[JustPassedOrlando]

I just finished all the parts of the CPA!

I also have a 3.9 GPA(MBA and MAcc) from a good(not Ivy league) school.

I have only 1 year of audit at a small firm. But I will likely get senior at year 2.

I would like to go to the Big 4 as a senior. Is that possible coming from a small firm? Should I just go to a regional firm and then apply to Big 4?

[jbergmann1]

If I were you I would stay at your current firm for at least 3 years since that's what it would take to make senior at a regional firm. Then you could move to Big4 after 2 years as a senior at a regional firm. But maybe at that point you may make manager at the regional firm.

Passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam!
License application in progress

[JustPassedOrlando]

Thanks for the feedback!

That seems to be a logical path. I was hoping to go directly to the Big 4.

But I will plan on going to a regional firm after getting some senior experience here.

But if I don't see signs of getting senior here soon, I will just leave earlier and take an associate position at a regional firm.

But if they are quick with promoting me to senior, I might be tempted to stay until manager.

[MaLoTu]

I would definitely consider just going into B4 if that is where you want to be. I feel that moving firms is a hassle because you have to learn the firm's practices, their preferred documentation style, get use to new people, etc. I just feel it would be beneficial to have to make that transition the least amount of times possible.

[JustPassedOrlando]

I agree, but it's difficult getting hired as an associate. It seems like they mainly hire associates from colleges. The lowest position available on their websites is usually senior.

Does anyone know of any way to get hired as an associate, as an experienced hire?

[MaLoTu]

I would try your college if B4 recruits from there. You can more than likely still leverage off their meet the firms or whatever.

Also, go on linked in and try to get ahold of seniors, staff, or managers that work for these firms. See if you can meet with them to discuss the firm and they will more than likely be willing to help pass on your resume.

[JustPassedOrlando]

I've connected with quite a few people on LinkedIn. I guess I have to keep on grinding.

Unfortunately, I went to grad school in another state.

[PubMaster]

I think you have a really good shot for an experienced hire. As long as you can network effectively and you're personable, you'll probably be fine.

[JustPassedOrlando]

I think you're right. I get recruiters calling, but none for Big 4.

My biggest anxiety is trying to figure out if the Big 4 will hire me as senior, with only small firm experience.

[PubMaster]

If you sell yourself correctly and there is an opening, they will. Don't be intimidated because it's Big 4.

[Author]

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