Sell Yourself: Mid-career CPAs tackle job search challenges - Cover Story

California CPA, May, 2002 by Sharon Ross

What about competing with lower salaries? Soost argues that employers are apt to hire a less-experienced candidate to reduce costs. According to a 2002 Accountants Inc. compensation survey, salaries in the San Mateo area for junior or staff accountants range from $37,000 to $55,000, while salaries for audit or tax managers range from $75,000 to $100,000.

"Sure, a high salary may not be something that's attractive to many hiring managers," says Eppler. As a result, she emphasizes that presentation is key when trying to land a job within the salary range a mid-career CPA wants.

Although some candidates have taken lower salaries, like Shealor, who took a cut in pay when he accepted a position with Leslie Accountancy LLP five years ago and eventually worked his way up again, Steel says most companies will not try to fill a slot according to salary. "We'll show them a couple of candidates with varying salary requirements, and they'll pick the best candidate. They don't skimp."

TARGET YOUR SEARCH

Job boards, Web sites and e-resumes aren't making job searches easier, especially when job titles and keywords are used to search for candidates, says Steel. Mid-career CPAs need to target their search and do their homework.

"Make sure your resume goes to a specific person," she says. "Customize each resume accordingly."

If a job title doesn't tell a story, mid-career CPAs should highlight specific skills and abilities that show they not only handled the job but did so in a way that helped contribute to the company's success. And when possible, quantify the results. "If you helped implement new billing procedures, show how the new procedures affected the company," says Steel.

Also be sure to highlight awards, recognitions and any continuing education that can illustrate how trainable you are.

Keeping your resume up-to-date is crucial. If you have been with the same company for more than 10 years, your resume may not be current. When it comes time to spruce it up, you may forget about some of your accomplishments.

"It's a good idea to update your resume on an ongoing basis, noting key accomplishments during the year so you won't forget about them," says Steel.

THE POWER OF NETWORKING

Bachrach landed a job as vice president of finance and administration with a Los Angeles startup in February and credits networking for his success.

He is a member of the Financial Executive Network, CalCPA's Los Angeles Chapter Members in Industry Committee and the Los Angeles Cash Flow Association. He also attended a few meetings of the Professionals Network Group and All Cities Resource Group--an organization that sponsors a series of business networking groups that meet monthly.

Networking didn't secure the position for him, but it allowed him to connect with other CPAs, keep up with the industry and hone his interviewing skills.

"I went to the meetings to sell my CPA and CFO skills, but I had minimal success. Still, it was good for me to practice my 'pitch' and meet other out-of-work CPAs who were doing the same thing. And, I met good people and had fun."