I'm sure some will hazard a guess but what I really need to know is what you have done thus far in your search. I'd like to see your resume and cover letters/email intro (obviously take your name out first); which specific job channels (networking, job boards, job fairs, print ads, alumni groups, etc.) you've addressed - and please include how many as in where you've allocated your job search time; numbers and types of responses from each channel; interview feedback, etc. Also let us know the accounting or business associations to which you belong,

In other words, the whole ball of wax.

Additionally, to add to Steve, it would be helpful to know how much talking you have done to professionals in your field of interest. Have you asked them for advice, or to critique your resume? I would also seek out opportunities to shadow an accountant, intern or informational interview. You need to know what concerns they might have about you in order to proceed. I would also begin the process to obtain your CPA. This is crucial in accounting, and while you won't need it to get your first job, it will show employers you are serious about the field. Visit www.aicpa.org to learn more. Accounting is a hot field right now so you shouldn't have a problem--try focusing on smaller firms too.

Well, you've talked about your present job title as General Manager and you've talked about your graduating from an Accounting/MBA program. But you haven't talked about what you've done to get your feet wet and your hands [work] dirty.

Have you shifted some of your job responsibilities in order to officially or unofficially be involved in the financial aspects of doing it or using some of the accounting principles and tools in order to make decisions and/or write reports? If so, those should be included in the accomplishments language of your resume.

In addition to the information the other two commentors would like to see, it would be useful to know if you've done any exploration of Accounting opportunities within your present company.

It could be your present job was a matter of early choices and a series of promotions. But I'm just curious about why you've decided to make such a switch. Perhaps Accounting has always been your dream, that's been deferred until now. With the investment of time, money and other personal sacrifices to attain this goal, it seems to be understood that you've determined through several means that this is truly a career that's a good match for your interest and abilities.

Viva

When candidates tell me that they keep getting rejected for lack of experience, I ask them to listen to the reasons for the rejection rather than reject the reasons as unfounded. When employer after employer tells you that you are unqualified because you lack experience, then go and get that experience.

The answer that I often hear back from discouraged candidates is that they can't get the experience if no one will hire them. In other words, they just need someone to give them a chance. Well, employers aren't in business to give unqualified candidates a chance. That's the job of the candidate, not the employer. So the question becomes how to get that experience if no one will hire you. The answer is to get that experience without requiring anyone to hire you. Instead, volunteer your time.

The world is full of non-profits and small businesses which are starved for manpower and talent. They will frequently ignore a volunteer's lack of experience and instead be willing to train that person. So volunteer your time as an accountant for a non-profit or small business. Prepare tax returns for free for elderly, disabled, or otherwise needy individuals. Do the books for your local youth sports teams or Boy Scouts troop. But above all, listen to the advice being offered to you by those employers. They're not telling you that you're a bad person or that they would never be willing to hire you. They're telling you that before you can be hired by their organization, you need to invest a bit more in yourself to get the experience that you will need so that you can be a productive employee for them.

I echo the responses of the others, it is hard to give you specific advice without seeing a resume and how you are marketing yourself in this career change. But it does make sense to make this first job change one that appears less "drastic" to an employer. Use your knowledge of the hospitality and restaurant industry to your advantage. Apply for accounting positions in corporate headquarters for restaurant chains, hotels, etc. In this way, you bring two levels of expertise to the potential employer. Best of luck.

Have you considered public service? Many government agencies have a critical need for accountants. Although the starting salary may seem low, consider that most are forty hours a week plus benefits. You can check out our careers at http://www.jobs.irs.gov/opp_accounting.html

You can also find out more about aother federal careers at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ You can use this as a portal to most federal agencies employment sites.