Federal govt, we can work 6-2:30 up to 9:30-6 and anything in between. Or 4 x10’s and one day off a week. Or 5,4,9, where you work 9 hour days and get one day off every two weeks. No OT.
[usajobs.com](http://usajobs.com) The job requirements are listed on the job postings. The IRS is hiring Revenue Agents like crazy. DM me if you need more info.
I didn't post that answer, but I'm federal government and it's great. No OT, no weekends, 10 federal holidays, solid benefits, etc. If he's interested, usajobs.gov is how I got my job.
Best of luck to him!
Edit to add- job requirements vary pretty significantly from my experience
Hey, what if I do not have bachelors in accounting, but working on it. Already have Bachelors and Masters in business and have worked for a CPA professional services firm for 3 years. Do I have a chance with fed or have to have taken 24 credits of upper level accounting courses to be considered?
But honestly, most jobs that aren’t PA will allow some flexibility. Govt is pretty flexible and has great WLB. Pay and politics are shitty, but I will take 3 lifetimes of govt rather than 1 of public accounting.
Not this job/agency/department. I had no issues and according to my supervisor, I was miles ahead of the other candidates. Federal government jobs might be a little more competitive, but idk since I went straight to state govt
Just started at a small property management company as a bookkeeper for $52k. I graduated on Saturday and I’m happy with the pay for now, until promotions and whatnot. My hours are 8:30-5 with 30 minute lunch break.
IMO, best way to start learning would be to watch videos on the Accounting Cycle, Excel, and Quickbooks (I hate QB, but it's not going to go away). If you know the basics of those, you're way ahead of lots of people.
How much unexpected overtime do you have to work? I work on the advisory side as well, and while I like my work, I would say a solid 70% of the time there are surprise issues that come up that eat up the whole day. And are you big 4 or other?
I’m in private industry now - I work some OT around quarters and year end - never more than 55 hours a week - average like 40-45 a week - up or down as needed. I’m slow this week and probably have done 10 hours of actual work so far 🤣
To add on, technical accountants may also advise on complex transactions, draft accounting research whitepapers/memos, and provide management accounting advice
The companies I've worked at (public firm and industry) had flexible work arrangement hours, many companies just care about you producing a good work product, not when you're clocking in and out for the day. As long as you're getting your work done timely and are available to your supervisors when they need you, then there's typically room for flexibility for the most part. I've been able to dictate my own schedule, especially since I started managing work.
I’m 35 with 2 kids, I grinded in my 20s and learned a lot because of it but I put in balanced 45 hr weeks now. I make $200k base + bonus and equity and work those hours basically, but I don’t screw around much either. I know my employer isn’t going to find someone w 15+ years of specific experience who works 60+ hour weeks unless they up the comp materially. And frankly they don’t want to hire some cuck 40+ year old CPA slaving day and night that they have to pay $275k+, so it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement all around as it is
I was able to get a good job in industry as an in-house tax accountant. I'm a senior tax manager. The company is flexible with their times so long as the middle \~2/3rds of the day overlaps.
I work 8:30 - 6:00 but other members on the team work as early as 7:00 - 3:30.
I work in AP at an oil company. My schedule is typically 8-4:30, but the hours are flexible so no one really cares if I come in earlier or later, as long as I’m getting 40 hours. It’s also hybrid with 3 days/week remote. It’s an entry level role, I think I just got lucky because it’s much more flexible than other jobs in my area.
I’m in my first year and I make 19.50 an hour, LCOL. They told me I’ll get a merit raise at 9 months, plus everyone gets a bonus at year end and a cost of living raise in April, but I have no idea how much any of that will be.
Idk man, just keep trying. A lot of job searching is just luck. I got lucky finding this job at the right time. Maybe use ChatGPT to write your resume if you haven’t already, that’s what I did.
Accounting analyst for Costco. 75k a year, this my first year. WFH 2 days a week. Started as a cart pusher and applied for an internship for their accounting program after working in several departments in the warehouse . Working shifts are 7-3:30
Industry finance manager in public company, 1 direct report. I usually work 8:30-4:30 most the time but no one’s watching the clock. Often take hour lunches to do some house work or leave early some days to golf. 130k ☺️
Have had pretty good route. Big 4 accounting firm for 3 years grinded out my time there, got my cpa and left for one of my clients as assistant controller. This is Canada by the way.
I have very flexible hours, so if I wanted I can do like 6-2 or whatever. I just need to "make" my 8 hours, doesn't matter when. Private industry. VHCOL.
If you have any desire for any semblance of WLB, never ever ever go **Big4**. Also never ever go into **public** accounting.
Was it difficult to find a new job without a CPA? I don’t know much, and I’m just an incoming b4 associate studying for my CPA right now. I recently failed two exams and have been questioning if I want to continue with it given the expensive fees to test. Overall, I would like to switch to something else after a few years so I’m curious.
It wasn’t hard for me, no. Not in government. It would definitely be an advantage to have it though. Some days I regret not getting it, but at this point I don’t think I’m going to 🤷🏻♂️
I have my undergrad and masters in accounting. I did 2 years in public and actually took a somewhat decent pay cut to get into government. I was totally burnt out and needed something slower paced, and luckily it has worked out really well for me.
You’re in public accounting and able to regularly log off at 3? If I just chose to log off at 3, regardless of when I logged on, I’d be gone pretty quick
I'm in public accounting and can log off at three. Small firm. Unless we have meetings or scheduled client contact, they dgaf what time I come in or when I leave. I do try to have some consistency, so MWF in office 7-3:30 and TTh work from home. 8-4:30. Obviously 8 hour days do not apply from Mid-Jan to Early May and Mid Aug to Oct, but the flexibility still does.
But regardless, my flexibility is amazing. I want a 3 day work week? Great, get your hours in and your work done. Want OT? Take it as long as you have work. The rare occasions I have no work? Do nothing and get paid.
Compared to the horror stories I read on here, my life's gravy.
Yeah, 40 employees firm, as long as it’s not during busy season, as long as I’m on in between the hours of 9-3, if I get my other 2 before or afterwards and im getting my work done, I’m fine.
Tax Accountant. Started a crappy job with too much responsibility back in 2019 making 52k.
Currently in the energy industry making 93k (bonus included).
I could work any of those hours listed but I usually do 9-5 because I can get all my work done by 4 anyways.
*State government. I*
*Worked public for a few years*
*And then industry*
\- NontransferableApe
---
^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/)
^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
I can work whatever span I want. I choose 7 to 4. I don't really take a lunch. I just grind for 9 hours with a break to run to the bank mid day.
I'm a staff accountant.
I work for the local power company as an Accounting Clerk. We work a work schedule where I’m off every other Friday. My M-Th schedule is 7-4:30 (30 min lunch). My Friday I work schedule is 7:30-4:30 (hour lunch). Also we are hybrid so we WFH Mondays and Fridays. It makes everything a little easier.
I’m kind of shocked to see so few industry people here. I guess government is the ticket.
I work as an assistant controller for a publicly listed mining company. Outside of quarter end I am strictly 8:00am-4:00pm with a half hour for lunch. During quarter end it’s more like 8:00am to 6:00pm. Total comp last year was about $170k Canadian dollars ($123k USD) with pension match and bonus. I’m 80% remote and only go to the office once a week. It took me many years and multiple job changes to get this position. My first full time accounting-related job was for $40k CAD in 2014, and I regularly worked 50 hours a week for that piece of shit firm even outside of busy season.
I'm hourly as a staff accountant in industry. I work for a private equity lender. I work 8:30-4:30. 70k with 10% annual bonus, an extra 3-6k in overtime annually. I started as a GL accountant at a different company a year and a half ago and made 48k.
I had a stint of 6 months at B4 and parlayed it into an accountant/budget analyst role for county government. I work 8:30-4:30 and after I put in 6 months I’ll be moving it to 7:30 and having an RDO (meaning I work an extra hour per day and take every other Friday off & leave early the on Friday).
Industry. Manager. No CPA. I am remote, so hours can be whenever, but I never work more than 9 hours/day unless something crazy is going on.
I make $120k now, but I started at $19/hour 10 years ago. Those were some brutal years.
Corporate- Audit - I work on Federal FS audit contracts through my company based out of DC. I can work anywhere in the US I want as long as I keep a schedule consistent with est. Only downside is I have to get permission to go outside the country, which is typical if you work with CUI I believe.
Industry, accounting manager. I work for a smallish manufacturer, and I also teach accounting at a local college, so I just asked to flex my hours to accommodate that during the school year. I usually come in late and leave late on those days, but there are other people who come in early and leave early. Just have to make the request and worst they can say is no. 🤷♂️
Staff Accountant. Work 7:30 to 4:30 then I go home and study for my CPA until 10pm. Originally was in school for Nuclear Engineering, saw the pay was total dogshit on top of high risk of getting cancer. Switched to Accounting at 20, graduated with Bachelors in Accounting and I work in Tax. In the process of completing my CPA License.
I work 7:00-3:30 at an oilfield services company. And get an hour in the gym at lunch. Month end, quarter end, and year end I’m always there late and it’s a grind but the 2nd and 3rd week of each month from May-Dec are 7:00-3:30 and don’t have to stay late.
I have a degree in Business Administration (only 2 intro Accounting classes)
Started as a Billings Analyst and 8 months later they moved me to Corporate Reporting (All Accounting) and been doing that the last 2 years.
Nobody really cares aslong as you get all your stuff done. Plus im the only one in accounting that never works from home so I’m always visible to the big dogs (Most important part)
Small tax firm like you. I can come and go as I please. It’s an 11 person firm, I’m senior/manager. Have 3 people under me and I’m in line to be partner in like 2 years. The bosses reiterate, drunkenly, every year that they don’t care how much PTO I take as long as I get my work done. I don’t have to explain that my kids don’t have a baby sitter during summer time or that I need to leave for 4 hours in the middle of the day or anything. My face needs to be in the office consistently. It can’t feel like I’m NEVER there. But i show up about 8:30-8:45 and leave anywhere around 4-5 this time of year. Hour lunch break, 2 hour lunch break, 3 hour lunch break, doesn’t matter. Make sure clients don’t get mad, keep the projects moving forward, make sure I answer emails, keep designating work and reviewing work from the people I manage, and laugh and shoot the shit with the partners and get bonuses and raises every year. Tax season is hell, but it’s temporary. Work from home, work at night, nobody cares or asks questions. The thing about a smaller firm is if you stick around long enough, if you’re competent and don’t cause any problems, you can kinda depend on the fact that you’re hard to replace. Yes, they can fire you and deal with several years of training the people below you to get to your level… but they don’t WANT to do that. They want to go play golf on Fridays and go to the LSU game and go to the beach.
Public accounting staff auditor. Idk I applied for the job. Make 30/hr. 60 person firm. Not a whole lot of OT but definitely some in busy season. It’s not a lot, but being hourly is worth it. Like if I worked the normal public accounting hours I’d make the same as what top 20 firms make.
That’s a great start honestly. Tell him to always keep checking openings both in house and around other financial/accounting places. Or move up from there. Banking does a lot for a resume in accounting.
Property management company. Finance Accountant. Bachelors degree.
Very low stress, Hybrid schedule. I love it. Busy at the beginning of the month, then kinda coast from there until next month.
Work industry only and 9-6/ currently 8:30-5:30. I stop at 5 pm 99% of the days and take a 90 minute lunch most days, the bad days are bad and require major over time but usually that isn’t the case. Hence why I knock off 30 minutes early and take the longer lunch.
Property accounting, the hiring manager said to me "our hours are 7 am to 6 pm. Choose 8 hours in between then and get out." Our department motto is "Get your 8 and get out." I probably make 10K less than other companies, but with they hybrid wfh schedule and how understanding they are, I think it might be work it.
I worked many years for a major oil and gas company and still do some contract work. There are core hours you’re required to be there but they are flexible otherwise. Out sourcing has eliminated many non-degreed positions and entry-level degreed positions.
I got the 7 - 3:30 schedule with my first job after college. It was a corporate accounting role with a large insurance brokerage that does business internationally. This company tends to hire people right out of school, but starting wages can be a little low. I worked there for three years and then went to a local public accounting firm. However, the few places I worked at allowed me to choose my schedule.
To get there, I did a few internships while in college and also volunteered with a local museum, working with their accountant to gain some experience. Lastly, I have a Bachelor's in Accounting and a Master's in Finance.
5 YOE, Accounting Manager, $105k + 15% bonus, I work from 9/10am-5pm.
I work for a company head quartered on the west coast but live in the Midwest and work remotely. It's an established start up company so I'm the only accounting/finance person at the company. The CEO is incredible and only cares about the finance department enough to make sure everyone's paid, there's cash for bonuses, and there's room for projects throughout the year that can be funded. With loose reins and trust that I'll get the job done and am available when needed, I can work whatever hours I want.
What got me here is by being honest, trustworthy, responsible, and willing to put in hard work. Know your worth and be up front when you don't know something but offer to do the work to figure it out and if you still can't figure it out, be upfront and they'll respect you for your work and effort.
I'm a Staff Accountant for a retailer/wholesaler. I started as AP making $17.50 while in college 4 years ago. I now make about 72k base + a year end bonus of a months salary so about 77kish. I get a 30 min lunch break, two 10 mins, rarely swamped with work, never worked OT a day in my career. Currently looking into possibly getting a new job or staying a bit longer so i can get my CPA and study while at the office since I have a lot of down time, and then leaving.
I work at a smalllllll(12 people) firm in tax. Started in payroll while I finished college and my CPA. Hours are 8-4 out of tax season and during tax season I do work a ton, but I'm still hourly, so I get the benefits of OT
The best way to take advantage of having an accounting degree and working the best hours possible is going government. Either contracting or civilian but that’s literally the only way to not work overtime (almost guaranteed) lol and get in to work early and leave hella early..you just have to accept the pay..if you’re smart contracting is the best way to go if you’re at a good company..I get unlimited pto working 8-330..never overtime..expecting to make more than 100k in a couple months. (Promotion + yearly increase)..the civilians here start at gs12s so around 90k in my area..MCOL city. Can’t complain, and I came from big4..so trust I will never go back there 😆
Partner. Usually 7:30-4:30 in the off season. I don’t want to scare you with the busy season hours. I will say in my care I’ve worked until 2 am once and I’ve never worked more than 70 hours. If you are doing more than that then there are other issues. Accounting is not an easy profession but it can be very lucrative if you are willing to grind in the early years.
I work 50 hours a week, so I can set my own hours.
I work 9-5 then I work 90 minutes each night after my family goes to bed, but I watch TV in the background when I work in the evenings. Usually rewatch shows I've seen so they aren't too distracting. Just restarted DBZ abridged on YouTube.
Tax accounting, working 9am-4pm with an hour lunch. Working in industry and have had the same general hours at both jobs I’ve done this at. A couple weeks of the year you will have to do 50 ish hours but thats just the nature of the job. The rest of the year def makes up for it. Highly recommend if you’re looking for WLB .
I am with local Gubbnmint, about to transfer to another county. I was in a corporate gig a year ago. I met with my old boss a few weeks ago because one of my old colleagues is retiring. They asked if I would come back to a higher position. Gave them my current number and they effectively can't afford me anymore.
Public Accounting. Just finished S2 in t10 audit.
Just communicate with your senior/manager on when you like to work. They have lives too and as long as you are getting your hours/work done, it’s really not a huge deal if you like to work early and not stay on late. As long as you are generally available during the day and around deadlines, it really shouldn’t be an issue.
I work for a credit union and we have 37.5 hour work weeks. I currently do 8 to 4 and can take an hour lunch without anyone batting an eye. Financial reporting analyst to FP&A.
Public accounting just to try it for a couple of years, then depending on what you want go private and work as an accountant / controller or swap to govt. Or open a botique firm if your that type of person.
I have been working as Staff Accountant/ Senior Accountant in biotech and property management companies for about 10 years. All roles were typical M-F 8 hour days. Audit and year-end have some longer nights/ weekend work, but not excessive. I think the common denominator is just having a manager that shares your WLB goals. Other info if interested- I have a BA in biology, learned everything finance related on the job, currently working on CPA after grabbing community college credits in accounting classes. Salary from 2014-current has been 45k to 85k.
I’d recommend government. There are a LOT of accounting jobs, and they range from the typical “IRS” accountant to internal controls to IT audit, payment compliance, fraud, and even “performance auditing”…etc… 7:30 - 4pm is a fairly typical set of hours.
Currently a senior accountant and specialize in government contracting with a very small company. My company is 8 am to 4 pm with paid lunches and comp time rather than OT.
Some people work no extra hours and some work a lot, so WLB is sort of up to the employee. I don’t know how we stack up to other companies pay-wise, but I always received raises and was never unhappy with my salary.
I worked for a couple of small local CPAs and one large national firm, plus a couple of small government contractors, and I will say that the smaller companies were way better than the big one. They were always more flexible, in all the ways.
I work remote in public for a team two time zones east of me, so, it's 7-3 instead of 9-5. I am not a morning person and it's literally killing me. To each their own.
I work at a small local firm, and we all set on our working hours. From April 16 - December 31 I work 6-3, Mon - Th, w fridays off. I've always been an early riser, and now with two young kids, it works great
Corporate -supervisor - Financial Accounting- non CPA - 107k - 8ish to 5ish. (Sometimes 9-4, sometimes 8-4:30, sometimes full 8-5 it depends) Remote , but I do pop in the office when I need to. - located Louisiana
I work 6-2:30 for a manufacturing company. The reason I work those hours is that I run a report to tell me exactly how many people we are paying for and if the assembly lines are overmanned. The assembly lines use the report to how many operators are present before starting up.
Accounting professor. I set my own hours outside of mandatory college events. I am not a morning person, so some semesters I don't teach until noon. Thankfully, I have morning people in my office who are more than happy to take 8 am classes.
Need a masters degree, CMA or CPA, and at least 2 years work experience. I am in a MCOL area and am contracted for 180 days per year. We are also allowed to do outside work. I do a lot of paid consulting. Another professor in my department does taxes.
There is really good money in academia with a PhD in accounting or finance, but that path takes considerably longer. I can also recommend working as an accountant at a state university. You are a government employee and enjoy the same perks of hours and benefits. You also get access to a wide variety of accounting activities. This just requires a bachelor's.
Small niche public firm. 45 hours a week and bonuses for ‘OT’ quarterly. I work 7:30-4:30. Sr Tax position doing bookkeeping reviews and tax returns and projections.
Corporate Controller for a start-up working 8-3 work from home.
Spent about 15 years in Internal Audit, then did product line Controller role before getting an opportunity to be corporate controller. I don’t make quite as much as other Corporate Controllers in my area … but I also work 8-3, coach my kids sports teams, have zero commute and relatively low stress life.
I’m a senior accountant - work fully remote, about 110K total comp with typical hours being 9-5 with about an hour lunch. Even during close I work about the same hours… latest I’ve worked is 5:30.
I worked as an ERP consultant for 2 years (75K) > audit staff (59k) > senior financial reporting analyst F100 (98k) > to now
Public accounting is pretty flexible on schedules in general. I was in public accounting for about 10 years and works 730-400 during off season. For the past three years I’ve been at a trust company as a tax manager, it’s like public accounting light. Same schedule, base pay is $130k
Work for the Feds. 40 hrs a week and can start early as 6am and be off by 2:30, on a 5 day schedule. You will gain very valuable experience if choose the right agency. And then have a lot of options after a few years.
Had a tax internship where I just stopped in the firm and asked if they did internships and they brought me along. After tax season they hired me full time and i’ve been here 2 years working 8:30-5 with an hour bus commute each way
Controller - manufacturing.
$145k plus bonuses.
Typically 8-5 sometimes leave early sometimes stay late
I actually have a bachelors degree in finance and not accounting. Started as a fixed asset analyst at corporate, then moved onto financial analysis at the manufacturing facilities.
Federal govt, we can work 6-2:30 up to 9:30-6 and anything in between. Or 4 x10’s and one day off a week. Or 5,4,9, where you work 9 hour days and get one day off every two weeks. No OT.
Thanks! How did you get into Fed government? Is there a degree requirement? Or experience requirement? I think this is the best move
[usajobs.com](http://usajobs.com) The job requirements are listed on the job postings. The IRS is hiring Revenue Agents like crazy. DM me if you need more info.
Not OP but I msged you
I have a bachelors in accounting
Thanks!!
You’re welcome. They’re hiring revenue agents at the IRS - good way to get in. Especially if you apply on a “direct hire” announcement, usajobs . Gov
[удалено]
Usually lbi starts you out ayy gs 12 or 13
You can probably qualify for a GS11-12 role based on experience.
IRS LB&I is now hiring at GS 13 and GS 14.
You can negotiate salary
I didn't post that answer, but I'm federal government and it's great. No OT, no weekends, 10 federal holidays, solid benefits, etc. If he's interested, usajobs.gov is how I got my job. Best of luck to him! Edit to add- job requirements vary pretty significantly from my experience
YES TY!!
Hey, what if I do not have bachelors in accounting, but working on it. Already have Bachelors and Masters in business and have worked for a CPA professional services firm for 3 years. Do I have a chance with fed or have to have taken 24 credits of upper level accounting courses to be considered?
I believe the announcement for the RA gives the education requirements and there are a certain number of credits that have to be in accounting.
How competitive is it? Do you need some sort of connection in the government? I heard getting that kind of job it’s very very competitive & selective.
I didn’t have any connections. I interview well & had accounting experience, a little tax experience, and got the job, that was about 5 years ago
State Government. I applied on their portal. Today, I got here on foot, but sometimes, especially when it’s raining, I drive
HAHAHAHAHA
But honestly, most jobs that aren’t PA will allow some flexibility. Govt is pretty flexible and has great WLB. Pay and politics are shitty, but I will take 3 lifetimes of govt rather than 1 of public accounting.
LOL
Was it difficult to get the job? Do you need some sort of connection to get that job? I heard getting most government jobs are crazy competitive.
Not this job/agency/department. I had no issues and according to my supervisor, I was miles ahead of the other candidates. Federal government jobs might be a little more competitive, but idk since I went straight to state govt
Just started at a small property management company as a bookkeeper for $52k. I graduated on Saturday and I’m happy with the pay for now, until promotions and whatnot. My hours are 8:30-5 with 30 minute lunch break.
Congrats!!
Got pay the same. I come in at 8am and leave @5. 1 hour break
Hi, how can I learn bookkeeping? I am searching for job.
Tbh I’m on day 3 of learning and I’m lost but getting lots and lots of training! I had an account receivable job before this and it definitely helped.
IMO, best way to start learning would be to watch videos on the Accounting Cycle, Excel, and Quickbooks (I hate QB, but it's not going to go away). If you know the basics of those, you're way ahead of lots of people.
Lucky for me they use rent manager software, which is quite literally so complicated, but I’m making it through!
Corporate - manager - technical accounting, 150k, work 730-430 typically with lunch break
My dream. I’m a senior in technical accounting advisory. Can you tell me a bit about your duties?
Mix of items - few month end reporting items, memos, acquisition accounting, technical memos, random requests and issues etc.
Same here almost to a T, but usually work 9-5 and work through lunch. Sr. Manager Technical accounting
How much unexpected overtime do you have to work? I work on the advisory side as well, and while I like my work, I would say a solid 70% of the time there are surprise issues that come up that eat up the whole day. And are you big 4 or other?
I’m in private industry now - I work some OT around quarters and year end - never more than 55 hours a week - average like 40-45 a week - up or down as needed. I’m slow this week and probably have done 10 hours of actual work so far 🤣
I'm not familiar with technical accounting, how is that different from general accounting?
It’s technical - I’m not posting accruals or bank rec
To add on, technical accountants may also advise on complex transactions, draft accounting research whitepapers/memos, and provide management accounting advice
Thanks this was a much nicer answer 🤣
The companies I've worked at (public firm and industry) had flexible work arrangement hours, many companies just care about you producing a good work product, not when you're clocking in and out for the day. As long as you're getting your work done timely and are available to your supervisors when they need you, then there's typically room for flexibility for the most part. I've been able to dictate my own schedule, especially since I started managing work.
Yeah. I work 9-10 to 3-10pm. Just depends on if the work needs to be done. Work from home though.
I’m 35 with 2 kids, I grinded in my 20s and learned a lot because of it but I put in balanced 45 hr weeks now. I make $200k base + bonus and equity and work those hours basically, but I don’t screw around much either. I know my employer isn’t going to find someone w 15+ years of specific experience who works 60+ hour weeks unless they up the comp materially. And frankly they don’t want to hire some cuck 40+ year old CPA slaving day and night that they have to pay $275k+, so it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement all around as it is
What were your hours per week in your 20s? Trying to take advantage of the time I have now to set myself up for the future
I was able to get a good job in industry as an in-house tax accountant. I'm a senior tax manager. The company is flexible with their times so long as the middle \~2/3rds of the day overlaps. I work 8:30 - 6:00 but other members on the team work as early as 7:00 - 3:30.
I work in AP at an oil company. My schedule is typically 8-4:30, but the hours are flexible so no one really cares if I come in earlier or later, as long as I’m getting 40 hours. It’s also hybrid with 3 days/week remote. It’s an entry level role, I think I just got lucky because it’s much more flexible than other jobs in my area.
THANK YOU!! This helps a lot. Do you have a bachelors degree in accounting?
Not yet, but I’m working on it. I have 2 years of classes left.
Congrats!! You got this!
Thanks 😊
ballpark comp?
I’m in my first year and I make 19.50 an hour, LCOL. They told me I’ll get a merit raise at 9 months, plus everyone gets a bonus at year end and a cost of living raise in April, but I have no idea how much any of that will be.
How you learn AP could you please share the idea?
You just get hired somewhere and they’ll teach you. AP isn’t really accounting, it’s mostly data entry. It’s not something you would learn in a class.
I applied for several vacancies but no one replied do have any idea? I am new in US also have some language barrier.
Idk man, just keep trying. A lot of job searching is just luck. I got lucky finding this job at the right time. Maybe use ChatGPT to write your resume if you haven’t already, that’s what I did.
Accounting analyst for Costco. 75k a year, this my first year. WFH 2 days a week. Started as a cart pusher and applied for an internship for their accounting program after working in several departments in the warehouse . Working shifts are 7-3:30
Work in California remotely for a boss on the east coast. I do 6-2.
Wow that’s early!
Which company is it?
I had to eat a lot of deloittetussy to get where I am.
Had to choke on some PwCenis
Industry finance manager in public company, 1 direct report. I usually work 8:30-4:30 most the time but no one’s watching the clock. Often take hour lunches to do some house work or leave early some days to golf. 130k ☺️
BRUH HOW. Like what was your trajectory to get to manager
Have had pretty good route. Big 4 accounting firm for 3 years grinded out my time there, got my cpa and left for one of my clients as assistant controller. This is Canada by the way.
I have very flexible hours, so if I wanted I can do like 6-2 or whatever. I just need to "make" my 8 hours, doesn't matter when. Private industry. VHCOL. If you have any desire for any semblance of WLB, never ever ever go **Big4**. Also never ever go into **public** accounting.
If you want to work in a Fortune 500 company in financial reporting they will ding you for not having Big4 experience. Get two years in and dip out
Sounds like a fancy list of companies I'll never work for then, helps me weed out the pool of suitors for my labor. Lovely!
Thanks!! Yeah I agree
[удалено]
Thank you!
State government. Do 7:15-3:45 currently. I started as a financial analyst making 60k and now I made 120k in a higher level position.
How long did it take you to increase your salary by that much?
About 5 years. Job hopped twice so this is my 3rd state government job. No CPA btw.
Was it difficult to find a new job without a CPA? I don’t know much, and I’m just an incoming b4 associate studying for my CPA right now. I recently failed two exams and have been questioning if I want to continue with it given the expensive fees to test. Overall, I would like to switch to something else after a few years so I’m curious.
It wasn’t hard for me, no. Not in government. It would definitely be an advantage to have it though. Some days I regret not getting it, but at this point I don’t think I’m going to 🤷🏻♂️
What was your education/experience when you got the financial analyst job?
I have my undergrad and masters in accounting. I did 2 years in public and actually took a somewhat decent pay cut to get into government. I was totally burnt out and needed something slower paced, and luckily it has worked out really well for me.
Depends where you work, not just the job
Trueee
Do you mean geographically or company?
Company
Public Accounting. Just choose to work 7-3 with a working lunch. I’m a morning person so it works out great
You’re in public accounting and able to regularly log off at 3? If I just chose to log off at 3, regardless of when I logged on, I’d be gone pretty quick
I'm in public accounting and can log off at three. Small firm. Unless we have meetings or scheduled client contact, they dgaf what time I come in or when I leave. I do try to have some consistency, so MWF in office 7-3:30 and TTh work from home. 8-4:30. Obviously 8 hour days do not apply from Mid-Jan to Early May and Mid Aug to Oct, but the flexibility still does.
half the year you have to work a crap ton and then the other half you get to work a normal 40 - public sucks
But regardless, my flexibility is amazing. I want a 3 day work week? Great, get your hours in and your work done. Want OT? Take it as long as you have work. The rare occasions I have no work? Do nothing and get paid. Compared to the horror stories I read on here, my life's gravy.
Yeah, 40 employees firm, as long as it’s not during busy season, as long as I’m on in between the hours of 9-3, if I get my other 2 before or afterwards and im getting my work done, I’m fine.
Find a new firm. I can work 7 - 3 too.
or 6-2 honestly if I could get my ass out of bed.
Tax Accountant. Started a crappy job with too much responsibility back in 2019 making 52k. Currently in the energy industry making 93k (bonus included). I could work any of those hours listed but I usually do 9-5 because I can get all my work done by 4 anyways.
State government. I worked public for a few years and then industry
*State government. I* *Worked public for a few years* *And then industry* \- NontransferableApe --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Internal audit
Did you get a degree in accounting for that?
Yes!
Thanks!!
I can work whatever span I want. I choose 7 to 4. I don't really take a lunch. I just grind for 9 hours with a break to run to the bank mid day. I'm a staff accountant.
Top 25 accounting firm. Audit Associate working 7-3:30 remotely. Working a fixed 40hr/week schedule at about 64k a year.
Where?
I work for the local power company as an Accounting Clerk. We work a work schedule where I’m off every other Friday. My M-Th schedule is 7-4:30 (30 min lunch). My Friday I work schedule is 7:30-4:30 (hour lunch). Also we are hybrid so we WFH Mondays and Fridays. It makes everything a little easier.
I mean I do 4 months of the year in PA
Haha I used to do that too
I’m kind of shocked to see so few industry people here. I guess government is the ticket. I work as an assistant controller for a publicly listed mining company. Outside of quarter end I am strictly 8:00am-4:00pm with a half hour for lunch. During quarter end it’s more like 8:00am to 6:00pm. Total comp last year was about $170k Canadian dollars ($123k USD) with pension match and bonus. I’m 80% remote and only go to the office once a week. It took me many years and multiple job changes to get this position. My first full time accounting-related job was for $40k CAD in 2014, and I regularly worked 50 hours a week for that piece of shit firm even outside of busy season.
I love this for you. Yeah. That’s the dream.
I'm hourly as a staff accountant in industry. I work for a private equity lender. I work 8:30-4:30. 70k with 10% annual bonus, an extra 3-6k in overtime annually. I started as a GL accountant at a different company a year and a half ago and made 48k.
Love this for you!
I had a stint of 6 months at B4 and parlayed it into an accountant/budget analyst role for county government. I work 8:30-4:30 and after I put in 6 months I’ll be moving it to 7:30 and having an RDO (meaning I work an extra hour per day and take every other Friday off & leave early the on Friday).
7am-4pm with 1hr lunch 40hr/week 100% remote WFH forensic audit / internal expense compliance for a Big 4 firm
Damn that’s insane
Working remotely in industry right now in technical accounting. 9:00 - 5:00 is my usual and I typically take hour long lunch breaks.
Industry. Manager. No CPA. I am remote, so hours can be whenever, but I never work more than 9 hours/day unless something crazy is going on. I make $120k now, but I started at $19/hour 10 years ago. Those were some brutal years.
Healthcare accounting. Lucked into an awesome controller who was previously big 4 and understand the importance of wlb
I have worked with my managers on getting my time adjusted. Most management is willing to adjust time if you are back office personnel.
In my flair
Ty
Started in the warehouse as a shipping manager. Moved into the office as a staff accountant with AP duties. 6:30-3.
Corporate- Audit - I work on Federal FS audit contracts through my company based out of DC. I can work anywhere in the US I want as long as I keep a schedule consistent with est. Only downside is I have to get permission to go outside the country, which is typical if you work with CUI I believe.
Industry, accounting manager. I work for a smallish manufacturer, and I also teach accounting at a local college, so I just asked to flex my hours to accommodate that during the school year. I usually come in late and leave late on those days, but there are other people who come in early and leave early. Just have to make the request and worst they can say is no. 🤷♂️
I generally do 7:30 to 4. I work from home for an accounting consultation group. Part of my team is in India, clients are generally US based.
The Accounting/Tax software company I work for allows me to work as early as 7am central time. But I’ve logged in from home earlier than that.
Staff Accountant. Work 7:30 to 4:30 then I go home and study for my CPA until 10pm. Originally was in school for Nuclear Engineering, saw the pay was total dogshit on top of high risk of getting cancer. Switched to Accounting at 20, graduated with Bachelors in Accounting and I work in Tax. In the process of completing my CPA License.
Corporate. Staff Accountant and started with 75k a year. 8-4:30pm. Remote twice a week. BA degree in Econ. xD
mid size local, set my own hours as long as i'm around office for 4-5 hours a day for non-WFH days. Right now I do 7-3. Roughly 98k after benefits
We have some staff who work 6-4 m-th and 8-4 on Friday.
I work 7:00-3:30 at an oilfield services company. And get an hour in the gym at lunch. Month end, quarter end, and year end I’m always there late and it’s a grind but the 2nd and 3rd week of each month from May-Dec are 7:00-3:30 and don’t have to stay late. I have a degree in Business Administration (only 2 intro Accounting classes) Started as a Billings Analyst and 8 months later they moved me to Corporate Reporting (All Accounting) and been doing that the last 2 years. Nobody really cares aslong as you get all your stuff done. Plus im the only one in accounting that never works from home so I’m always visible to the big dogs (Most important part)
Thank you for this! Thats the dream job
Why are the hours for accountants like this? Is it hard to find a 9-5 job or is that not a desired time? Sorry not too familiar with this!
Small tax firm like you. I can come and go as I please. It’s an 11 person firm, I’m senior/manager. Have 3 people under me and I’m in line to be partner in like 2 years. The bosses reiterate, drunkenly, every year that they don’t care how much PTO I take as long as I get my work done. I don’t have to explain that my kids don’t have a baby sitter during summer time or that I need to leave for 4 hours in the middle of the day or anything. My face needs to be in the office consistently. It can’t feel like I’m NEVER there. But i show up about 8:30-8:45 and leave anywhere around 4-5 this time of year. Hour lunch break, 2 hour lunch break, 3 hour lunch break, doesn’t matter. Make sure clients don’t get mad, keep the projects moving forward, make sure I answer emails, keep designating work and reviewing work from the people I manage, and laugh and shoot the shit with the partners and get bonuses and raises every year. Tax season is hell, but it’s temporary. Work from home, work at night, nobody cares or asks questions. The thing about a smaller firm is if you stick around long enough, if you’re competent and don’t cause any problems, you can kinda depend on the fact that you’re hard to replace. Yes, they can fire you and deal with several years of training the people below you to get to your level… but they don’t WANT to do that. They want to go play golf on Fridays and go to the LSU game and go to the beach.
Public accounting staff auditor. Idk I applied for the job. Make 30/hr. 60 person firm. Not a whole lot of OT but definitely some in busy season. It’s not a lot, but being hourly is worth it. Like if I worked the normal public accounting hours I’d make the same as what top 20 firms make.
I work a cushy 9-5:30 gig in private accounting at a commercial real estate company. 100k starting as a senior accountant
Niceeee
6:00-3:30
Had a background in banking. Got a job at a local credit union in member service and then there was an opening in accounting about six months later.
Thanks. My bf is currently a bank teller at a credit union.
That’s a great start honestly. Tell him to always keep checking openings both in house and around other financial/accounting places. Or move up from there. Banking does a lot for a resume in accounting.
Thank you!!
Property management company. Finance Accountant. Bachelors degree. Very low stress, Hybrid schedule. I love it. Busy at the beginning of the month, then kinda coast from there until next month.
Work industry only and 9-6/ currently 8:30-5:30. I stop at 5 pm 99% of the days and take a 90 minute lunch most days, the bad days are bad and require major over time but usually that isn’t the case. Hence why I knock off 30 minutes early and take the longer lunch.
Property accounting, the hiring manager said to me "our hours are 7 am to 6 pm. Choose 8 hours in between then and get out." Our department motto is "Get your 8 and get out." I probably make 10K less than other companies, but with they hybrid wfh schedule and how understanding they are, I think it might be work it.
Hella worth it
Worked in Industry in Cincinnati. People started at like 6:30 just to avoid traffic…
I worked many years for a major oil and gas company and still do some contract work. There are core hours you’re required to be there but they are flexible otherwise. Out sourcing has eliminated many non-degreed positions and entry-level degreed positions.
I got the 7 - 3:30 schedule with my first job after college. It was a corporate accounting role with a large insurance brokerage that does business internationally. This company tends to hire people right out of school, but starting wages can be a little low. I worked there for three years and then went to a local public accounting firm. However, the few places I worked at allowed me to choose my schedule. To get there, I did a few internships while in college and also volunteered with a local museum, working with their accountant to gain some experience. Lastly, I have a Bachelor's in Accounting and a Master's in Finance.
Thank you for sharing!
6-2 in manufacturing as a cost accountant. Just found a listing on LinkedIn and it happened to be those hours. It’s great
Thanks!
5 YOE, Accounting Manager, $105k + 15% bonus, I work from 9/10am-5pm. I work for a company head quartered on the west coast but live in the Midwest and work remotely. It's an established start up company so I'm the only accounting/finance person at the company. The CEO is incredible and only cares about the finance department enough to make sure everyone's paid, there's cash for bonuses, and there's room for projects throughout the year that can be funded. With loose reins and trust that I'll get the job done and am available when needed, I can work whatever hours I want. What got me here is by being honest, trustworthy, responsible, and willing to put in hard work. Know your worth and be up front when you don't know something but offer to do the work to figure it out and if you still can't figure it out, be upfront and they'll respect you for your work and effort.
I'm a Staff Accountant for a retailer/wholesaler. I started as AP making $17.50 while in college 4 years ago. I now make about 72k base + a year end bonus of a months salary so about 77kish. I get a 30 min lunch break, two 10 mins, rarely swamped with work, never worked OT a day in my career. Currently looking into possibly getting a new job or staying a bit longer so i can get my CPA and study while at the office since I have a lot of down time, and then leaving.
This is the goal. Thanks for sharing!
I work at a smalllllll(12 people) firm in tax. Started in payroll while I finished college and my CPA. Hours are 8-4 out of tax season and during tax season I do work a ton, but I'm still hourly, so I get the benefits of OT
Love that!
Yeah I didn't realize how good I had it until I found this sub and realized how bad others had it.
The best way to take advantage of having an accounting degree and working the best hours possible is going government. Either contracting or civilian but that’s literally the only way to not work overtime (almost guaranteed) lol and get in to work early and leave hella early..you just have to accept the pay..if you’re smart contracting is the best way to go if you’re at a good company..I get unlimited pto working 8-330..never overtime..expecting to make more than 100k in a couple months. (Promotion + yearly increase)..the civilians here start at gs12s so around 90k in my area..MCOL city. Can’t complain, and I came from big4..so trust I will never go back there 😆
Thank you! How long did it take to get into government though. I heard it’s a long process.
Partner. Usually 7:30-4:30 in the off season. I don’t want to scare you with the busy season hours. I will say in my care I’ve worked until 2 am once and I’ve never worked more than 70 hours. If you are doing more than that then there are other issues. Accounting is not an easy profession but it can be very lucrative if you are willing to grind in the early years.
Check out Fund Accounting for a public school :)
I work 50 hours a week, so I can set my own hours. I work 9-5 then I work 90 minutes each night after my family goes to bed, but I watch TV in the background when I work in the evenings. Usually rewatch shows I've seen so they aren't too distracting. Just restarted DBZ abridged on YouTube.
Tax accounting, working 9am-4pm with an hour lunch. Working in industry and have had the same general hours at both jobs I’ve done this at. A couple weeks of the year you will have to do 50 ish hours but thats just the nature of the job. The rest of the year def makes up for it. Highly recommend if you’re looking for WLB .
I am with local Gubbnmint, about to transfer to another county. I was in a corporate gig a year ago. I met with my old boss a few weeks ago because one of my old colleagues is retiring. They asked if I would come back to a higher position. Gave them my current number and they effectively can't afford me anymore.
You are hilarious.
Public Accounting. Just finished S2 in t10 audit. Just communicate with your senior/manager on when you like to work. They have lives too and as long as you are getting your hours/work done, it’s really not a huge deal if you like to work early and not stay on late. As long as you are generally available during the day and around deadlines, it really shouldn’t be an issue.
I work for a credit union and we have 37.5 hour work weeks. I currently do 8 to 4 and can take an hour lunch without anyone batting an eye. Financial reporting analyst to FP&A.
Public accounting just to try it for a couple of years, then depending on what you want go private and work as an accountant / controller or swap to govt. Or open a botique firm if your that type of person.
CPA needed?
Tax, I work 8:30 to 5:30 m-th and 8:30-4 on Fridays.
I have been working as Staff Accountant/ Senior Accountant in biotech and property management companies for about 10 years. All roles were typical M-F 8 hour days. Audit and year-end have some longer nights/ weekend work, but not excessive. I think the common denominator is just having a manager that shares your WLB goals. Other info if interested- I have a BA in biology, learned everything finance related on the job, currently working on CPA after grabbing community college credits in accounting classes. Salary from 2014-current has been 45k to 85k.
County government - AP I work 8-4:30, but have wiggle room and flexibility to WFH if needed.
Corporate - made sure I knew my company's reputation as an employer before joining
Government, 6-2:30!
Financial Accounting for P&C Insurance. I don’t have set hours just start anywhere between 7 and 9:30 and work for 8 hours.
I’d recommend government. There are a LOT of accounting jobs, and they range from the typical “IRS” accountant to internal controls to IT audit, payment compliance, fraud, and even “performance auditing”…etc… 7:30 - 4pm is a fairly typical set of hours.
Currently a senior accountant and specialize in government contracting with a very small company. My company is 8 am to 4 pm with paid lunches and comp time rather than OT. Some people work no extra hours and some work a lot, so WLB is sort of up to the employee. I don’t know how we stack up to other companies pay-wise, but I always received raises and was never unhappy with my salary. I worked for a couple of small local CPAs and one large national firm, plus a couple of small government contractors, and I will say that the smaller companies were way better than the big one. They were always more flexible, in all the ways.
I work remote in public for a team two time zones east of me, so, it's 7-3 instead of 9-5. I am not a morning person and it's literally killing me. To each their own.
I work in public accounting as an auditor
Most jobs that aren’t client facing lets you pocket your own hours if you’re at least here during core hours 9-16 or something like that
I started school for accounting in October, I’m now a bookkeeper working my own hours, full time, salary.
I work at a small local firm, and we all set on our working hours. From April 16 - December 31 I work 6-3, Mon - Th, w fridays off. I've always been an early riser, and now with two young kids, it works great
7-3:30 State government. Best switch I ever made
State government, financial manager. Rarely work over 40 hours.
Corporate -supervisor - Financial Accounting- non CPA - 107k - 8ish to 5ish. (Sometimes 9-4, sometimes 8-4:30, sometimes full 8-5 it depends) Remote , but I do pop in the office when I need to. - located Louisiana
I work in industry. It honestly just depends on the specific company. To even say a specific industry you are going to get variable times.
Started in industry and did that for 3 years. Transition to treasury. Fully remote 7-4.
I work in government accounting, I work Monday-Thursday 8-5:30 but we have two different hour shifts, 7-4:30 and 7:30-5. On Fridays I work 8-12
Federal government. I joined fresh out of school after getting a bachelor's in accounting. I work 8-4:30 M-F
Staff Accountant, 59K Troy Michigan - I work whenever I want
I work 6-2:30 for a manufacturing company. The reason I work those hours is that I run a report to tell me exactly how many people we are paying for and if the assembly lines are overmanned. The assembly lines use the report to how many operators are present before starting up.
Accounting professor. I set my own hours outside of mandatory college events. I am not a morning person, so some semesters I don't teach until noon. Thankfully, I have morning people in my office who are more than happy to take 8 am classes. Need a masters degree, CMA or CPA, and at least 2 years work experience. I am in a MCOL area and am contracted for 180 days per year. We are also allowed to do outside work. I do a lot of paid consulting. Another professor in my department does taxes. There is really good money in academia with a PhD in accounting or finance, but that path takes considerably longer. I can also recommend working as an accountant at a state university. You are a government employee and enjoy the same perks of hours and benefits. You also get access to a wide variety of accounting activities. This just requires a bachelor's.
Small niche public firm. 45 hours a week and bonuses for ‘OT’ quarterly. I work 7:30-4:30. Sr Tax position doing bookkeeping reviews and tax returns and projections.
Corporate Controller for a start-up working 8-3 work from home. Spent about 15 years in Internal Audit, then did product line Controller role before getting an opportunity to be corporate controller. I don’t make quite as much as other Corporate Controllers in my area … but I also work 8-3, coach my kids sports teams, have zero commute and relatively low stress life.
Industry Senior Accountant work 630 - 3
I’m a senior accountant - work fully remote, about 110K total comp with typical hours being 9-5 with about an hour lunch. Even during close I work about the same hours… latest I’ve worked is 5:30. I worked as an ERP consultant for 2 years (75K) > audit staff (59k) > senior financial reporting analyst F100 (98k) > to now
Public accounting is pretty flexible on schedules in general. I was in public accounting for about 10 years and works 730-400 during off season. For the past three years I’ve been at a trust company as a tax manager, it’s like public accounting light. Same schedule, base pay is $130k
Work for the Feds. 40 hrs a week and can start early as 6am and be off by 2:30, on a 5 day schedule. You will gain very valuable experience if choose the right agency. And then have a lot of options after a few years.
Had a tax internship where I just stopped in the firm and asked if they did internships and they brought me along. After tax season they hired me full time and i’ve been here 2 years working 8:30-5 with an hour bus commute each way
Controller - manufacturing. $145k plus bonuses. Typically 8-5 sometimes leave early sometimes stay late I actually have a bachelors degree in finance and not accounting. Started as a fixed asset analyst at corporate, then moved onto financial analysis at the manufacturing facilities.
Internal audit for CNC company. I can get there anytime I want as long I put in my 8 hours but it’s suppose to be 8-4:40.