[slssple]

Hi,

I plan to change my career at big 4 accounting firm. I have 5 years of private accounting experiences and have passed 2 sections of CPA exam. I was wondering if big 4 really hire experienced profession who is early 30s. After graduation from mater program in accountancy, opportunities rarely come to me. Any advise would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Well I'm not a big 4 guy but accounting jobs at big 4 firms are easier to get in big cities. If you are catholic or a certain denomination you could try tutoring and maybe meet business men there or invest in becoming a mason?

[Anonymous]

Well I'm not a big 4 guy but accounting jobs at big 4 firms are easier to get in big cities. If you are catholic or a certain denomination you could try tutoring and maybe meet business men there or invest in becoming a mason?

[Never_Give_Up1]

They “might” your best bet is to go with a regional firm and then jump into big 4. The problem is you will start out at the bottom of the totem pole. Years outside of public do not transfer over. Where years in public transfers to industry.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Never_Give_Up1]

They “might” your best bet is to go with a regional firm and then jump into big 4. The problem is you will start out at the bottom of the totem pole. Years outside of public do not transfer over. Where years in public transfers to industry.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Never_Give_Up1]

I didnt see you were looking to get your masters. If it is from a campus, then you have a shot. All first years come from campus.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Never_Give_Up1]

I didnt see you were looking to get your masters. If it is from a campus, then you have a shot. All first years come from campus.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[slssple]

@Never_Give_Up1 Actually I already graduated, so I'm looking for an experienced position at Big 4. I'm totally fine with that I will start out at the bottom.

[slssple]

@Never_Give_Up1 Actually I already graduated, so I'm looking for an experienced position at Big 4. I'm totally fine with that I will start out at the bottom.

[Anonymous]

Is it truly that hard to get a job at a big four?

Realistically, I don't know any accountants in industry that have made it to CFO level from big fours but I only know 3.

[Anonymous]

Is it truly that hard to get a job at a big four?

Realistically, I don't know any accountants in industry that have made it to CFO level from big fours but I only know 3.

[acamp]

No reason you shouldn't be able to get in with Big4, you'd want to apply to their experienced hire section. Having 5 years of private experience would equate to potentially starting as a second year employee, however it can be a tough road as you'd have no auditing experience but be expected to tackle somewhat difficult sections, so starting as a first year might be better.

Apply through the experienced hire section on the firm websites, from there stalk some recruiters on LinkedIn, ie: “Deloitte Recruiter San Francisco” and maybe shoot them an email with a very quick rundown about you. “Private industry accountant with Masters and Two Sections of the CPA Passed looking to switch to public accounting.” You could also start attending your state CPA society's meeting, CalCPA here in California is like $50 for non-CPAs, AICPA also has meetings you could look into. The key is to get some contacts with real people that can help HR sort you out. Don't have to make a best friend at one of these things, but something as simple after having a good conversion with someone as, “hey I applied on the Deloitte website and am trying to break past the electronic wall, any chance you could direct me to the best person to follow up with?”

Start this process ASAP, some Big4s offer Busy season starts, ie: January

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

No reason you shouldn't be able to get in with Big4, you'd want to apply to their experienced hire section. Having 5 years of private experience would equate to potentially starting as a second year employee, however it can be a tough road as you'd have no auditing experience but be expected to tackle somewhat difficult sections, so starting as a first year might be better.

Apply through the experienced hire section on the firm websites, from there stalk some recruiters on LinkedIn, ie: “Deloitte Recruiter San Francisco” and maybe shoot them an email with a very quick rundown about you. “Private industry accountant with Masters and Two Sections of the CPA Passed looking to switch to public accounting.” You could also start attending your state CPA society's meeting, CalCPA here in California is like $50 for non-CPAs, AICPA also has meetings you could look into. The key is to get some contacts with real people that can help HR sort you out. Don't have to make a best friend at one of these things, but something as simple after having a good conversion with someone as, “hey I applied on the Deloitte website and am trying to break past the electronic wall, any chance you could direct me to the best person to follow up with?”

Start this process ASAP, some Big4s offer Busy season starts, ie: January

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[johnerickp]

@slssple: Congrats on your masters degree! I am actually in my early 30s with over 5 years experience in the private industry. I just got my undergrad and I am about to start a job at the big4. I will be starting at the bottom again, but that's just part of the process. To answer your concern: Yes, the big 4 will hire our demographics. I did get the job through the career center at school. I am completely fine working at the bottom again because I know that the experience of working in the big4 will pay off in the long term. Also, I know a couple of people that are in my age range and experienced that also got jobs at the big4.

[johnerickp]

@slssple: Congrats on your masters degree! I am actually in my early 30s with over 5 years experience in the private industry. I just got my undergrad and I am about to start a job at the big4. I will be starting at the bottom again, but that's just part of the process. To answer your concern: Yes, the big 4 will hire our demographics. I did get the job through the career center at school. I am completely fine working at the bottom again because I know that the experience of working in the big4 will pay off in the long term. Also, I know a couple of people that are in my age range and experienced that also got jobs at the big4.

[Author]

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