Tampa job market for accountants (credit, school, university)

[cry_havoc]

I know Florida isn't doing too well right now. I am a recent accounting graduate and was hoping the accounting market was spared the recession. Can anyone describe job prospects in the area for accountants?

[newyorker24]

It depends. Do you want to go into public or private accounting? Are you a CPA or have you at least passed the entire exam? Do you have any experience? Did you go to an accredited school or a diploma mill?

[cry_havoc]

I went to a state university. Probable graduated in the top 20 percent of my class. I dont have my cpa yet, but i plan to get it. I have had internships with internal audit and tax accounting

[newyorker24]

The market for entry level accountants is tough. There are still people that graduated 2-3 years ago that haven't found accounting jobs. You may have to take a lower level position at first, such as bookkeeper, A/P clerk, A/R clerk, payroll, etc. Also, many CPA firms hire in the last quarter of the year for next tax season. You might have a chance if you wait until then but it also might be a temporary position.

[cry_havoc]

Is the market tough for entry level accountants everywhere, or just in tampa? I thought accountants were in demand.

[newyorker24]

Originally Posted by cry_havoc

Is the market tough for entry level accountants everywhere, or just in tampa? I thought accountants were in demand.

Everywhere. Employers can find experienced accountants to do the jobs that entry level accountants used to do, for the same amount of money. And keep in mind that a lot of college grads, especially accounting majors, take on internships and part time tax season jobs to get experience. Many of them also sit for the CPA exam right after they graduate.

Overall I think the demand for accountants is okay, but not so good for beginners like you. Especially in private accounting, where corporations are finding as many ways as possible to cut costs. Some entry level accounting jobs are being given to bookkeepers that cost less than a degreed accountant.

Outback used to be known for hiring entry level accountants at their corporate office in Tampa. Check to see if they have anything. But keep in mind that there's nothing wrong with taking a lower level position to get some experience. I can assure you that college taught you less than half of what you need to know to succeed in this field.

[cry_havoc]

Thank you for all the advice. During my tax internship i was actually a temp tax preparer. Maybe that will help a little. I guess it is hard for everyone right now. It is just difficult to get experiance when no one will hire a college grad. Hopefully things will pick up soon.

[newyorker24]

Well just search as much as you can. There are some entry level jobs out there. It's just a matter of making yourself stand out to land an interview. You can also try to work with some of the accounting/finance recruiters in the area like Robert Half, Taylor White, K Force, Acsys.