[AScott89]

I’ve been applying to so many public accounting positions my head is spinning. I feel like every app I put in is going into a dark hole never to be seen again. I am so anxious to get my career started, especially since the part-time job I’m working at is cutting back our hours and student loans are looming. I feel like with every week that goes by, my chances of starting my career keep dropping.

Does anyone here work in maybe Big 4 or a regional firm in NC? I’ve applied to some positions at Deloitte and KPMG but haven’t been able to get in touch with the recruiters and haven’t heard anything yet. I guess I’m kinda anxious as to whether or not my resume is good enough, especially since I’ve been out of school since May 2012. I know I don’t have any experience, but I’ll never get any if I don’t get hired. I feel like I’m losing my mind some days with the pressure I feel.

Anybody know how to get in touch with Big 4 recruiters in NC or can direct me to someone who can? LinkedIn has not been helpful to me.

Thanks guys

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[thechapman]

If it were me, I wouldn't advertise the fact that I'm undecided for the reasons I mentioned. It might be better to just omit the “for audit or tax” portion of the statement. You may be applying for both, but it's best that you don't volunteer that info.

Passed - 2014

[CPANOVICE]

Not to be a thread hijacker but I believe this question will help OP as well.

What do you guys suggest we write in the email we send to certain people at the company we are trying to secure a position at?

FAR:TBD
REG:TBD
AUD:TBD
BEC:TBD

I am using Becker self study, ninja blitz and Wiley (I am using the paperback version of the testbank)

Brief overview of study method:
1. Skim through chapter quickly
2. Watch lecture videos
3. Take a lot of notes on what the lecturers emphasize
4. Complete half HW after lectures half after rewriting notes

[AScott89]

Cpanovice that's a good question

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[The Ex Lurker]

@ AScott89, you mentioned that you are working part time right now. How are your study habits? I see that you attempted BEC in May, and you next scheduled exam isn't until 8/23 and Nov. Do you have other responsibilities that require your time? If you don't, I would suggest that you put more time into studying for the CPA and try to knock it out sooner. Obtaining the CPA seems to be your best go at getting into a desired firm. Perhaps passing a couple exams could open some doors?

I know everyone schedule is unique. Again, if you do not have any mandatory responsibility, I believe you could knock these exams out within 2-3 testing windows. Of course a lot of studying and dedication is required. I'll give you my CPA experience thus far. I started studying late in Jan of this year. I do not have kids or other mandatory responsibilities that require my time. My schedule is simple. Weekdays: go to work (40hr/wk), study after work (2-3hrs), sleep, repeat. Weekends: Study 4-5 hours and relax. If I need to catch up on studies then I study more. It's a brutal schedule but it's definitely manageable. Just stay focused on the goal. I told my gf and friends that I will likely be MIA for the entire year. Of course, I go out occasionally, mainly in between exams for a quick breather. But for the most part, I dropped going out, playing sports, and anything that I could choose not to do.

It is a sacrifice but it will be worth it. I respect those that have family and/or work 40+ hours a week, while studying consistently. They are the ones who also motivate me.

F: Apr 14' Passed
A: May 14' Passed
R: Jul 14' Passed
B: Aug 14' Rematch in Oct *Passed*

[AScott89]

Ex Lurker I attempted BEC in May and will admit that I scheduled it when I got my NTS in February and did not study nearly as much as I should have. I made a 65. I've studied a whole lot more for AUD and feel okay about it. Anything requiring calculations seems to trip me up though.

I work part-time but my hours and schedule varies week-to-week. I do not have any kids, am not married, but I do live at home and my family depends on me to run errands for them when my dad is helping his elderly aunt. I could study more per day but my problem is staying focused. I cannot read my wiley book for more than 20 or 30 minutes at a time as it bores me to tears. I can focus better on the Ninja MCQs and can put in a few hundred MCQs or more a day and practice a dozen sims or so.

Another problem I have is that I am having to use my credit cards to pay for the materials and exams and I am trying not to run them up too quickly because I don't get many hours during the fall and winter and I don't want my minimum payments to go up to something I can't afford.

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[The Ex Lurker]

@ AScott89, yeah, the first exam is tricky because it's new territory. The study habits aren't consistent and concentration varies. Hopefully you do well on AUD and find a hitch and go with it. Once I passed my first one, my focus increased. My study habits improved and I was motivated to get this done.

Good luck on AUD! Sorry I can't help you on the job hunt. I've been with the same company for 7+ years, I'm 25. I get by but hoping to expand my horizon once I earn my CPA. I tried to find “accounting jobs” too but it's hard when you don't network. I was busying going school full time and working part time during my undergrad. No time to join any clubs and network.

F: Apr 14' Passed
A: May 14' Passed
R: Jul 14' Passed
B: Aug 14' Rematch in Oct *Passed*

[AScott89]

So does anyone think I should contact a director at their personal email address since that's the only one listed? And how should I word it? I don't wanna come across as a desperate weirdo.

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[thechapman]

I wouldn't directly contact anyone at that level unless there's a specific job you have found that would somehow be related to them. If you're just contact them asking for any job it might appear as if you don't care what the job is, you just want ANY job. That might be the case, but you don't want them to think that. When I contacted the partner it was for a job that was posted. I think what that helps with is when the recruiter/manager/whoever gets your information or name, it's coming from a partner. Although the partner doesn't know you, it adds some tiny sort of credibility to your name even though you haven't earned it yet.

Passed - 2014

[AScott89]

Yeah it would look weird wouldn't it? Problem is this director is from PwC and I can't find any entry-level positions posted by that company or by EY. I found KPMG and Deloitte's entry-level job posting page through glassdoor.

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[thechapman]

What was your GPA?

Passed - 2014

[AScott89]

3.17 overall, 3.2 major

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[Monkey Wrench]

I think you NEED to get your CPA license. You do not have a leg up on any of the competition, your neither a recent graduate, have experience, or a CPA. If you have your CPA thats a BIG leg up on everyone that doesn't have significant experience.

[Monkey Wrench]

I think you NEED to get your CPA license. You do not have a leg up on any of the competition, your neither a recent graduate, have experience, or a CPA. If you have your CPA thats a BIG leg up on everyone that doesn't have significant experience.

[AScott89]

Can't get a license without experience Monkey Wrench Unless you meant pass all 4 sections of the exam

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[gflurry]

@AScott89: Why are you stuck on an accounting firm? I had the same issue with no landing a job, the difference is I was 36, married and have a child. I applied to hundreds of jobs online with little response, ended up interviewing with 4-5 firms and was told “we like you, but you lack experience”. Well, I was a teacher at the time in my fifth year and just completed the education requirements to sit for the exam. After being so frustrated with accoutning firms, I began to look for accounting jobs in ANY industry. I finally was given a chance with a company in the maritime industry and now I am in a full blown accouting position. I agree with many of the above posts, networking is the best chance to get an interview–then its up to you. Think outside the box. I actually was pretty turned off from firms during the interview process and having done a lot of research since that time. I am happy in industry, work normal hours, and hopefully pass the exam in a reasonable amount of time. Good Luck!

AUD: 67, 81 (NINJA MCQ's ONLY for 2nd Attempt)
FAR: NOT GOOD, LARRY!
REG: ??
BEC: 4/4/2015

"F**K CALM, GET MAD. DESTROY!"

[Author]

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