Bachelors to Accounting Manager?

[drew]

I got my B.S. in Acc last year and don't have any accounting experience, just 6 years in mortgage banking. I came across a unique opportunity to work for a small internet start up as an Accounting Manager. They have an outside bookkeeper but no accounting staff.

Considering the fact that through coursework I've touched on budgets, assembling financials, analytics, tax, etc. is it that far of a stretch? I mean, I studied for 4 years so I'm not exactly new to this stuff. I figure it's a small company and wouldn't be overly complicated.

Is this a boneheaded idea or is it totally feasible? And what would experience bring to the table that I could not teach myself? I covet your input and wisdom, O wise ones.

 

[bklynboy]

Personally, I think you are still a "wet" as there are many aspects of accounting that you cant get in school and cannot replace real world experience. What experience brings is how to correctly apply accounting theory for that specific industry, how to build budgets and forecasts of that specific entity, working under pressure/deadlines, communicating and persuading management and outside contacts and how to consider the best tax strategies and application of tax rules to your company. There is a lot more that will only come as you work.

However, if they are willing to get you on board, I say take the job as a great experience to learn a lot about the day to day accounting that will help you later on in your career. It is unusual they would hire someone straight out of school to run the accounting area so they must see something special in you to get this chance.

 

[kirby]

Also take time to examine the larger issue of whether this is the right company for you. Some "internet startups" come and go pretty quickly. Make sure the business has a good product/business model and that the owners are in it as a career and not just to sell it off to someone else ( examine this in terms of your mortgage banking experience as similar to the folks who "flip" properties). If the new job passes this test THEN decide if you want to be the acctg mgr there.

 

[drew]

The last thing I want is to waste their time and money so I will press them for details and make sure that the things they need are not over my head. Thanks, fellas!