[Anonymous]

I’m sure you have all heard this story a thousand times, but if you could take the time to answer my personal situation I would be greatly appreciative.

I have a dual degree with 150 credits in Finance/Accounting and a minor in Applied Statistics with a 3.72 GPA. Until it was nearly too late I pursued the finance side of my degree, gaining 3 internships in banking including one for the Federal Reserve (Examiner).

I have recently discovered after wrapping up all my accounting classes that audit is where I would preferably like to be and see my mental skill set being applied better.

I graduate in August, I’ve missed all rounds of recruiting and the only offer I could get this late in the game was an Internal Audit position within one of the large law firms here in Pittsburgh. Is it still possible to obtain a position within Big 4 Audit after obtaining my CPA and working this internal job for a year or two? (Also, it’s not like I was being completely negligent of the Big 4. They don’t typically recruit from my school.)

[Anonymous]

It is absolutely possible still. Take my advice with a grain of salt as my start date at a Big 4 isn't even until August but I believe if you network you can definitely do so. It might be a bit easier if you look into joining a national, regional, or maybe even small local firm to start off because then you'd be getting audit experience and could then even come in as a experienced associate.

I'd say go for your CPA and then do some linkedIn networking and try and work with a recruiter. Best of luck to you

[acamp]

I had been out of school a few months when I did my Big4 interviews, interviewed in Sept/Oct and started in January–you might push for the same if you get the chance.

If you can afford it, I would make recruitment/CPA your priority. Hit up recruiters on LinkedIn, go to networking events, ie: join your state CPA society, usually free or close to free for non-CPA prospects–attend their events, see if you can chat your way into someone forwarding your resume to Campus recruiting. Start tackling the CPA, having a section done or even your application approved shows you're heading in the right direction.

While you're at it, fill out the full online resume for the firms, this way if you stalk campus recruiters on LinkedIn you can mention that all your credentials are in their system.

Good Luck

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[kmaahs]

Many public auditors move to internal audit. You may find you really love your job and don't want to leave.

But if Big 4 or public in general is your plan, don't fret.

You may meet or even work alongside public auditors if your company gets externally audited.

The people you work with know people. They may be able to give you a good word.

Experience is experience. Public accounting talent pools are somewhat front-loaded. I.E. there are more entry level people looking for public accounting than there are experienced/manager level candidates looking to move into public(since many leave public at the senior/manager level if partnership is not their goal). Some would argue going Big 4 with experience can prove easier than going in at entry level.

You still have a shot, and I wish you well at it!

C.P.A.

[Author]

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