[GSU Josh]

I got a call today setting up a phone interview tomorrow with Ernst & Young. My GPA isn’t wonderful (3.07 and even lower for accounting), but it doesn’t reflect my current level of knowledge as I got through the CPA with only one retake (studied much harder and cared a lot more than in college and dealt with father’s death/depression during college). Anyway, just wondering if I would have to explain that at all or if it would affect me. I am a licensed CPA in GA, but the position would be in FL (I have plans to obtain a reciprocal license if I need to do so). Does this really matter either? Anything I should do to prepare for this interview? Anything to brush up on? Do I even have a realistic shot? I am shocked they even called me. Thanks.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[Need CPA Already]

I was on a couple of Big 4 interviews during the end of college ('05ish) and now I am part of the interviewing process at a regional firm.

That is great that you have a phone interview with a Big 4 at a 3.07 gpa (would just round up to 3.1). Which IMO is perfectly fine. Hopefully you don't disclose your accounting GPA on your resume as well as I would not bring it up unless asked. I would not harp on the GPA unless asked to explain it. I would use that you worked part time if possible and if needed you can explain how there were family issues, would be careful discussing to much detail. Talk about your new love for accounting, especially how you used it to pass the CPA exam. If you know you can transfer your license to FL without any problem, trust me it really doesn't mean much.

IMO the Big 4 are looking for leaders. Make sure you are ready to discuss why you feel like you would be a good leader, your attributes and experiences as well.

Not all interviews are the same but of course they would like to know what you have done and what you are looking for. Ask good questions. Ask them how a typical day goes, the type of industries the office is concentrated or if any, how much client interaction will I get (Qs that make you sound you are interested)…… of course stay away from questions such as: How many hours will I be expected to work, will I have to alot of traveling (unless you have a reason why it would be a problem) or talking about salaries/how many days do I get off a year…

Good Luck

8/20 AUD: 90
8/31 BEC: 82
10/6 REG: 83
10/25 FAR: 93

[GSU Josh]

Good point about the looking for work thing. Does it make me less attractive that I haven't been working and focused on passing the exam this year and now been looking for work for a couple of months? If you work doing something else outside of accounting to buy time, but keep your license active, does that look bad to them? Just wondering because I may be faced with this dilemma very soon.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[Author]

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