What I’m all about
I’m Mike Manalac and I’m a CPA, Writer, Artist, Speaker and a recognized "40 Under 40" leader in accounting.
From feeling stuck in my early career to thriving at industry giants like PwC, Walmart, and Google, I clawed my way into the career I always wanted.
Now I’m sharing resources to help stuck accountants get unstuck.
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The one and only Dream Job Playbook for accountants.
It’s packed with actionable strategies to make the most of your accounting career.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: This document contains general career guidance and strategies for ambitious accountants, it DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY material related to resumes, applications or the interview process, nor will the author engage in any request for such information. The thoughts, opinions and contents are of the author and his alone and not of any company, employer or other entity.
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With the “Sketchy Business Practices” course you can sharpen your remote collaboration skills and visual problem solving skills.
This is free for my network.
Illustrated Blog
Check out my cartoons and hot takes on accounting and corporate life.
Job seekers have two competitors lurking in the shadows. Contractors and teams outsourced overseas.
Barry was 37 when he became CEO of the AICPA, maybe it's time for another 30 something to take the reigns?
Want to be a Millionaire? There’s Strength in these 3 Letters…That’s right, CPA's earn $1 million more in their accounting career than non-CPA's. Nuff said.
Four firms audit 100% of all Fortune 500 companies. A clean audit report from the Big 4 is still seen as the gold standard. It's safe to say, the Big 4’s dominance isn’t threatened by smaller firms.
75% of CPA's are at retirement age…It’s time to Pass the Torch. EY is doing just that with it’s reverse mentorship program.
40% of accountants believe the negative accounting stereotypes are a real barrier to entry. They point to the perception that accountants are stuffy, boring number crunchers that lack creativity.
EY only requires 2 days a week in the office. That’s a sweet Hybrid deal in a world where 3 days a week has become the norm. Employees say nope.
CNBC reports “The declining birth rate also plays a role into the low supply of accountants”
Blame the Long Hours: 8,000 Accountants across 148 countries speak up. 61% of respondents admit their mental health suffers because of work pressures.
PwC decided to seek volunteers for their latest round of layoffs. Volunteers were given a script and told to keep it on the DL.
PCAOB grades audit quality.
Deloitte, EY and PwC had an average deficiency rate of about 24%, up from roughly 13% a year earlier.
There’s no shortage of Beef with the accounting profession 🍽 🥩
One rack of ribs sized problem is the 150 credit requirement. Most people agree, a 5th year of college is costly and unnecessary.
Baker Tilly sold the majority of the firm to two investment groups. This will end up being the biggest private equity deal for an accounting firm ever.
Accounting has its roots in the dawn of civilization. A nice reminder that as far back as people conducted business, there was accounting.
Vice chair at KPMG said “We needed to take some of the top off the mountain in January, February and March”
If you read the headlines, it might seem like now is a bad time to start an accounting career. But I’d argue it’s the best time!
Making Partner at the Firm isn’t the Carrot it used to be. The new generation of workers want more than just good pay and fancy title.
Passing the CPA exam takes over 6 attempts on average. That’s what it takes to get through all 4 sections of the exam.
Big 4 or Bust: absolutely True or completely False. In the world of accounting, it doesn’t get any better than the Big 4. Or does it?
According to a new CNBC article, Accounting is the hottest WFH job on the market right now. That’s right, let that sink in for a minute.
Roll out the Red Carpet: the accounting shortage hits Hollywood. Accounting jobs in Hollywood are not just for numbers nerds. They can provide some of the glamor enjoyed by actors.
Most people make senior associate after 3 years or so, which is a milestone you should aim to hit.
Featured Articles
I’ve written and been featured in articles with top publishers.
Creativity is NOT a 4 letter word in accounting. I deep dive into the complicated relationship between Accounting and Creativity.
I discuss the shift from public accounting to the greener grass of industry with Business Insider.
I share top tips on landing your dream job in industry with the folks at AccountTsts and Big4 Transparency.
I share the good, the bad and the ugly of living and working in San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Chicago.
In my interview with the Business Journal, I claim that there is a shortage, “a shortage of talent that wants to work for low pay.”
Business Insider
My dream job at Google came with a great salary and perks but a nightmare 4-hour commute. It was totally worth it.
Podcasts and Media
I love to talk big ideas with some of the biggest changemakers in accounting.
Love Your Brand Podcast: “Creativity Meets Business: Navigating the Corporate World with Authenticity and AI”
The Tech CPA Who Needed Just One Yes with Mike Manalac - Cool Careers in Accounting Ep. 8
The Finance Leader Podcast
Navigating Career Changes in Accounting with Insights from Mike Manalac
Business Beyond Borders: Impactful Insights for CPA's
Navigating Management, Work-Life Harmony, and the Changing Landscape of Accounting with Mike Manalac
Earmark podcast with Blake Oliver
From Auditor to Google: How Mike Manalac Landed His Dream Job in Accounting
Accounting High with Scott Scarano and guest Mike Manalac
"The Uprising of the Next Generation of Accountants"
From Zero to Millions: Accounting Edition
Shaping your Accounting Career into your dream job
Tech for Finance w/Adam Shilton
Accounting Meets Art: How to Use Visuals as the Ultimate Productivity Tool
No Flux Given
The Only Dream Job Playbook for Accountants
Don’t listen to the naysayers, cool jobs in accounting do exist! But your dream job won’t fall into your lap.
No Flux Given is packed full of guidance to make the most of your accounting career.
