Seeing as I don’t think i’m going to be able to work for a big 4 firm cause of my 3.5 GPA at a state school, I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with working for the IRS because one of my high school teachers talked highly of working there (not prestigious or anything but great benefits).
So any information regarding compensation, benefits, experiences, average weekly hours, requirements, etc, would be greatly appreciated.
It’s not Big 4 or nothing. There are lots of national, regional and local CPA firms in every city. They’d be happy to hire you. Also, you still could end with a Big 4 offer. Personally, I’d rather work for most any CPA firm over the IRS, but that’s just my bias.
I have lots of friends who started with various state taxing agencies (income, sales, city, etc.) who have transitioned back into CPA firms (including Big 4) as state & local tax specialists. That seems to work out pretty well.
Try to get an interview with the IRS – their representative should be able to answer the questions you posted during the interview. It is certainly an option, especially if you are interested in taxation.
And I agree with the poster above that it not Big 4 or bust – smaller and regional firms and private companies can be options as well.
State tax departments are another option. Every state has a revenue department.
My wife had a marketing degree and went to work for the IRS. She answered questions over the phone and submitted via e-mail. She eventually gave a lot of presentations on issues. She then went back to school to get her Accounting degree. Then passed the CPA exam and went to work in tax for KPMG. She received promotions and did well before raising a famille.
The tax knowledge she gained while with the IRS gave her a lot of tax expertise.
So yes, it can work out well.
IRS is under a hiring freeze now, especially for agents.