[MsCPA544]

I recently qualified to sit for the CPA Exam and I am planning to take my first test in Feb 2013. I didn’t graduate with an accounting degree, I graduated with a degree in History (complete opposite!) I went back to school and took the minimum required classes to sit for the CPA Exam. Anyway, I have been working at a very small CPA firm for the past year and half doing mostly bookkeeping. I want to work for one of the Big 4 firms but I don’t know if they would even consider me before I pass my exams. I know I would bring variety, but would I even be given a shot for an interview if I am competing with recent accounting graduates or people with more accounting backgrounds than I?

Any advice would be very helpful.

Thanks!

FAR-7/27/13
AUD-5/25/13
REG-NOT SCHEDULED
BEC-NOT SCHEDULED

[stephw4763]

Have you considered doing accounting at a corporation?

B- 82
A- 84
R- 67, 72, 78
F- 83

[spongfunk]

I'm in the same boat as you MsCPA. I actually graduated with a degree in History as well then went back to school and got my accounting equivilency. Personally I chose to go with a larger regional firm, but I did get an offer from a Big 4 firm, so there is hope. If you really want a position at a Big 4 firm go to job fair or meet the firms function at a local college or university and talk to them. You might want to start out by simply getting an internship for busy season. Those are paid at close to the same rate as a staff 1 but you just make it hourly. Big 4 firms are much less hesitant to give somebody a shot in an internship than giving them a full time position. So my advice is get an internship, work your butt off during your time there, and they will extend a full time offer to you.

FAR: 85
AUD: 80
REG: 78
BEC: 82

[MsCPA544]

I want a job that has growth potential. The place I am at is so small, she has 2 employees including me. The other person has been there forever and if I want to move up the ladder, I have to wait for the other person to quit, retire, or die. Seriously! I can't wait that long. The reason I want to work for the big 4 is because I heard that its a great place to learn and it looks great on your resume 🙂 All my accounting professors have worked for one of the big 4. I thought it would be a good place to start my accounting career.

FAR-7/27/13
AUD-5/25/13
REG-NOT SCHEDULED
BEC-NOT SCHEDULED

[wannabeCPA123]

I had a crap Bachelors degree, and I went back and got a Certificate.

I went to all of the schools networking events and I got offers from the Big 4 and the Mid tier. I ended up taking an offer with the big four.

I am a little older (30) too, so I didn't think I would get in, but I did get in.

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[Author]

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