[movin_on_up]

Just curious if any knowledgeable accountants lurk these boards. I am looking for opinions on what major metropolitan area would be most lucrative for a recent college grad (minimal experience) and most importantly why? I have somewhat postulated my own theory but I am looking for more experienced opinions.

[movin_on_up]

No accountants or even finance people visit here?

[heydade]

My wife is in the accounting field. VERY strong job market...as in most metropolitan areas. Accounting is one of those "hot" sectors with very strong demand.

[movin_on_up]

anyone else?

[adam.g.harpool]

I'm also a recent college grad, current graduate student, and recently interned with a Big 4 firm (though not in the Audit practice), and from what I know and could see, the accounting industry is vibrant and well in Florida, as in most Sunbelt states. You'll have the most job/career opportunities in either South Florida (where I interned and will soon work full-time) or the Tampa Bay area; those are the two largest population, economic, and cultural centers of the state. South Florida has more jobs and higher salaries relative to Tampa Bay...but also a larger population (i.e., more competition) and a higher cost of living, so just do your research and come to your own conclusion. Even with the economic downturn, you shouldn't have a problem finding a job; accounting is a high-demand field in Florida.

[heydade]

my wife is in the accounting field and the job market here in SOUTH FLORIDA (DADE, BROWARD and PALM BEACH COUNTIES) is very strong...the further north you go, the less jobs IMO.

[lokahi]

Jacksonville, FL has a growing financial services sector w/big names like Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, Fidelity, WaMu, CitiGroup and many others. Check out Jacksonville on some of the job boards like monster, career builder, etc.

Also, this is a staffing firm called the MPS group which specializes in placing Accounting professionals: Professional Accounting & Financial Staffing from Accounting Principals

Good luck!

[movin_on_up]

Thanks. Can you list other recruiting services besides MPS. I'm using Roberthalf but haven't had much luck with them.

[lokahi]

Kelly Staffing and Randstad Staffing are both great.

[lokahi]

Randstad in Jax has an office w/Merrill Lynch. Ask for Crickett Davidson (if she's still there), she's great and is the Randstad recruiter at Merrill.