing up to SEAL training put no real time or effort into preparation. If you don’t work hard preparing for potential success, you won’t change that behavior when things get really tough.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. 

Data Integrity: 

• Identify and implement policies and procedures that ensure the data entered and updated into the multiple software databases that support Company is complete and correct.
• On a daily basis monitor work performed by departmental personnel, monitor department metrics to ensure superior customer service and service level agreements are met.
• Develop standard work procedures for the department that can be used to train new employees.
• Direct and redirect team members in prioritizing of daily tasks.
• Review data input into software databases to ensure “data integrity” standards are being maintained as directed by management.
• Assist in and make recommendations regarding the direction of the department.
• Manage the Bulk Load process.
• Review processes/procedures and improve the current processes using Lean practices.
• Take a leadership role in system enhancements to ensure DI manual processes are automated. This includes participation in system changes and user acceptance testing.
• Gain system knowledge and become a subject matter expert (SME) and a power user.
• Develop routine review processes to ensure automated DI processes are working properly.
• Develop the vision for the DI department role as the current role is continually automated.
• Assist with Special projects as needed.
• Routine training of team members and assist with training internal customers, as needed.
• Review and approve department expenses.
• Evaluate and perform annual reviews for DI personnel.
• Travel to remote office locations as necessary.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years general work experience in areas such as Database and/or Systems Content Management.
• At least 1 to 2 years supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with variety of concepts, practices and procedures for the Sales and Servicing industry preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong independent decision-making skills.
• Able to effectively supervise a team.
• Able to relate comfortably with all levels of employees, from line to senior management.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to re prioritize and redirect both employees and work assignments often.
• Must be able to successfully pass all applicable background screening tests.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2014/05/16/houstons-unemployment-rate-below-5-for-first-time.html?ana=e_du_pub&s=article_du&ed=2014-05-16&u=glKEt+uVA4SWk8BOTgN7pE+OY41&t=1400274311

 

Houston’s unemployment rate plummeted to 4.6 percent in April — the area’s lowest rate since May 2008, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday.

That’s down from 5.2 percent in March and 5.9 percent in April 2013.

However, all metropolitan rates reported by the TWC are not adjusted for seasonal employment trends. For comparison, Texas recorded a 4.7 percent unemployment rate, not adjusted, which dropped from 5.3 percent in March and 6 percent a year ago.

When seasonally adjusted, the state’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in April, down from 5.5 percent in March and from 6.4 percent a year ago.

Both the state’s and the Houston area’s rates remain well below the national unemployment rate, which was 6.3 percent seasonally adjusted and 5.9 percent not adjusted.

Statewide, the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission MSA again had the highest unemployment rate at 8.6 percent, and the Midland area again had the lowest at 2.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Overall, Texas added 64,100 seasonally adjusted jobs in April and 348,000 jobs since April 2013. Eight out of Texas’ 11 major industries added jobs in April, and they all added jobs year over year.

http://retheauditors.com/2009/03/18/why-bother-becoming-a-cpa-a-guest-post-from-roger-philipp/

 

By Francine • Mar 18th, 2009 • Category: Pure Content, Your Career
Roger Philipp, CPA, is a Deloitte alum and the founder, CEO, and instructor for Roger CPA Review, a CPA Exam prep course. Roger CPA Review supports re: The Auditors as our first sponsor. I asked him to tell us, in a time of uncertainty, why passing the CPA exam (or whatever certification exam is applicable in your country) is still a great investment.

(I’ll give you one good reason: No one can ever take that accomplishment away from you.)

To begin, we’ll just break down the question itself: Why bother becoming a CPA? The very nature of that question implies that the act of becoming a CPA is a “bother,” or an irritating chore. Why do we see it that way? Common obstacles to getting a CPA license include the difficulty and cost of taking the CPA Exam, itself.

Not surprisingly, these are the main reasons why only about half of accounting students choose to go on to become CPAs. However, neither of these reasons should be enough to hold you back from this exciting and lucrative career choice.

Difficulty: It’s Not As Hard As You Think
Candidates imagine the CPA Exam to be far more difficult than it actually is. That’s not to say that the exam is easy — far from it. In fact, according to the AICPA, only about 47% of candidates pass the CPA Exam. But it’s important to note that the main cause of the low pass rate can be directly attributed to inadequate studying. Furthermore, out of the students who continue their attempts to the CPA Exam, as many as 75% percent eventually pass. In short, with the right commitment and preparation, it can be done. As we at Roger like to say, the CPA Exam is not an IQ test – it’s a test of discipline! If you study, you will pass!

Cost: Earning Your CPA Makes Cents
For many, cost is the decisive factor when a person considers becoming a CPA. There’s no question about it: it’s an expensive proposition. The good news is that you don’t have to shoulder the full cost all at once. The costs arrive in stages, beginning with college tuition and ending with CPA license fees.

Additionally, your initial investment will pay off quickly. Once you are a licensed CPA, your entry level earning potential increases by as much as 15% over uncertified accounting professionals (2008 Robert Half Salary Guide). This gap can continue increasing over the course of your career, eventually adding as much as $11k-$18k more to your annual earnings.

According to a recent report by the Institute of Management Accountants, the average CPA earns $131,726 per year before extra compensation while non-CPAs only earn $98,912. This is a difference of 32,814 or 28.5% higher.
To reinforce the point, let’s perform a cost/benefit analysis of becoming a CPA.

Cost:
Bachelors Degree with 150 hours (in most states)
300-400 hours preparing for the CPA Exam
CPA Exam Fees (more than $1,000 in some states, more if retesting is required)
CPA review course costs ($1,600 – $2,500 depending on course)
Licensure fees (more than $1,000 in some states)

Totals:
Time commitment: 450-550 hours
Financial commitment: $4500 or more, depending on exam success and state fees.

Benefit:
Increased earning potential of up to $18,000 per year. Duration: grows annually
Potential employers perceive CPA’s to be disciplined and committed. Duration: entire career
Potential for advancement opportunities and management or partnership. Duration: entire career
Personal growth and development. Duration: life
Business opportunities not available to uncertified accountants, such as financial consultancy, signing audit opinions, working for the FBI, or providing independent accounting services to the public.

Totals:
As much as $720,000 (assuming a 40 year career, with an 18k of increased annual income)
Inestimable value of other benefits

Many accountants currently working with firms will tell you that they’re driven to take the CPA exam by the prospect for promotions. Because most firms won’t promote uncertified accountants past the managerial level, your ‘promote-ability’ skyrockets once you’ve become a licensed CPA. Of course, with promotions come even more salary increases and bonuses.

As you can see, becoming a CPA enhances your earning potential and upward mobility over the course of your entire career. The question shouldn’t be whether you can afford to become a CPA, but rather can you afford not to?

 

Interesting article, but I must say my favorite candidates to place are entry level ones! I don’t get to place a ton of them, but I do have clients that hire directly out of college and they utilize me to find them the top graduating talent. 

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140514132158-52594-are-you-headhunter-material-or-not?trk=eml-ced-b-art-M-2-7914099181455774709&midToken=AQEmfseMAjvmzg&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=2EdDsJ3H1t56g1

Position Duties
• Review and approve Balance sheet Account Reconciliation Forms prepared by locations in Excel
• Reconcile building, vehicle, and equipment leases between ProLease and Oracle
• Prepare revaluation JEs to bring IC Balance Sheet accounts to current translation rate
• Prepare IC revenue elimination JEs
• Prepare the Consolidated TB Roll-forward for corporate use
• Prepare IC Balance Sheet trial balance in pivot table format for corporate management’s use
• Reconcile IC invoices between the AR and AP sub-ledgers in Oracle
• Reconcile IC local statutory activity and balances against Oracle
• Help locations correct invoices entered into AGIS erroneously
• Open and close transaction types in AGIS for each period
• Reconcile AGIS activity to the GL
• Calculate interest on IC notes
• Prepare IC balance confirmations for locations
• Implement a netting process for ICs that have balances, which net to zero

Qualifications:
• Bachelor degree in Accounting, CPA preferred but not required
• 3-5 years of experience
• Advanced Excel user