[jlondon]

After reading on the forums, and deciding if I should give the big 4 a try, I decided I wanted to go for it even though it might mean a $10k pay cut… Take a step back and lounge 5 steps forward right?

Anyway, I’ve had 4 referrals (Pwc , Deloitte, KPMG) already because due to the fact about 65% of my classmates got accepted to a big 4 right after college. I guess this was due to our somewhat more specialized major? (Accounting Information Systems; or you may call it IT Audit). But I didn’t get in, and I’m going to assume it’s my GPA of 3.1

I’ve applied a month ago, and still haven’t even gotten a call for an interview. What am I doing wrong?

What particular skills / knowledge / or anything at all do they look for? My title right now is accounting clerk, but you can pretty much call me as a GL Accountant or Staff accountant , because of the duties I’m responsible for. At one point, I even subbed for the senior accountant who was out. I have good knowledge of SOX 404, compliance, audits, etc.

My question is, are there any specific keywords / qualities I should put on my resume? I’m only seeking to obtain an associate level position since I’m obviously not as experienced.

BEC: 69, 57, 72, 73, (anticipated for 4/4/2015)
AUD: 65, 63, 74, 84!!! (expires 7/31/2015)
FAR: 63, 57, (scheduled for 4/1/2015)
REG: ... 42, (Anticipated to be around 5/20~)

-Every Set Back is a Set Up for a Major Come Back #motivation

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed." - Michael Jordan

"You are not your past, but the resources and capabilities you glean from it" -Jordan Belfort

[F15hy]

There's companies you can send your résumé to and they can pretty them up for you 😉

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[F15hy]

There's companies you can send your résumé to and they can pretty them up for you 😉

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[Anonymous]

Your GPA is way too low for big 4

[Anonymous]

Your GPA is way too low for big 4

[Anonymous]

People with 3.1 undergrad GPAs can get jobs at Big4, GPA is nothing more that one of the criteria for a first round interview. Past that, your GPA means squat. There's plenty of ways to gain a first round interview with a 3.1 undergrad, be it passing the exams, extracurriculars, or graduate school GPA. B4 would rather have an outgoing and active 3.1 than a 3.8 who would piss off all their co-workers.

That said, the issue with your applications is that you're applying at the worst time of the year, it's busy season. Wait for August-October for when firms really look to hire.

[Anonymous]

People with 3.1 undergrad GPAs can get jobs at Big4, GPA is nothing more that one of the criteria for a first round interview. Past that, your GPA means squat. There's plenty of ways to gain a first round interview with a 3.1 undergrad, be it passing the exams, extracurriculars, or graduate school GPA. B4 would rather have an outgoing and active 3.1 than a 3.8 who would piss off all their co-workers.

That said, the issue with your applications is that you're applying at the worst time of the year, it's busy season. Wait for August-October for when firms really look to hire.

[jlondon]

@F15hy I've never thought of that! Great idea ! When you can't do the work, outsource it =)

@CPAjAson you sure got that right.. during college meet the firms.. I only got 1 interview with KPMG, due to the fact that my class mate had an internship there… Interview went great, but I wasn't selected. Guess I needed to really shine since gpa was only a 3.1

@cpahopeful2828 Hmm. you may be right. That' should be plenty of time.. Hope I can pass all 4 sections by then.

BEC: 69, 57, 72, 73, (anticipated for 4/4/2015)
AUD: 65, 63, 74, 84!!! (expires 7/31/2015)
FAR: 63, 57, (scheduled for 4/1/2015)
REG: ... 42, (Anticipated to be around 5/20~)

-Every Set Back is a Set Up for a Major Come Back #motivation

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed." - Michael Jordan

"You are not your past, but the resources and capabilities you glean from it" -Jordan Belfort

[jlondon]

@F15hy I've never thought of that! Great idea ! When you can't do the work, outsource it =)

@CPAjAson you sure got that right.. during college meet the firms.. I only got 1 interview with KPMG, due to the fact that my class mate had an internship there… Interview went great, but I wasn't selected. Guess I needed to really shine since gpa was only a 3.1

@cpahopeful2828 Hmm. you may be right. That' should be plenty of time.. Hope I can pass all 4 sections by then.

BEC: 69, 57, 72, 73, (anticipated for 4/4/2015)
AUD: 65, 63, 74, 84!!! (expires 7/31/2015)
FAR: 63, 57, (scheduled for 4/1/2015)
REG: ... 42, (Anticipated to be around 5/20~)

-Every Set Back is a Set Up for a Major Come Back #motivation

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed." - Michael Jordan

"You are not your past, but the resources and capabilities you glean from it" -Jordan Belfort

[Author]

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