[loves winter]

Hi

I’m a senior at NYC school with GPA 3.6 with 4 years of office experience (not really accounting) and no BAP.

I have applied some Big4 (got only one phone interview with one firm) and mid-tier firms (got one or two interview offer) during the fall.

I literally started to prepare for recruitment at the end of Aug so I obviously wasn’t prepared for interview.

I was in rush during entire recruitment process so I have definitely learned a lesson to be prepared well (especially interview skill) for next recruitment.

I’m trying to apply Big4 again next fall with trying to pass at least two sections of CPA (FAR and AUD definitely since I want to apply Audit) during upcoming summer since I will be eligible to sit after the end of May.

In addition, I’m in the process of finding any accounting related internship.

I was wondering how much passing two sections of CPA will help me to get interviews with Big4 next fall considering the fact the I have applied previous year without passing section.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I will tell you this: with 4 years of experience, 2 CPA passed, and a 3.6 GPA, you may still be beaten by the guy who has an internal reference.

I should not say this because I personally have an offer without utilizing any reference or network (even though I have plenty). But still, I've competed so many people who have less skills and qualities but stand with me equally. The secret was that they got internal references either through the partner they knew about or through networking.

So instead of reviewing CPA, you should start networking.

About the chance, let me tell you this: as long as you are prepared, the chance is 100% (or maybe 70%-100%). Of course, with more qualities, the chance could be higher.

[lau1c]

I agree with cycgundam. I come from a big 4 and most of the people that were hired in my group were due to the fact that they had an internal reference. Personally, I had been hired due to an internal reference as well. I had previously tried applying to a bunch of big 4s and none of them even invited me for a phone interview. I didn't really network at school or go to any of the big 4 events but one of my bosses was a former big 4 partner and he was able to get me an interview within a week. So yes, networking and knowing someone from the firm does matter. Passing parts of the CPA exam does not really matter that much, they give you time to pass it after you join the firm and I think what really matters at these interviews is personality, showing ambition and drive and having some internship experience. So I highly suggest that you start networking and going to different events that the big 4 firms hold throughout the year. I know some of the big 4s have a mentoring program at many of the colleges and if you get into one of those you are pretty much going to get an in person interview and most likely going to be hired as well. Good luck!

[jbisdamon]

Ya I agree with the above post about the exams. Definitely let them know that you're pursuing it and are halfway but don't dwell on it. Its annoying when a candidate talks the whole time about the exam (to me). Random advice! But I would say on paper your credentials are pretty strong. Good luck!

BEC - 76 7/22/14
AUD - 84 8/30/14
REG - 75 10/16/14
FAR - 87 11/24/14

[Regular Tax Dude]

I have the similar question, and it bothers me all the time. so, I am a MS tax student, and my GPA is 3.0 now, the best I could get is 3.2. I am thinking to network as much as possible, and prepare for the CPA exam in the meantime in hope of passing 1 or 2 sections before the Fall on campus recruiting. What is my chance of getting an interview and a Big 4 offer? and what else I could do more to increase the odd?

– GPA 3.2 (assuming)

– passed 1 section of CPA exam (assuming)

– tax intern at a fortune 500 company for 1 year (pass history)

– tax volunteer preparer for a few seasons (pass history)

– VP of a graduate business club (pass history)

[Anonymous]

@Regular Tax Dude

My profile when I got an offer from a big4:

-MS in accounting with GPA of 3.5.

-Activities in a few business clubs.

-Working experience in IRS.

-Tax volunteer experience for a few seasons.

-CPA all passed.

I got interviews from Baker Tilly, PwC, BDO, FDIC, and Marks Paneth.

Based upon your profile, I will say that your GPA will be a problem. A lot of public accounting firms cut a line and usually you will never be noticed once your GPA goes below a figure. I believe (personal opinion) that 3.2 is below the most figures. Some may say big 4 prefers candidates with GPA more than 3.7 (at least in my college). Such situation happens most in campus hiring (I applied externally).

So you should utilize your network to have someone pass the resume to their HR or partners so you will have a shot. I still remember in the pre-night event in PwC, 2 of 4 candidates on my table got interview by using network (1 of them got an offer).

[Anonymous]

Yea its a lot about who you know (not all but a lot) and unfortunately there's a lot of luck involved with that

[Author]

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