r/enrolledagent

Title basically. I just passed Part One and I’m not sure which to go for next, looking for any insights or advice on that. I’m tempted to just knock out Part 3 quickly to have it out of the way but I don’t know. My only goal is to pass all three before the end of this exam period.

I passed all four sections of the CPA exam, thinking it would open up a lot of job opportunities. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case, especially for someone without an accounting degree.

I initially landed a job at a local CPA firm but was laid off after just two months due to circumstances on the employer's side.

I needed to keep working and gain experience, so I joined H&R Block. Since they only offered part-time hours, I also worked as a seasonal tax preparer at another local CPA firm. During the past tax season, I prepared around 550 individual tax returns.

I passed EA Part 1 in February, Parts 2 and 3 in July, and received my EA license in August.

I'm currently working as a tax preparer at a CPA firm, but the pay is very low. I'm planning to stay until I complete my experience requirement and get my work experience verified for CPA licensure.

Recently, several recruiters reached out to me, and after going through multiple interviews, I've received four job offers.

Interestingly, TurboTax offered me only $20.xx per hour because the position I applied for doesn't take my credentials into account.

Now I'm trying to decide between JDA and TaxAct's Small Business Expert position. (both $35/hr)

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has worked for either company. How was your experience in terms of workload, management, scheduling flexibility, and overall job satisfaction?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences

Ive made a post about free fellow in the past, one month later studying for my EA exam part 2 and I am consistently scoring 75%-90% of fast forward academy. The IRS released 20 questions from the exam I scored an 18/20 on those and have taken practice tests from hock and gleim and scored 80% plus. However when I do test questions from free fellows question base I consistently score 10-20% how is this possible? Anyone experiencing the same? In that span I have passed assessments on my knowledge from 2 different tax firms.

I’m currently taking the intuit academy course so I can get the badges and hopefully get a job with turbo tax this year and gain some experience. I’m also studying for the EA exam so once I’ve gain some on hand experience I’ll take all three of the exams and get my EA license. I have no prior experience in tax and I’m also 21 looking to get this all done with in a year or two my question is am I going about this the right way? Do you guys have any advice for me things I should look out for or know and be aware of.

I am looking to hire either an EA or a CPA as a Tax Advisor. I posted it on linkedin and indeed with very little response. Any ideas what websites would get more views?

Hey all - I’m a JD/EA that made a career pivot to tax from a completely unrelated field about 4 years ago. I see a lot of folks here plugging the franchises (HRB, Liberty, etc) to get tax experience. This is a great way to start and I’m not knocking it.

The truth is you do need to start from the bottom, whether you’re switching careers or just getting started.

I’d recommend looking for tax/accounting support roles at small/midsize CPA firms in your area. I was a tax and accounting assistant at a small firm for ~ 2.5 years before I branched out. I did a lot of admin work at the beginning. Scheduling appointments, answering phones, alphabetizing returns in the file room, etc. Over time, I was assigned basic 1040s to prep. Then 1040s with schedule Cs/Es. And eventually, business returns. I was taught the basics of bookkeeping, and by the end of my time there I was responsible for several companies quarterly reconciliations. I also did new client intake to gauge tax and accounting needs and gave brief tax advice where appropriate.

I’ve moved on and work in tax controversy now, but the experience I gained working in a full service accounting firm was invaluable to my career. Having CPA firm experience on your resume also looks a lot better to serious employers.

Also, just a note: while I worked for the CPA firm, I straight up asked for harder tasks, or to take the first whack at projects I was interested in. A C-Corp referral came in? I asked to prep the return first for feedback. Partners took on a client with a weird ass tax issue? I asked to sit in and take notes. Make sure to advocate for yourself.

Anyway - just my two cents.

I have an accounting degree from an online school, so I never had real networking or campus recruiting. I did one season at H&R Block, and I had a contract junior accountant role through Robert Half that paid about the same as my old hotel front desk job. The recruiter stopped responding after the contract ended.

I have free access to CPA prep, but between passing all the sections, getting the experience requirement, and finding someone to sign off, I'm looking at a long road. Meanwhile I can't even get an entry-level offer.

My thinking is that the EA is faster to get and might make my resume stand out, especially for tax roles. But I also know a lot of people see H&R Block and seasonal prep as low-end, so I'm not sure if leaning into tax helps or hurts.

Would an EA meaningfully improve my chances of getting hired, or would it be a distraction from the CPA? Any advice is appreciated.

i am currently working a comms job, and my undergrad is not in finance or accounting. i want to make a career switch and get an EA, but when i look at the openings, they all require years of experience. any advice on how to get experience and work as an entry level EA?

note — my goal is to work remote.