[MJP]

Here’s my case:

I graduated from a foreign school in 2009 with only little experience (internship at an investment bank and a running part-time job here in CA). I have passed 3 of the 4 sections of the CPA exam and recently finished the last section (Reg).

I know that the economy is terrible, rough, etc but what would should I do to get myself ahead considering the above circumstances in getting into the Big4? Re networking, would it be ok to present yourself to a CPA in any Big4 even without being introduced by someone?

BEC - 85 | AUD - 92 | FAR - 95 | REG - 87

[Anonymous]

The easiest way to get into a Big 4 is through a college career center which is not an option for you. Networking is your second best choice. You need to find out who the recruiters are. Each office or area only has 1 or 2 recruiters and they are the ones to notice you. Yes, the economy is bad but they are all hiring anyway. I just graduated and I had offers from 3 of the Big 4. Each of them has events in the area where high level staff, associates & recruiters gather and have ‘weird little parties.' Like bowling, games, etc. Just applying online will NOT get you anywhere. Your job is to find out where the events are and show up prepared (look on their facebook or other sites, they all have profiles). Some of such events will guarantee you an interview if they like you. Ok, what else. Get on linkedIN and chat with the recruiters. It's their job, they will talk to you. Another way is to meet someone who works there, people are willing to help if they like you.

I don't know what else to say. If you're smart, hardworking, and have a nice personality they will hire you. Foreign school is not usually an issue, I am foreign and I'm doing pretty well. Remember that all offices are different too, some are more ‘family like' than others, your job is to get in, you can move to a diff office later.

[potatogun]

What cities are you interested in? I might have contact information for Big4 recruiters depending on what region you're interested in.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[MJP]

@big shot: thanks! that was really insightful. Yes, Ive recently signed up myself in linkedup. Will do those things which you mentioned. Re those events, can anyone just crash in? or one would have to be “signed up” for that event? If yes, how? It was somehow disheartening when I moved here since I would have gotten offers easily from Big 4 firms where I came from.

@potatogun: I live in CA. SF Bay Area. Where are you from?

BEC - 85 | AUD - 92 | FAR - 95 | REG - 87

[potatogun]

@MJP I wouldn't just crash events unless they are open, but you could certainly try it if you're willing to risk looking bad. If they are school sponsored try contacting the club/association putting it on to see if you could attend.

I am going to be in the bay area too with a Big4. If you want to give me your email, maybe we can communicate. I have some recruiter info that I believe is still current for a few of the Big4 in the area. Although, I would not like to have my name attached to it since we don't know each other personally, but maybe if you also shared a resume with me later on. At the least you can say you found the info on some school's recruiting info listed online because recruiters names are just out there very often.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[MJP]

@potatogun: you could reach me thru michaeljohn.patag@gmail.com. Thanks, I appreciate the help.

BEC - 85 | AUD - 92 | FAR - 95 | REG - 87

[gateway3601]

Wow, that was really insightful information you provided Big Shot CPA. I have couple more questions that i would like to ask: What are some of things or topics to talk about when you actually meet a recruiter? Do I just go up to them and introduce myself or talk to them and ask them whether they are hiring? Or talk about the company? What resources can I use to find out who's the recruiter in my area (NYC)? Any input is greatly appreciated.

FAR(61,73,73,74,76) REG-81 AUD(61,64,58) BEC(71,77)

[potatogun]

The recruiting events that bigshotcpa mentioned are largely put on with universities' accounting associations or greek societies that specialized in accounting/finance/Ibanking.

I imagine it is difficult to be able to just find them unless you know some students who are going through the recruitment process. If you hear about such events I would try contacting the clubs and beg to be able to attend. I know Becker has some event in the LA region of southern CA but I haven't seen anything for other regions personally, but it wouldn't surprise me.

As far as questions I wouldn't just go up and ask, “hi are you hiring”? That is sort of assumed. Really you want to meet as many people who will know your name and push your resume along to get you an interview.

That being said, generic questions that come up again and again are discussing the type of work at the job, work-life balance, how they like the “people” at the firm, and discussing the hours.

You really just want to get to know professionals as people, because they will more likely remember you. If you can attend any such event, collect business cards and try to keep connections open.

If you're an experienced person looking to get into a Big4 you generally need an introduction from a current employee (and I just mean an endorsement via email to the recruiter pretty much). Most of the experienced hiring if it isn't from Big4 to Big4 is mainly via employee referral.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[gateway3601]

thank you very much for the information.

FAR(61,73,73,74,76) REG-81 AUD(61,64,58) BEC(71,77)

[watswidme]

Thank you very much for this! i'm also in this situation only 1 month in the US and will take the US CPA by August.

have a lot to catch up here since we were using IFRS and IAS in the country where i came from. Do you think i should try for internship while i'm studying for the Board? Also i don't have any work experience whatsoever as i am a fresh grad. pls. reply i'm feeling problematic about this issue. Thanks!! 🙂

FAR 05/21/2011 - 88
BEC 05/23/2011 - 83
AUD 07/30/2011 - 87
REG 08/30/2011 - 84
CPA 04/24/2014 - DONE

[highpoint]

Hey MJP—I'm kinda in a similar situation so I was wondering if you have any updates? Were you able to get a meeting with recruiters from big 4?

Reg - 7/12 - P
Far - 4/13

[MrKnowItNone]

I have worked for PwC for the past 5 years and have moved on to a major investment bank. I still have many ties in NYC, pleasse feel free to reach out to me Filipe714@yahoo.com Thanks

[Anonymous]

Congrats, Mr. KnowItNone on passing FAR!!!!

[SEEPA]

I am so happy to see this forum, i have been finding it very difficult to get into an accounting firm or even find an accounting job. I have an accounting degree from a foreign University along with a Masters in Taxation from St John's University. I am now working on my CPA but have only been able to pass REG so far. I'm located in NYC and must say it has been very difficult to even get interviews here.

Since graduating from St John's I have only been able to acquire a job in payroll and it is mostly clerical. I have learned a few things there but the pay sucks, there is nothing else to learn and advancing within the company seems to be somewhat impossible.

I will definitely take some of the suggestions here into consider, however if there is anyone who can assist me with additional advice I would be very appreciative.

REG - 79
BEC - 54..STUDYING
AUD - 68

[rai0309]

Hi everyone, I'm just new with this forum. I am also at the same boat as you guys. I really wanted to work for Big 4. However, I really don't know how to get noticed. I graduated from a foreign country and currently studying for the cpa exams. Do you guys know recruiters for Big 4?

[lookingforajob]

I passed the CPA exams in Dec 2010 and have spent the past 4 months looking for a job without much luck. My problem is that I don't have any experience in the accounting field and my resume doesn't look very good on Linkedin. How do I get noticed. Would really like to work for in public accounting/Big 4. Any Suggestions??

[Author]

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