I think I want to work for the Government

**Ice** · 02-15-2009, 18:31

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I've decided I want to work for either the SEC or IRS. I'm an accounting major and I'm currently working on my masters/undergrad degree so I can have the 150 hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam in most states. I'm also considering a law degree after undergrad, but that's not a finalized decision yet. I really want to contribute something back to society when I first start working, and not get a typical job on wall street. I'm actually starting to hate many of the people I see there.

So my main question is: What can I expect? Does anyone here on the org work in either the Internal Revenue Service or Securities & Exchange Commission?

**KukriKhan** · 02-15-2009, 20:42

I don't work for either the SEC or IRS, but I've been a Fed employee of some kind since age 17.

With both accounting and law degrees,

I'm actually starting to hate many of the people I see there.

You can do something about that in the FBI. Many of their agents are not armed. But how do you feel about 'packing'?

-edit-
As to what you can expect: (-) you won't get rich (as in millions), but (+)you and yours can live a fairly comfortable middle-class life. (-) Long hours at first, when you're working in 'the trenches'. (+) Retirement available after 20 years (on 50% of whatever your 'top 3' years' wage was). (+)Job satisfaction. (-) Work directed by others, usually not initiated by you.

**seireikhaan** · 02-15-2009, 20:55

A government job, eh? Welcome to the Proletariat, Comarade!

edit: How's PSU do in regards to the helping people be ready for the CPA?

**Ice** · 02-15-2009, 21:26

Originally Posted by seireikhaan

A government job, eh? Welcome to the Proletariat, Comarade!

edit: How's PSU do in regards to the helping people be ready for the CPA?

They are doing better now. Since Pennsylvania just adopted the 150 hour rule, they developed a masters program to help out with it. I'll be the first class.

**seireikhaan** · 02-15-2009, 23:57

Originally Posted by Kush

They are doing better now. Since Pennsylvania just adopted the 150 hour rule, they developed a masters program to help out with it. I'll be the first class.

Good for you. My UNI has been that program style for a while now. Not trying to brag, but we did have a 54% first time pass rate at the CPA last I checked.(average is apparently 15-20% nationally

)

Originally Posted by Kush

The SEC semi entry level accounting job was paying 83,000 with full benefits. I mean, it looked pretty good to me.

That's an awesome starting salary out of college, man. Good luck.

**Alexanderofmacedon** · 02-16-2009, 00:14

I also want to do the same. I will attempt to join the Foreign Service when I finish my undergraduate degree.

**Ice** · 02-16-2009, 01:31

Originally Posted by seireikhaan

That's an awesome starting salary out of college, man. Good luck.

Yeah well, it sounded too good to be true. I went back and checked and apparently they hire for that pay grade based off of 3-8 years of work experience. Opps.

Overall though, I like the idea.

**Ice** · 02-15-2009, 21:28

Originally Posted by KukriKhan

I don't work for either the SEC or IRS, but I've been a Fed employee of some kind since age 17.

With both accounting and law degrees,

If you don't mind saying, what do you do?

You can do something about that in the FBI. Many of their agents are not armed. But how do you feel about 'packing'?

I wouldn't have problems carrying a gun.

-edit-
As to what you can expect: (-) you won't get rich (as in millions), but (+)you and yours can live a fairly comfortable middle-class life. (-) Long hours at first, when you're working in 'the trenches'. (+) Retirement available after 20 years (on 50% of whatever your 'top 3' years' wage was). (+)Job satisfaction. (-) Work directed by others, usually not initiated by you.

The SEC semi entry level accounting job was paying 83,000 with full benefits. I mean, it looked pretty good to me.

**Hosakawa Tito** · 02-15-2009, 23:52

One of my sisters has been a CPA for 20+ years in the private sector. Right now she's working for HSBC Bank, but her job is being moved to Tampa, FLA in 2010. She doesn't want to move there so she is also looking to apply to the IRS, NYS, and the SEC. I think it's a good move for you also. The private sector is not very stable, and the chance for advancement with the Feds or State relies less on office politics. Entry level salary at $83,000 plus health & pension benefits sounds like a great job for one just graduating college. Good luck!