[ssw3809]

Hello Ninjas

I just received my official letter and accepted. Kinda excited but also nervous.

For those of you who did not get in the Big 4 right immediately after college/Grad school, my story may be helpful~~~

I have a BA in mathematics from UCB and MPA from a very prestigious university. At first, I did not realize the importance of networking that I did not participate much in the recruiting events. By the time I realized my mistake, it was already too late. I then accepted an offer from a local firm while most of my classmates ended up in one of the Big 4 firms. After working at the local firm for about 1 year, I realized that the career path is very different and my potential is somewhat wasted over there. So I decided to make the move. I quit my job right before the new year and worked on the CPA exam. Passed 3 exams in 5 month before march then started looking for jobs. I used my network and my friends to refer me and they did. very soon I started doing phone interviews with the firms. Subsequently I was invited to visit the office to meet with a partner and a manager. At the end of Day, received a call from the partner and the official offer came the next day.

I think below are the factors that made a difference

-GPA- I was told that the cut off line is 3.2 by 2 firms ,and that is pretty much what I have : )

-Grad School: I want to a very prestigious MPA program, even the partner mentioned that during the interview.

-CPA: Passed 3 exams and will sit for the next one in May. I think this helped me a lot. (very surprised they will still pay me $5,000 for finishing the last section)

– Reference: I was told by the friend that she will actually receive a BONUS(not sure how much) for referring me. so do not hesitate to use your connection. MAKE SURE have your connection give the resume to the recruiter in the office instead of applying online and start with a regional recruiter. I talked to the regional recruiter and she did not seem very interested about me then the recruiter directly from the office. probably she did not want to bother to ask whether they need people or not.

Interview Questions: For assurance, make sure you say you love to work in group and you are motivated for the upcoming challenge…

I want to thank all of you for helping me to get through this process. The past 6 weeks seems like six years. Finally, best of luck to those of you are still trying to get in.

SSW 3809

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/recent-big-4-office-visit-experience-i-finally-sold-myself-to-big-4

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/office-visit-with-big-4-next-week-any-tips

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/how-should-i-answer-this-question-for-a-big-4-interview

REG 08/27/2013 81
FAR 01/09/2014 88
BEC 02/27/2014 82
AUD 10/08/2014. 86
Just started the CFA Level 1 -let the journey continue!

[fuzyfro89]

Even if you are going in as entry level (i.e. starting with the upcoming new hires this fall), it's not a bad gig. You got your license and made it into the Big 4. So what if you're “Behind” others by a year? In the grand scheme, it may even help that you have other experience since nearly everyone leaving the Big 4 is so identical it may help to set you a little apart.

Good luck! If you know anyone at Google looking to hire, you can tell them where to reach me. 🙂

[ssw3809]

I quit my old job for few reasons

1. I am originally from CA and want to stay with my family

2. I realized that if i stay in a local firm for too long, i might never be able to work for the big 4.

3. I might be crazy, but i am still interested in getting a PHD in accounting at some point in my life. I realized that most of the phd candidate come from big 4. (definitely not local firm)

REG 08/27/2013 81
FAR 01/09/2014 88
BEC 02/27/2014 82
AUD 10/08/2014. 86
Just started the CFA Level 1 -let the journey continue!

[ssw3809]

I quit my old job for few reasons

1. I am originally from CA and want to stay with my family

2. I realized that if i stay in a local firm for too long, i might never be able to work for the big 4.

3. I might be crazy, but i am still interested in getting a PHD in accounting at some point in my life. I realized that most of the phd candidate come from big 4. (definitely not local firm)

REG 08/27/2013 81
FAR 01/09/2014 88
BEC 02/27/2014 82
AUD 10/08/2014. 86
Just started the CFA Level 1 -let the journey continue!

[nigercpa]

Congratulations! You definitely deserve it, hardwork pays. By MPA, do you mean Masters in Public admin? I am in a similar situation and hoping I get the opportunity to work in a Big 4. I have a B.Sc in economics from my country and Masters in Economics from US. From your experience do I have any chance entering a Big 4 without accounting degrees from a US college. Though I have a B.Sc in Accounting from UK and I am a CA( Chartered Accountant) from my country. I have completed FAR and AUD, so I have two more exams to write.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[nigercpa]

Congratulations! You definitely deserve it, hardwork pays. By MPA, do you mean Masters in Public admin? I am in a similar situation and hoping I get the opportunity to work in a Big 4. I have a B.Sc in economics from my country and Masters in Economics from US. From your experience do I have any chance entering a Big 4 without accounting degrees from a US college. Though I have a B.Sc in Accounting from UK and I am a CA( Chartered Accountant) from my country. I have completed FAR and AUD, so I have two more exams to write.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[ssw3809]

MPA= master in professional accounting.

REG 08/27/2013 81
FAR 01/09/2014 88
BEC 02/27/2014 82
AUD 10/08/2014. 86
Just started the CFA Level 1 -let the journey continue!

[ssw3809]

MPA= master in professional accounting.

REG 08/27/2013 81
FAR 01/09/2014 88
BEC 02/27/2014 82
AUD 10/08/2014. 86
Just started the CFA Level 1 -let the journey continue!

[nigercpa]

Ok. That is cool. Thanks for clarifying that.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[nigercpa]

Ok. That is cool. Thanks for clarifying that.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[LL Cool Jim]

Ah crap. I have over 10 years of experience. Was a Financial Analyst & Sr. Accountant topping out @ $73K before the recession of 2008 hit, which dropped my salary. I'm currently making $64,890, so you're telling me my salary will drop once I get into public w/ all 4 parts of the CPA pass? Ah man, this sux!

FAR Done
REG Done
BEC Done

[LL Cool Jim]

Ah crap. I have over 10 years of experience. Was a Financial Analyst & Sr. Accountant topping out @ $73K before the recession of 2008 hit, which dropped my salary. I'm currently making $64,890, so you're telling me my salary will drop once I get into public w/ all 4 parts of the CPA pass? Ah man, this sux!

FAR Done
REG Done
BEC Done

[ssw3809]

@nigercpa

I think you have a strong profile here. I think Big 4 always want to look for people with diiferent experience. Also, are you considering gettting a master in Accounting? It seems that all the big 4 ask you to have 150 units completed before you start? Can someone clearify that?

REG 08/27/2013 81
FAR 01/09/2014 88
BEC 02/27/2014 82
AUD 10/08/2014. 86
Just started the CFA Level 1 -let the journey continue!

[ssw3809]

@nigercpa

I think you have a strong profile here. I think Big 4 always want to look for people with diiferent experience. Also, are you considering gettting a master in Accounting? It seems that all the big 4 ask you to have 150 units completed before you start? Can someone clearify that?

REG 08/27/2013 81
FAR 01/09/2014 88
BEC 02/27/2014 82
AUD 10/08/2014. 86
Just started the CFA Level 1 -let the journey continue!

[samdiegoCPA]

That is a great salary (for your situation)… I am feeling pretty bad about mine now.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[samdiegoCPA]

That is a great salary (for your situation)… I am feeling pretty bad about mine now.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[Author]

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