<p>Around 10 years ago I worked for a small firm as a national revenue manager. The firm was purchased by a Fortune 100. I was included as part of their purchase! I never saw that coming. The Fortune 100 said I was a ‘hugely valuable asset’ and insisted that old firm NOT try to take me with them. I was stunned. You just never know. </p>
<p>You might also consider contacting headhunters in your area (not employment agencies) to have them begin the process. Good headhunters can do magic. One scooped me right out of a firm and into a fascinating position that in a million years I would not have known about.</p>
<p>First, let me say that it is normal to be scared. But you are not alone.</p>
<p>I just went back to work after being laid off 5 months ago. I know how it feels being ‘older’ and being worried that we will never be hired again. Believe me, I know. I’m 55. </p>
<p>However, this is the third time in my life I have been laid off, and each time I have bounced back with something even better. I look back and realize that it really was all for the good, even after all the trying times of being without a job. (The last time I was laid off in 2008, it was for almost 11 months.)</p>
<p>Get connected right away. Join LinkedIn or update your profile Reach out to everyone you know. Do some introspective thinking and contemplate what you would really like to do. I took the opportunity to go for a job that I have always wanted to do, and ended up getting it. I may never have taken the risk before.</p>
<p>I also joined a job seeking group through a local church. they brought in dynamite speakers, had excellent coaching from local leaders in the community, and I met lots of other people in the same boat as me. It made all the difference.</p>
<p>And, I did it without resorting to dying my hair again! </p>
<p>And, if you need help reviewing your resume, looking at cover letters, etc, just let me know. I am always happy to help anyone else going through what I have.</p>
<p>I am a CPA in northern CA. I sometimes help recruit accounting people for my clients. Three searches in 2011, maybe 4 the year before. </p>
<p>My small to medium sized clients need a competent office / accounting manager. it is a hard position to fill. Someone who can multitask, oversee all accounting funstions, handle some HR related tasks, akeep everything together. I consider mid 50s and ideal age for a recruit. probably around for another 10 years (really 5 years is all you can hope for in an employee). At that age you have experience and maturity. Bottom line, around my neck of the woods you would be quite hirable.</p>
<p>For example, I advertise on Craigs List. After 2 or so days we will have received near 100 resumes. Out of those there are typically 5 that are strong and another 5 maybes. Most are completely unqualified. Phone interviews whittles the list quickly to maybe 3 or 4.</p>
<p>As long as your skills are current you should be one of those 3 or 4. Again, in this type of position I don’t see your age as a detriment.</p>
<p>That is exactly what I do. Prepare financials,suprvise A/P,A/R Payroll,Liason with CPA and since we have alot of federal contracts, work with DCAA auditors, work with GSA auditors as well as insurance auditors. I also prepare internal financials by profit center on both a cash and accural basis. We recently changed our accounting system from Deltel wind2 to Billquick and Quickbooks. I set up the A/P and G/L modules without benefit of any traning. I guees I’ll put this all on my resume. My offical title is office manager, but it is alot more</p>