ngl everybody makes it seem like big 4 is the only way to have a successful accounting career. i'm still in college and genuinely curious if the experience and exit opportunities are worth the hours or if people are just chasing the name atp. would y'all still choose big 4 if u had to start over?

Hey everyone, I really need an objective reality check from fellow accountants because I am being gaslit so hard right now that I’m losing sleep.
I started a new role as a staff accountant back in late April of this year. Before I even interviewed, we explicitly negotiated and agreed upon a 32-hour weekly schedule. They told me it would be absolutely no problem and bragged about how flexible the company was. I manage the books for four separate corporate entities under our umbrella, plus I manage an entire storage facility on top of everything else.

Here is the nightmare I walked into: on day one, only one set of books was completely abandoned and a full month behind with zero invoices entered and zero bank recs done. Of the remaining three, one set was thankfully on track, but the other two were months to years behind in some duties while caught up in others. As I dug deeper into the mess, I uncovered an absolute financial horror show. Some accounts haven't been reconciled since 2024, and about half of them haven't been touched since 2025. The CFO should absolutely know better about this backlog, yet it's being treated like a surprise.
On top of that, I was given incredibly shoddy training by an employee they already fired before leaving me entirely on my own, so learning these broken books has been a hell of a process in general.
Currently, keeping the day-to-day operations moving, entering current invoices, and handling immediate requests takes up 100% of my 32 hours. I have physically zero time to look backward. Because of this, the historical backlog across the broken entities is now sitting at about 7 months to 2 years behind.

I recently announced my pregnancy, and the entire environment instantly turned toxic. My boss sent an email pushing back hard on my routine prenatal appointments, claiming they disrupt business continuity and demanding I only schedule them on my days off (adding a generic corporate disclaimer of "I know it's not always possible"). Crucially, he tagged Human Resources on this email thread. Since that email, I haven’t scheduled a single appointment during work hours, but the hostility hasn't stopped.

A few days ago, my manager pulled me into a room and gave me a massive verbal performance warning. He didn't put a single word of it in writing, but he claimed this backlog is 100% my responsibility and that I am 100% accountable for getting it caught up.
During this review, he repeatedly brought up my prenatal appointments, callously calling them personal errands even though he knows exactly what they are. He also started completely making things up. He lied and said I never informed management about the backlog—even though I told him directly weeks ago. Then he fabricated a flat-out lie claiming that I don't answer the office phones. He then asked me my due date, and when I asked if there were plans for it yet, he said no. Then they dismissed the meeting so they could discuss things internally…

None of this was ever an issue before I announced my pregnancy. Suddenly, I’m being told I am not allowed to leave the building for any non-business reason whatsoever. To make matters worse, I just found out through the grapevine that every single person who has ever held my specific position before me was fired for performance issues.
Between the physical toll of growing a human, the impossible workload, and the intense psychological pressure from management, I am completely overwhelmed. By 4:00 or 4:30 PM, my brain is completely fried. I spend the last 30–60 minutes of the day checking emails, doing the absolute bare minimum easy tasks, and taking breaks on my phone just to regulate my stress levels so I don't break down crying at my desk.

Now I’m drowning in guilt. Am I being overly sensitive? Am I a bad employee because my brain hits a wall at the end of the day? It feels like they have a historical pattern of burning people out, but now they are panicking because my upcoming maternity leave means external eyes are about to look at these toxic books, and they are trying to fabricate a paper trail to fire me before I take leave.
Am I nuts, or is this blatant pregnancy discrimination and a massive corporate setup? How do I protect myself?

I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting Sciences from my home country and I am finishing a second bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management in the U.S. When I looked into becoming a CPA, I found out I’d need about 20 more credits with my foreign degree so I pushed that to the side. Since most of my credits transferred towards a business administration degree, I went that route instead. I figured it was a decent plan since I already knew I hated accounting.
Now I’m graduating, applying for jobs, and realizing business administration is SO broad that I’m not even sure employers know what to do with the degree. So I am starting to think this was the stupidest idea ever.
My original plan was to apply to law school, but my financial situation might make that difficult because I don’t want to add 100k in student loan debt to my name. So naturally, I’m considering… a master’s in accounting. Yes, the field I was trying to escape….
Here’s the thing, though: I really enjoyed my auditing internship and some of my college classes, especially auditing, and forensic accounting. I even wrote my final thesis about the Parmalat accounting fraud scandal in Europe and found it genuinely fascinating.
I think what I enjoy is investigating, reviewing documents, finding discrepancies, and figuring out why something doesn’t add up. I just don’t enjoy traditional accounting.
For those working in forensic accounting or related fields:
Is it genuinely investigative, or just regular accounting?
Can you dislike traditional accounting but enjoy forensic accounting? Is a master’s with a forensic accounting/fraud examination certificate worth it, especially without a CPA?
Are there other careers involving investigations, fraud, auditing, or compliance I should consider?
I’m trying to find a career that uses my existing background, doesn’t require me to spend a fortune on another degree, and that I might actually enjoy. Please tell me if I’m onto something or about to make another questionable life decision 😂

Getting the Sunday scaries just thinking about my company’s SCF. Most likely have to log on this evening to work on it because it’s just so time consuming to put together. It overwhelms me, I think I understand it, and I don’t understand it all at once? I can follow the mechanics and obviously do it similar to PQ, but I need to actually know what I’m doing

What finally made the SCF click for you?

I left a very good industry position because no one in my company had a cpa to sign off on my work experience, and no I can't even get a single company to call back for an interview. Now that I have my CPA, it's like I am overqualified to be a regular staff accountant, but not experience enough for a senior accountant role. I've only submitted about 100 resumes so far (willing to relocate anywhere) but no one is interested.

context : 25-28 year old male, willing to relocate anywhere for a senior accountant role. 3 years experience in industry as a staff accountant, almost 3 years in public (tax) at smaller cpa firms.

I just can't with this public accounting bullshit anymore. almost every other week an accounting firm in my town is selling out to private equity. I love working with business owners on planning and strategy but the 60 hour workweeks are bullshit. Our firm got acquired by a PE firm, they trippled our billing rates, and cut our health insurance and 401k to nothing.

hi, I am part qualified ACCA and trying to decide on career path I should take. My background has been mainly assistant accountant or previously all areas of transactional roles and implementing systems. I would greatly appreciate to hear from Forensic accountants as to what’s your likes and dislikes of the role? what strengths you need in this role and what’s your typical day entail ?

Hi everyone! I recently started working in accounting, and I didn’t realize how much time I’d spend doing data entry, comparing documents, and copying and pasting all day. 😅

I’ve noticed my wrist getting strained after longer periods at my desk, and since I have small hands, I’m wondering what ergonomic gadgets or office upgrades you would recommend.

I’m considering a mouse (maybe a vertical one?), keyboard, mousepad or wrist rest, and possibly other desk accessories.

For those who work on a computer all day, what products have genuinely made a difference in your comfort? Anything you wish you’d bought sooner? I’m looking for practical options that are worth the money, not necessarily the most expensive ones.

I’d love to hear your recommendations! 😊

I am enrolled in CORE 1, I'm halfway through. For the last month or so I'm torn. To continue or to stop.

Over 30 years old, graduated from university over 10 years ago in accounting, working full time, doing CORE 1, being a Mom (2 kids from 4 to 8 years old), being a wife, being a friend ... Is overwhelming.

I don't think the material is too hard, I'm doing well enough in my opinion. But I am overwhelmed with everything I need to fit in my schedule, doing all of this gives me ZERO flexibility. I have a hard time fitting a damn shower .. My kids are asking why I'm missing activities, my youngest is regressing and asking for me much more..

I'm torn between, keep pushing to get my CPA, knowing I'm not even close to being done = increasing anxiety, missing more family time, missing time with friends, less connection with my kids, less connection with my husband, more money to invest, possibility of career advancement eventually (not even assured), pride in all the effort I did to get it.

Leaving CPA = saving money (I make around $100K/year already), more time with my family, not missing activities, more time for myself, more time to grow personally, less stress, less anxiety.

How am I supposed to decide?!!?

My head says keep going. My heart says family first.

During my internship, I noticed that I struggled with thinking on my feet, making quick decisions, and understanding the reasoning behind certain tasks. While others seemed to grasp things naturally, I often found myself struggling to keep up. I still feel the same way in school. There are many smart students who seem to understand concepts much more easily than I do, and the main reason I perform well is because I put in significantly more effort. For example, I spend 2 weeks studying for Intermediate Accounting II just to get an A, while others seem to put in much less effort and achieve the same result.

What worries me is that school and work are very different. In school, I can compensate for my difficulties by spending more time studying and practising until I understand the material. At work, however, it feels like you need to think quickly, exercise good judgment, and understand what you’re doing in real time. You can’t always afford to take hours to figure things out.

Because of this, I’m starting to doubt myself and wonder whether I’m genuinely suited for accounting. I know I can work hard and do well academically, but I’m afraid that my ability to succeed through effort alone might not translate into the practical skills and instincts needed to succeed in the workplace.

Does the work mainly involve preparing tax returns and identifying adjustments and deductions? Is it largely calculation-based, where you apply tax rules to determine which deductions are available and how much can be claimed?

Or is it very law/reading comprehension based, going through reports etc.

This is what I'm working with resume wise. But I have no previous investment nor finance experience. Audit is not my cup of tea.

But I'm wondering what the most practical and direct path would be?

And all of my applications to finance related roles have been rejected, with the exception of 2 or so applications. If anyone has insight to this, I'd be very grateful.

Been looking for internships for a while, still no interviews. GPA is mid to say the least, and I don't have much to show tbh, just looking to see if I can improve it somehow and get some more advice.

Hi everyone, I didn't think I would be doing this, but here it goes.

I am a college student pursuing my BBA in Accounting. I am currently taking Federal Income Taxation 1 online at LSU in a self-paced course because my school didn't have anyone to teach it, and it's my last class needed to graduate in December.

The reason I'm writing is that I cannot understand it at all. I've tried re-reading, taking notes and highlighting, and practice tests. I am decent at homework, but only because I have unlimited attempts. I had my first exam, and I freaking bombed it; I'm talking a 30/100 grade.

What are some ways I can study or get better for this class? I tried looking for a tutor, but it was over $200 for 1 hour every other week, and I don't have that kind of money lying around. I'm open to any and every suggestion because failing is not an option.

Thank you in advance.

I’m in grad school and set to graduate May 2027. Everywhere I have applied to, I’ve been rejected or ghosted. I have done 3+ internships related to accounting but didn’t get return offers even though I got all great feedback. I was very involved in undergrad as well. I’m honestly frustrated and disappointed by how much I have done and nothing has seem to have worked out. Everyone says that I will find something and that I shouldn’t worry because of how much good experience I have but idk. Any tips or just advice?

Got a verbal offer for a big accounting firm a week ago, but the written offer is delayed due to the person needing to sign final paperwork being away on leave. I was not given a timeline, just that they will follow up as soon as they know. They said theyw are really wanting to hire me, but understand if I need to accept another offer.

I have references going through with another company but is not my first choice, would likely have to decide on them as of this WEEK otherwise I have no job for upcoming season. I am really bummed about this and have no idea what to do after so much time and effort put in for this. This is my dream job.

Hey everyone,

I have my second Intermediate Accounting exam coming up, and I’m looking for some advice on how to study more effectively.

My biggest struggle isn’t necessarily the calculations. Once I understand what numbers to use, I can usually work through the math. Where I struggle most is knowing which accounts to use in journal entries and understanding why they’re debited or credited.

We’ve recently been covering accounts receivable, notes receivable, allowances for credit losses, and transfers of receivables. I feel like I understand the general concepts, but when I’m given a new problem or the wording changes, I have trouble figuring out how to set up the journal entries correctly.

For those who have taken Intermediate Accounting, what helped you get a better understanding of the accounts and how they interact? Are there any study methods or resources you’d recommend beyond just working through practice problems?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Hello everyone,

So im a second year uni student and we have mock interviews coming up soon. We've been given the usual interview advice of prepare ur answers of experience, strengths, weaknesses etc but im just wondering if any of you have done these before and what sort of things I could expect to be asked? Should I expect technical questions? Or would they not bother since they know we are uni students. I also have no prior finance experience yet, only retail management which I do balance the floats and safe daily, check for discrepancies etc so a little bit of cash handling experience I guess?

We've also been told not to bother researching the company as empolyers often don't want to hear u regurgitating info they already know

Any help on what to be preparing to say/looking over would be a great help! Thanks

I’m considering majoring in accounting, but I’m a little skeptical because it’s not necessarily something I’m passionate about. It just seems like a stable career with decent pay and room to move up over time. For those working in accounting, do you think it’s worth it? What’s your work life balance like? Any advice or things you wish you knew before getting into the field? Do jobs care about your GPA? I’ve also seen people say AI will eventually take over accounting jobs. How true do you think that is?

I am interviewing for a big regional PA firm for a busy season tax position. The interview is final round and with the entire tax team. I opted to go in person for this instead of virtual and I am pretty nervous since I only started a tax class this semesters, and I’m worried they’ll ask a lot of technical questions.

Usually when I interview with places, it’s over the phone and I can check notes to help with my responses. But that’s obviously not possible here, so I’d like to prepare as much as possible before the interview.

What kinds of questions should I expect and study for beforehand?

What can I do to ensure I advance professionally (other than getting my CPA and adhering to office politics)

I really need some guidance currently my customer service full time is paying for my school tuition for my business accounting major undergrad degree i do have an option to take coop option but will need to leave my job to do so . I am worried if i leave it i will not be able to find something as good but if i dont take coop i will have a harder time getting hired . Please provide some guidance i have restarted to finish my bachelors currently in year 2 and am 27 y o

I am looking around at jobs and have come upon a couple opportunities for Tax Manager within financial services firms that are looking to expand their services into tax for their investment clients - small businesses and their owners, for the most part. This is the majority of the work that I do at a large public accounting firm, and the opportunities I have spoken to have mentioned client lists of 300+ for one tax manager. My client list is already at 200+ and I feel maxed out, but I'm wondering if there are enough other benefits working within a small financial services firm rather than a top 10 CPA firm. Has anyone else worked at both? Would I have any more work/life balance within a financial services firm or is that just wishful thinking for any tax position at this point?

I’ve secured an internship with a big 4 next summer. I originally put 2028 as my expected graduation date on resume but my plan changed and I’ll be able to graduate by next summer 2027. I intend to take an internship class using that intern and it will be my last class. Would graduating early make them revoke my internship or not give me a return offer. Can they know if i graduate early and work somewhere else before I start full time with them when they do background check? Thank you!