Its been over a year now

[Nine Ball]

Surprisingly, I haven't bought any vehicles in over a year now. For a while there, I was picking them up like lost stray dogs on a bi-monthly basis. Honestly, I am very content and grateful for what I do have. There really hasn't been anything new that has grabbed my attention lately. I've been spending more time looking at classic cars and trucks, as these tend to be easier to purchase and offer even more bang for the buck. Not to mention a better return or profit when it comes time to sell.

I still have a "want" list of vehicles, however. I probably shouldn't act on any of them until I get the piles of parts for the current vehicles installed. I'm king of having a bunch of halfway car projects completed, instead of just focusing on one vehicle and knocking it out. Mostly because all of my cars are running and enjoyable, so no pressure to "finish" them.

1. Ford GT supercar. I will own one someday. I had the Ferrari/Porsche/Lambo bug for a while, but the FGT still is more appealing to me. I'm a V8 kinda guy, and I dig torque and superchargers.

2. Another 69 Camaro hardtop. Still want to build that black one with big power under the hood. Its been on my to-do list since I was 13.

3. 67-72 Chevy truck. I grew up around these, always loved them. Even when I was a kid I loved riding around in my Grandpa's and my Dad's trucks.

4. Big-body cruiser from the 50s-60s. I think it would be fun to find an old Lincoln (ala Entourage) or an early Caddy to cruise around in. It needs to be black, have some nice wheels and a lowered stance. 59 Caddy (http://www.v8.co.nz/articles/opulence-and-excellence-1959-cadillac-coupe-series-62-issue-25/attachment/1959-cadillac-coupe-series-62-00) or 64 Lincoln (http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1964-lincoln-continental-convertible-c-157.htm) appeal to me.

As for newer cars, not much grabs me other than what I already have. We'll likely be selling the 2010 SS and the 2010 Audi S5, as Lisa plans on going back to college for a 2nd degree (1 year). After that, she will want another convertible. Maybe a 2011 Camaro vert. Although I'd rather have a GT500 vert.

Just some ramblings of mine :)

[Richiec77]

I'd start looking now for a '64 Lincoln. I remember someone mentioning at SEMA how that green lantern or hornet or whatever movie that is coming out has sucked up most of the good ones to work with.

I think the guy's that live behind my parents have a black and chrome one that might be for sale if you'd be interested. Mainly they like to restore them to factory condition so it may or may not be what you are looking for.

[demonspeed]

That Caddy is :drool:

I'm not really into that kinda stuff, but with those fins and front end, it just oozes the "cool" of a different era.

[tones2SS]

I say go for a 67-72 Chevy truck. You don't have any trucks, besides your Dually. Those are very sweet when done right. Nice list though, tough to choose.:nod:

[A-Dub]

Id love to have a 64 Lincoln. Ken and I have been eyeballing mid 60s Buick Riviera's too

[Brains]

I think you need something to really stand out from the crowd. You need a 1974 AMC Matador.

[REAPER]

eh, my Camaro is for sale still. If you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket.

[Mr CHI]

1. Ford GT supercar. I will own one someday.



Go 'head and get rid of that blue and white thingamajig and get one! Then race your Z06 again. :lol:

[LawmanSS]

Sorry to hear that you're selling the 2010, but I'm sure you'll replace it with something sweet. Are you going to sell it modified, or are you going to return it to stock?

[Nine Ball]

I'll list the Camaro modified first. If it doesn't sell, I'll pull the blower off and keep it for the next one, or put it on one of the L92 engines I have in the shop.

[Ragtop 99]

what degree is she pursuing?

[Pro Stock John]

There are a lot of cars I'd like to own for a year or two... But only a handful I would see as long term keepers. I think the FGT for sure makes that list.

[QuickSilver]

I like the 68-72 Truck idea.
Here is mine.
This was getting close to beeing done but i wanted to take it to a local show.
Drove it there open headers, no hood, no font roll pan, and on a dealer tag.
In hindsight I would have done a few things different on it.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/foxxyfirebird/7dc489af.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/foxxyfirebird/68b9a2ad.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/foxxyfirebird/ec85fe89.jpg

[Nine Ball]

Joel, she currently has a BS in Finance, wants to get one in Accounting and her CPA too. Job market down here seems a lot stronger for CPA's than it does finance majors.

QuickSilver, that truck is kick ass. Very cool hotrod pickup!

[Ragtop 99]

Have her work towards an MBA or MPA if she needs hours and classes to sit for the CPA. Grad acctg classes count toward the requirement, they just move at a little faster pace. I know a lot of people doing that. A grad degree is more valuable than dual undergrad degrees.

[Pro Stock John]

Yeah I echo Joel's comments, I rarely see folks with two BA's. My wife is a financial analyst (at home with the 3 and 5 yr old boys) but had she gotten another degree it would have been an MBA or a Masters in Accounting.

[demonspeed]

Have her work towards an MBA or MPA if she needs hours and classes to sit for the CPA. Grad acctg classes count toward the requirement, they just move at a little faster pace. I know a lot of people doing that. A grad degree is more valuable than dual undergrad degrees.

But won't she still need the working hours?

I wish CPA's were more in demand up here. My wife is having a difficult time finding a job in which they actually value her designation. Most just want a BS in accounting and do not necessarily care much about her CPA. Had we stayed in DC...

[Ragtop 99]

But won't she still need the working hours? Any experience requirement would be unchanged whether the academic hours are met through grad classes or undergrad.

1 Grad hr. = 1.5 undergrad hr. in most states as far as meeting the minimum.

[Pro Stock John]

Might also be due to the fact that Pittsburgh has been a tough job market in general.

[demonspeed]

Any experience requirement would be unchanged whether the academic hours are met through grad classes or undergrad.

1 Grad hr. = 1.5 undergrad hr. in most states as far as meeting the minimum.

I'm thinking along the lines of having a specific amount of hours working under a licensed CPA. For instance, my wife works with a guy who passed his exams and has all the school, he just can't apply for his license because he has not worked under a CPA.

I may be misunderstanding you as you might be attempting to state the graduate hours will offset "working" hour requirements. While I'm married to a CPA, I will not pretend to know all the intricacies of the designation or the accounting world (which is why I may not be comprehending you).

Might also be due to the fact that Pittsburgh has been a tough job market in general.

We hoped the affordability of housing would offset this. We've accomplished our goal as we own a newer home with a mortgage less than the rent we once paid, but it's just discouraging that she invested the time for her designation which in another city may carry a lot more weight. She's actually at in interview at this very moment for an internal auditing position. She says internal auditing is what she wants, so...

Meanwhile, I'm at home, browsing plsx, dog on my lap, and procrastinating a sociology final. I feel like a sleazeball. :)

[Ragtop 99]

I'm thinking along the lines of having a specific amount of hours working under a licensed CPA. For instance, my wife works with a guy who passed his exams and has all the school, he just can't apply for his license because he has not worked under a CPA. You're correct that she might have to deal with that. I believe the experience requirement still varies by state. My point was not to spend time getting undergrad credits when she can earn an MBA instead and use those credits toward the CPA requirements. Then she could have an MBA/CPA designation.

[demonspeed]

Then we're both making valid points in different directions! :D

[A-Dub]

No offense to all MBA holders, but the MBA market is saturated.

I agree with Lisa, she's better off in Houston with a CPA, especially once the MBA market becomes further diluted after folks emerge from the downturn with degrees.

[Pro Stock John]

Hmmm but a person with a business degree could just take some accounting classes and then sit for the CPA exam. I believe it's a few sections Joel? No need to get a full masters degree to get a CPA. Right now I'm sure it's a lousy job market for a newly minted MBA who just graduated (after going fulltime). But we are also in the midst of the worst job market since the early 80's.

[demonspeed]

There are four sections to the CPA exam. Also, while one does not need an MBA to earn their CPA, the rules have changed to require more credits than just the standard BS in Finance/Accounting. My wife thought she had everything when she graduated in 07 (she even took extra during her BS), but the requirements had changed just at the end, so she enrolled an extra semester.

Like I believe I mentioned earlier, she has to take another 3 credit course for her PA license as they require even more education than MD did. The most important thing to do at this point is to figure out Texas's requirements. Honestly, if Lisa would only need another year of school for a MBA on top of what she's got for a CPA, then why not just knock it out? Having a MBA is certainly not going to hurt anyone other than the time and financial commitment.

[Nine Ball]

If anyone were to get an MBA in this house, it would make far greater financial sense for me to get one. I have about 10 years of management experience, own a business, and an engineering degree. It would be the next step into finding an executive role somewhere.

But, I'm not really interested in it. I do just fine without the fancy title. If anything, I'd rather go to law school.

[Ragtop 99]

There are four sections to the CPA exam. Also, while one does not need an MBA to earn their CPA, the rules have changed to require more credits than just the standard BS in Finance/Accounting... if Lisa would only need another year of school for a MBA on top of what she's got for a CPA, then why not just knock it out? Having a MBA is certainly not going to hurt anyone other than the time and financial commitment.

Exactly. To sit for the CPA you need 150 hrs. Most people graduate with 120 hrs. If you need 30 hrs, you might as well take classes that count towards an MBA. It just gives her options.
...the MBA market is saturated. Doesn't matter. If she needs to take classes and and the by product of getting the CPA is an MBA, she has the ability to exploit both down the road.
but a person with a business degree could just take some accounting classes and then sit for the CPA exam. Typically 27 -30 hrs are required in specific courses, not all of which are acctg classes (e.g. business law). The catch for most 4 yr undergrads is the 150 hr overall requirement.

[HYBRED]

Tony, does Lisa's current company do any kind of tuition reimbursement?

[Ragtop 99]

Back on topic, ;) the Ford GT is the only thing appeals to me on your list.

I don't see you on a long term basis (i.e. more than 39 weeks in your case :D ) enjoying the drive in a 60's caddy or Lincoln w/o a complete suspension overhaul and a lot of interior work. The bench seats, body roll, float, and numb steering would be hard to accept unless the car relates to specific memories from your childhood.

[Z Fury]

You're correct that she might have to deal with that. I believe the experience requirement still varies by state. My point was not to spend time getting undergrad credits when she can earn an MBA instead and use those credits toward the CPA requirements. Then she could have an MBA/CPA designation.

The experience requirement does vary by state. I also agree with the MBA over the BS in Accounting. Here are the requirements (http://www.becker.com/accounting/cpaexamreview/state/) to sit for the exam, by state, so we can stop beating that into the ground.

CPA pay rates are scarce in my area too, demonspeed. I'm even applying for government positions just to land some coin. Even having passed the exam, I'm still making under $60K/year... :(

[demonspeed]

The experience requirement does vary by state (http://www.becker.com/accounting/cpaexamreview/state/). I also agree with the MBA over the BS in Accounting.

CPA pay rates are scarce in my area too, demonspeed. I'm even applying for government positions just to land some coin. Even having passed the exam, I'm still making under $60K/year... :(

It's tough no matter what, I suppose. Tony's post isn't the first I've seen that CPA's are in demand in Texas, too bad it wasn't the same everywhere else!

After reading your edit:

To be honest, my wife didn't get squat from her current employer after earning her CPA. She still has a staff title (actually, it's just her, the asst controller, and the controller, so there isn't anywhere for her to move; the asst controller is the guy I mentioned who can't get his license due to not working under a CPA). According to her, had she stayed in public, she'd theoretically be a senior at this point and making about $60k (without her CPA). But, in her opinion, not having the hours that are required in public is worth her lack in pay and title (at the moment).

She's now trying to find an internal audit position. I'm telling her that she shouldn't settle for less than $60k at this point, but that's easy for me to say since I'm not the one in that field :lol:

[Pro Stock John]

Usually there are jobs available in internal audit, if I may generalize. I've rarely recruited cpa and internal audit folks, but folks with some tenure usually make decent money.

[Ragtop 99]

The experience requirement does vary by state. I also agree with the MBA over the BS in Accounting. Here are the requirements (http://www.becker.com/accounting/cpaexamreview/state/) to sit for the exam, by state, so we can stop beating that into the ground.
The requirements listed to sit for the exam are not always the same as for licensure. For example DC has an experience requirement but Becker does not list it.
CPA pay rates are scarce in my area too, demonspeed. I'm even applying for government positions just to land some coin. Even having passed the exam, I'm still making under $60K/year... :( If you are just out of school and recently passed the exam, making in the $50k range with benefits is decent money unless you are in a very high cost of living area or are billing > 2k hours/yr. If you have 5 years of experience, then I see your gripe.

[gator's 99TA]

No offense to all MBA holders, but the MBA market is saturated.

I agree with Lisa, she's better off in Houston with a CPA, especially once the MBA market becomes further diluted after folks emerge from the downturn with degrees.

I have an MBA and it really helps market my abilities to my clients. It was well worth the little bit of time (1.5 years) and money (graduate assistant work and employer helped pay nearly all of it). its not the paper that gets you where you want to go, but using it as the topping on the cake.

too many people try to get an MBA as a substitute for real world experience, hard work and proven excellence or success. also, i see too many people think an MBA will make them and "expert" and they can sit back and point to the paper and wait for the money to start rolling in.

[BigBronco]

I would love an MBA or Engineering Management degree later down the line to help me move up through the PM ranks later on in life..

[A-Dub]

I would love an MBA or Engineering Management degree later down the line to help me move up through the PM ranks later on in life..

You are already later on in life.........


:love:

[BigBronco]

Game. Set. Match.

[Z Fury]

If you are just out of school and recently passed the exam, making in the $50k range with benefits is decent money unless you are in a very high cost of living area or are billing > 2k hours/yr. If you have 5 years of experience, then I see your gripe.

I've worked under CPAs for 4 years of my career, and I've just ended my 5th year working as a Controller (working with external auditors/CPAs), so 9 years experience in accounting.

[HYBRED]

I would love an MBA or Engineering Management degree later down the line to help me move up through the PM ranks later on in life..

+1, but minus the P. Bout 8 mo and I'll be eligible to apply for reimbursement, but since my current manager just started his, I don't think it'll be happening for a while LOL

[Pro Stock John]

Headhunter hat on....

So I see folks working for the big public accounting firm start in the 50/60 range, and work their way into 6 figures after say five years. That might be a senior manager title off memory.

For the private sector, I see folks with accounting backgrounds working in internal audit, finance, accounting, etc.

I don't track controller compensation on an ongoing basis, but I've seen jobs coming in from $75K to of course $150K.

Like engineering, accounting/finance is a big field and when you are at the bottom of the pyramid there are a lot of jobs out there.

My suggestion is if someone is really interesting in making money and getting good experience, I'd start out in a public firm, or work for a large company. I'd for sure get your CPA. You can always go to smaller firms over time, but some employers hold that bigger firm in higher regard because of the training you would get.

[Z Fury]

My suggestion is if someone is really interesting in making money and getting good experience, I'd start out in a public firm, or work for a large company. I'd for sure get your CPA. You can always go to smaller firms over time, but some employers hold that bigger firm in higher regard because of the training you would get.

Which is actually sad. I work with some external auditors every year who work for a big firm. Without bragging, I'd say I know more than them. Guaranteed I don't know more about audit than these guys do, but my overall accounting knowledge and experience is better. Working in a small firm, you have to do EVERYTHING. I was learning how to file tax forms I'd never heard of - even in college. I was doing bookwork for a big variety of clients, setting up new businesses, closing old ones, doing mergers, acquisitions, splits, payrolls, dealing with the IRS and multiple state departments of revenue, doing property tax returns, tax planning, and everything in between. I know I don't know everything, or that I'm a pro at any one of those things, but I've been exposed to it all, and I know what I'm good at because of it. The auditors I work with know very little about taxation because they don't work in that area. The ones that work in taxation don't know much about audit because they never do it. And so on. I understand the whole concept of "the big firms take the top talent," but I've never understood why their experience would be more sought, depending on the job.

My background working in small firms prepped me for my role as controller far more than had I worked for a big CPA firm and done nothing but tax returns for 5-6 years. But that's my opinion.

I'll stop derailing this thread now.

[Ragtop 99]

Hiring someone from a top college and Big 4 is just a screening technique; it doesn't guarantee success or the best hiring decision, just slightly improves the odds and cuts down the variance. I've worked with some excellent folks from the Big 8, err Big 4, and some dolts. Same goes for staff at small firms and some people coming out of lesser known colleges.

I'll give you the quick devil's advocate response. I'm not commenting on you personally.
I understand the whole concept of "the big firms take the top talent," but I've never understood why their experience would be more sought, depending on the job. Because the breadth of exposure is generally good and their training programs are very good.

My background working in small firms prepped me for my role as controller far more than had I worked for a big CPA firm and done nothing but tax returns for 5-6 years. The risk is that someone learned from a jack-of-all trades and knows enough to be dangerous or learned incorrect info. I've seen it in the government contracts world where firms got in over the head and violated or became subject to procurement regs that they didn't even know existed when they bid the contract.

You may need to find a headhunter to help get you into a bigger firm if your pay is low and the company isn't growing fast enough to provide advancement opportunity.

[demonspeed]

I'd agree with what Ragtop is saying simply based on what I've seen my wife go through, as well as her peers that she keeps in contact with at her old public firm.

Just like a resume that states a major university or a small local one, companies look for the big names. Right or wrong, it is a subconscious way to determine that one prospect is better than another. Same with the big 4. My wife worked for Reznick in Bethesda. They rate themselves a "top 20" firm, but I would assume that having Deloitte, KPMG, E&Y, or PWC on her resume would mean even more. Like Ragtop stated, if one is hired from a big 4 firm, the employer knows what they are getting.

Also take into consideration that the people looking at the resume will more than likely have an emotional connection to an applicant who spent time at one of those large firms, because likely, they themselves got the experience there (kind of like a university alum giving preference to those candidates who had graduated from the same).

On a similar (yet much different) level, I was going through the same kind of problems. I had experience in my field, but not having the degree disqualified me. Fortunately I impressed a large REIT, and the rest is history. The experience did motivate me to get back to school, so hopefully I won't have to deal with that "discrimination" again.

Z Fury, you sound well qualified. Does your resume need tweaked to really stand out? Keep adding your network connections as they will be infinitely more help to get your foot in the door. You CPA's are intelligent people, so there right place is out there. I feel for you because I am trying to boost my wife up with the same issues. She does have a second interview for the internal audit position tomorrow, so things are looking good for this one.

PSJ: Do you find that sites like linked in are useful, or are they just a glorified facebook?

[Nine Ball]

Sheesh this went off topic :)

[Z Fury]

Sorry 'bout that... :(

[Ragtop 99]

Sheesh this went off topic :)
Lisa > Pick-up truck or old Lincoln. :poke:
:D

[Pro Stock John]

If your question is whether Linkedin is useful for job seekers, I would say heck yeah. You can use the JOBS tab and search based on a number of parameters.

I use Linkedin for research and marketing, since I've been 100% business development for the last 13 years. I have about 880 contacts and most of them are C suite and some VP, very little at the director level.

[Z Fury]

I'm on LinkedIn, but I have been far from active on it. I set it up after a co-worker told me about it. Maybe I should spend more time networking on it...

[gator's 99TA]

I need to get on this LinkedIn thing. I am a big (huge) firm guy. I guess it would help me. one of these days, I am going to get PSJ to help me get a job. My current firm HQ is actually in downtown Chicago.

[Mr CHI]

This thread saved a lot of PM's from getting sent. :nod:

[Pro Stock John]

Well I have placed some GC's, so that's always a possibility.

[demonspeed]

Any advice for a labor relations major? :lol:


...oh... and I reiterate my opinion for the Cadillac :D

[gator's 99TA]

what is a labor relations degree?

[demonspeed]

what is a labor relations degree?

From PSU's website:

"This major permits students to undertake a study of work and the employment relationship in the context of a liberal arts education. A broad foundation of theoretical and professional knowledge is provided through a multidisciplinary approach. The B.A. and B.S. degrees draw on the perspectives of disciplines such as industrial relations, economics, history, law, sociology, and psychology. This focus includes the nature and functions of the institutions involved in the employment relationship. The B.S. degree requires more course work in quantification than the B.A. degree.

Graduates of Labor Studies and Employment Relations are equipped for employment in business, government, and labor organizations as labor relations specialists, personnel and human resource specialists, researchers, organizers, consultants, and professionals in mediation and arbitration. The degree is also appropriate preparation for graduate study and law school.
"

I'm interested in change management, training & development, and arbitration. I'm more into the theory of what makes people tick than I am numbers on a paper (quite the opposite of a CPA). What I'm not looking to do is benefits and stuff like that :lol: For arbitration, I'd like to get into it on the organization's side as I'm against unionization.

[gator's 99TA]

^ those are big words.