[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!

[nigercpa]

@ssw3809, I have the 150 requirement already because I have two bachelors.I was able to meet the accounting requirement with my B.Sc in accounting and B.Sc in economics. Those two was evaluated together to meet the 150 requirement.

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

[nigercpa]

@ssw3809, I have the 150 requirement already because I have two bachelors.I was able to meet the accounting requirement with my B.Sc in accounting and B.Sc in economics. Those two was evaluated together to meet the 150 requirement.

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

[ssw3809]

@nigercpa

Have you talk to any of the big 4 yet?

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

Have you talk to any of the big 4 yet?

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]

@LL: why go back to Big 4 knowing your salary will drop? What's your goal and how will big 4 experience help you get there?

I ask because you spent 10 years getting up to 75k and then dropped to 65k. For reference, you'll be back at 65k within 3 years of working at big 4.

[fuzyfro89]

@LL: why go back to Big 4 knowing your salary will drop? What's your goal and how will big 4 experience help you get there?

I ask because you spent 10 years getting up to 75k and then dropped to 65k. For reference, you'll be back at 65k within 3 years of working at big 4.

[nigercpa]

@ssw3809 No, I have not. I feel I do not have a chance because of the fact that I do not have any accounting degree in the US aside from the UK B.Sc. So my plan is to start aggressive networking as soon as I complete my exams. I plan to be done by July with my CPA exams.

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

[nigercpa]

@ssw3809 No, I have not. I feel I do not have a chance because of the fact that I do not have any accounting degree in the US aside from the UK B.Sc. So my plan is to start aggressive networking as soon as I complete my exams. I plan to be done by July with my CPA exams.

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

[nigercpa]

@ssw3809 No, I have not. I feel I do not have a chance because of the fact that I do not have any accounting degree in the US aside from the UK B.Sc. So my plan is to start aggressive networking as soon as I complete my exams. I plan to be done by July with my CPA exams.

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

[nigercpa]

@ssw3809 No, I have not. I feel I do not have a chance because of the fact that I do not have any accounting degree in the US aside from the UK B.Sc. So my plan is to start aggressive networking as soon as I complete my exams. I plan to be done by July with my CPA exams.

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

[LL Cool Jim]

@fuzyfro89.

I don't have any audit experience. Many firms look for public experience. It doesn't necessarily have to be w/ the big 4.

FAR Done
REG Done
BEC Done

[LL Cool Jim]

@fuzyfro89.

I don't have any audit experience. Many firms look for public experience. It doesn't necessarily have to be w/ the big 4.

FAR Done
REG Done
BEC Done

[Author]

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