[CPA soon]

I graduated in dec 2012 with a BBA in accounting from a decent school, Overall gpa 3.33 and accounting gpa 3.47. I interned in accounts payable for 4 months 8/12-12/12 and then I got hired as a financial analyst as of 12/12. So I have about two years in finance experience for a $5 billion automotive supplier in the detroit area.

Is it possible to transition to public accounting for a regional or big 4 firm? I’m not looking to work at a small mom and pop firm. I feel like its impossible to get hired in public without experience in public or going through your school. So if transitioning is possible, what’s the best way to make it happen, and what salary would I expect? Going from 45k and a 5% bonus currently.

Your input is appreciated.

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[Anonymous]

There's no harm in trying to get into Big 4.

I understand you'd rather not go this route; however, it may be easier to cut your teeth at a smaller shop for a year, then to the Big 4.

By easier, I mean mean to get into the Big 4, not easier as in less work. A mom and pop will still grind you out.

[ruggercpa2b]

It is definitely possible. I worked for 5 years in internal audit at a manufacturing company and then I transitioned to Big 4. I looked at the job postings to see what type of experience I already had that I could apply to the job. I applied to the experienced hire positions. I am now in the process of making the jump to a regional firm. Anything is possible. You just have to be diligent because looking for a job is a full time job. My advice would be to apply to both regional and Big 4 firms and see how that goes.

Good luck!

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[CPA soon]

@Rugger I guess it's easier for you because you had auditing experience not finance as I do.

@Bill my desire to go public is be in a big firm for fullfillment of curiosity (Because everyone that studies accounting wants to at least try public) and not to avoid big work load, I don't mind hard work. It's just not worth it for me to go in a small firm while I could be a plant assistant controller ($50 Million plus) next year in a $5 Billion company. In that case I'd rather take the corporate route.

I am just wondering how non-experienced people get in outside of the school scope. If anyone with similar experience maybe.

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[soyanks]

Based on your experience, better option would be to pursue PT or FT MBA.

Based on your work exp (AP, Fin Analysis), there isn't relevant work exp (such as audit) for the staff auditor position. Plus, recruiters want to meet their quota from their target schools (so they have some preference of meeting their quota via OCR). They are more likely looking to fill experienced senior or manager positions from external sources.

Also, because you have no relevant audit experience, you are most likely to start from the bottom (as a staff auditor). That's why the better option at this point is to go for PT or FT MBA. Most people who spend 2-3 years in public accounting are either: 1) they want to stay there for life, 2) want to leave for the industry, 3) go get their MBA because they don't want to be an auditor anymore

FAR - 86
REG - 85
BEC - 90
AUD - 84

[CPA soon]

@Soyanks, I really don't mind starting as Staff, whether Audit or Tax it doesn't matter, simply because I feel I would fit in and enjoy that life in public, I feel like it would be exciting. It's just a matter of how to get an interview with these guys since they only hire experienced or interns from schools. Regardless of which route I take I will be pursuing my mba after completion of AUD and BEC.

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[ruggercpa2b]

If you see any experienced hire or staff positions open up I say just apply and see what happens. You don't know unless you put yourself out there. Even if you apply at a regional firm. You could work there for a year and then make the jump to Big 4 if that is what you really want. The key is to get that public accounting experience.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[CPA soon]

I think Regional would be exciting too so I wouldn't mind that 🙂 thanks for the input I'll give it a try!

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[acamp]

Apply online through the experienced hire portal (you have experience and are no longer campus) likely they would bring you in as entry level (which is in your best interest, some people with industry experience will come in as a “2nd year” but the learning curve is rather grueling).

Network. Join your local CPA society, attend some events, more people you know the better.

Email recruiters on LinkedIn, this is a longer shot, but you might email the same question you posted but in a very very short to the point form.

Subject: Industry Accountant Interested in joining Deloitte.

Body: Hi So and So, I've been in industry for 2+ years and very interested in going into public accounting with Deloitte. Now that I am “off-campus” I wonder how I would go about getting a phone interview to get in the door? I meet the “state” CPA licensing requirements passed FAR and REG and graduated with a x.xx GPA”

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[CPA soon]

Thanks acamp 🙂

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[Author]

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