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  • 1.  Career advice

    Posted 11-14-2018 09:50 AM
    Hello all,

    I am a 29 year old young professional in Irvine, CA with diverse experience in banking, management, internal auditing, data analysis, premium auditing and more. My future career aspirations are to become a financial controller.

    I am currently looking to transition into an accounting position (cost accountant, staff accountant, project accountant) and seeking your advice. 
    I do not have any accounting experience besides a few classes I took in college. 

    I adapt and learn quickly and thoroughly enjoy numbers and precision. I believe I can make a seemless transition into an accounting position under a great mentor.

    Any career advice would truly be appreciated!



    Thanks,


  • 2.  RE: Career advice

    Posted 11-15-2018 07:03 AM
    James,

    You may want to consider starting your own accounting business.  There are thousands of small businesses that can't afford a full time accountant and are looking for accounting (including payroll) services.  

    If you choose to start your own or go into a company, you should consider getting certified in an accounting platform - the most used for small businesses is Quickbooks.  Larger companies look for PeopleSoft, MS Dynamics, SAP, etc.  By gaining skills in an accounting platform this makes you more marketable.

    If you are interested in starting your own business let me know, I represent an excellent brand for a virtual accounting services company, where your employees would be work at home accountants and you would have an exclusive territory.  All training and technology included.

    Best of Luck,

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    Heather Kelley CMA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Career advice

    Posted 11-15-2018 07:05 AM
    You may book time directly on my calendar here: calendly.com/heather-623

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    Heather Kelley CMA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Career advice

    Posted 11-16-2018 10:57 AM
    Hi Heather,
    I am in the process of starting my own bookkeeping & accounting services firm and would gladly appreciate your help with regard to the virtual accounting services company you represent. My email contact is - ohonsi@...
    Regards,
    Peter.


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    Peter Ohonsi
    Analyst
    Toronto ON
    Canada
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Career advice

    Posted 11-15-2018 09:08 AM
    James, 

    I recently changed careers into accounting myself.  You will need to earn an accounting degree.  The experience you have will make the transition easier but you can't be an "accountant" without the degree.  Many people continue and earn a master's degree to help prepare for a CPA or CMA certification.  I was able to take a lot of classes from a college in another town online the first year.  The last year, I commuted two days a week.  It was well-worth it.  

    Good luck with your endeavor.  I hope you find a way to make it work. 

    HJ

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    Heather Ashton RTRP
    Accountant
    Permian Frac Sand, LLC
    Voca TX
    United States
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Career advice

    Posted 11-16-2018 08:20 AM
    Hi James,

    It seems you are on the right track, you should look at some type of Masters program in accounting or take the CMA if you have enough accounting credits because you have the experience.

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    Andrae Ellerbe
    Controller
    Motion Index Drives, Inc
    Farmington Hills MI
    United States
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Career advice

    Posted 11-16-2018 10:54 AM
    James,

    What does a Financial Controller look like to you?  Is it for a large multi-national or for a SME?  Do you want to start your own firm to contract out your services or be in a permanent position?  These questions do provide some insight on how to approach businesses where you can add value, be a organizational Business Partner, and assist the organization(s) with attaining their goals.  Finding your niche is the key, which comes from what you are passionate about.  

    Some aspects of a Financial Controller include controls, processes, financial and operational reporting, risk management, corporate governance, debt/equity financing, thus what areas of your experience can fast track you to achieving this role? You may want to specialize in a certain area: example -  SME requiring upgrade in financial reporting due to reporting to external parties, merger, debt/equity financing, business expansion; operational review due to low profitability; corporate governance lacking documentation; change management initiatives; cash flow management initiatives; new financial software implementation or integration of software platforms.

    Good luck with your Aspirations!
    Darryl

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    Darryl Delwo CPA, CMA

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    Original Message