[Anonymous]

Hi all, I’ve passed all four parts of the CPA exam and would like to land a job in one of the big 4s. I had 3 years of general accounting experience, none in public accounting. I’ve looked at senior position listings in big 4s and all of them are in very specific area which I don’t think I’m qualified for. So I think my best shot would be entry level positions. But from what I heard, big 4s mainly hire their entry levels through campus. I’m currently not in school and I guess campus hiring for this year was just done?

Someone give share their experience and give me some advice. Thanks.

[mike_terror]

I know I won't get into the Big 4's but I'm trying to shoot for the regional firms in Los Angeles. I just finished my undergrad last week, majoring in accounting. My cumulative GPA is 2.979, worked full time juggling other obligations throughout college, no accounting working experience, studying for FAR.

How screwed am I? Would you guys recommend getting into governmental work instead?

[MikeInMIA]

@ExhaustedCPA

Did you just apply for your job through usajobs website? Or is there a more proactive method? I have filled out a few resumes for the jobs listed at usajobs and it goes no where..

Also, can you elaborate on examples of jobs you've been offered?

my goal is to get into gov / contract auditing and apply for FBI in a few years.. it sounds like you have a similar plan.

I hope you see this message..

Is there anyway to send private messages on this forum?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think exhausted said he works for state gov't. Usajobs.gov is for federal which is what it sounds like your looking for. If that's the case than yeah you have to go through that website. I did for my job and it took me 6 months to hear from them (I've heard up to 12 months for other people) although if you compare that to Big 4 who recruits 12-18 months out, it isn't really unusual for this profession.

[MikeInMIA]

dtomasello, thanks for the reply.

Do you just have to hope they email you back? Or do they call? I think my applications with them were sent in 6-8 months ago. Two of the openings I applied for had auto replies saying the opening was canceled / expired. I just really hate sending in applications online into neverland with no clue if they will even be looked at.

Btw, what is your job with the fed?

[Anonymous]

I received a phone call for the interview but it could be different depending on the agency. Hang in there, most of the time no news is good news. You'll get the call just keep applying to everything that interests you. This is a great website to check out https://federalsoup.federaldaily.com it has alot of people who like to give good advice on gov't and people in the same boat as you trying to get in.

When you apply for jobs you want to apply for the ones that have “many openings”. The ones looking for 1-2 people are impossible to get. Almost every agency has some type of accounting work depending on your interests (e.g. IRS = Tax, DoD = Audit, FBI = Forensic Acct.) so don't limit yourself.

Good luck. I absolutely love my job. It's 40 hrs a week, flexible schedule, really good pay and benefits.

[MikeInMIA]

Oh no.. lol

I usually never answer phone calls with area codes I don't recognize

[Author]

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