[Anonymous]

I have an interview this week and next week with 2 of the big 4 firms through the school I go to. I took BEC this summer (failed) and was suppose to take AUD in August but rescheduled it for February. I studied a lot of AUD but just didn’t feel like I was prepared enough to pass the test. Both jobs I’m applying for are audit full time positions that start in January 2011. Just wondering if I should mention I studied a lot for audit and was suppose to take it in August but re-scheduled or just not even mention I re-scheduled that test. I have no experience besides bookkeeping for my family business and being a teller. Wasn’t even involved in any clubs in school so not banking on getting a job with either company but who knows. Hopefully my personality, drive, and good grades will help? Also, will they ask what score I got? Anyone have any advice?

[Anonymous]

Correction: KPMG is an audit internship and Deloitte is a full time audit position.

[michelle119]

Well I interviewed with one Big 4 firm, that weren't as interested in your amazing grades and such as you being able to have a personality and can talk like a normal person. I probably would mention that you have started studying for your cpa exam, but leave it at that, see if they ask more if they do just tell them you took one part and did not do well but are going to retake it. Are you taking other exams this quarter? They might like to know you are taking exams coming up, but I wouldn't go into too much details. I got an offer from them but turned it down for a mid-sized firm. Also don't go in thinking you won't get the job, the people I interviewed were all extremely nice and personable, they all want to know about you outside of accounting….

FAR 7/2 - 88
BEC 7/30 - 87
AUD 8/27 - 80
REG 11/12 - 96

[To be or not to be]

I agree with Michelle. You don't have to give them details about scores/re-scheduling, but perhaps mention that you have started studying and maybe throw in some stuff about how studying has really helped you understand the world of auditing and so on. Show them that even though you lack hands on experience that you are learning a great deal about what it takes to be an auditor. Also, they are prob more interested in your personality than anything. I work for a Big 4 and they have tons of interns that come there every year. They are all basically on the same page as far as grades, they all look good on paper. So for the interview they want to see great personalities.

[Anonymous]

Nope, not taking any other exams this quarter. Taking 3 grad accounting classes which is keeping me busy. I also have interviews with some small and medium sized firms so we will see how all of those go. I agree with the whole personality thing. It's always funny how surprised people are when they find out your an accounting major..that has a personality! Stereotypes. Anyways, thanks for the advice 🙂

[Anonymous]

bluecrush73

To succeed in a Big 4 firm they are looking for people willing to be a team player, work hard, and a good personality. If you go into the interview and show a willingness to learn & contribute that will be great.

Going for grad degree and attempting the CPA are both a plus. You are the type of person they are looking for. You will pass the exam with more effort. It is a test that can be mastered – just a lot of study and effort.

Good luck!

[limey]

No need to go into detail about your parts schedule or how far you are up to. You can just mention that you've started the process and are studying for it. They don't know your previous results other than the final “passed” list, and even then, all you need to do is hit a minimum of 75 per part. These interviews are to check for “crazy” and to make sure you are tolerable to be around in the office, b/c it can get hectic with long hours.

I really can't pass again!

[potatogun]

I agree that you don't need to detail your exam taking process. Just say you started studying.

Because you have an interview your grades and anything on paper don't really matter much. It is just for screening. Now it is all about your ability to come off as a person a Big4 firm would want to hire.

No, you don't need to know a ton of accounting or have any experience AT ALL. It is about recruiting people they want to put in front of clients. If you're personable and can have a comfortable conversation about the partner's career, kids, sports interests, clients, etc…then you will be fine.

It is a behavioral interview. Just have a few questions about the firm in general as backups for low moments. Of course everyone asks about why they like their big4 vs the other 3.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[StudyInRI]

I agree with the others regarding leaving the fact you're “studying” for the exam, but no more. I wouldn't mention you took a section and failed, because that is negative. You can say you anticipate taking all four sections whenever…

As others said, the big four firms are concerned knowing more about you personally, and knowing you have a life and seeing what other things you're involved in. They want to make sure you're a good team player, can work independently in a high-paced environment, and are willing to put in more than the “minimum”. Therefore, a CPA firm is not a place to work 9-5pm, because they'll probably laugh with you back to the elevator.

Emphasize your motivation, and the fact you're taking graduate courses (hopefully for a degree) because you're seeking to advance your knowledge of issues in accounting, etc. They are actively seeking candidates, and will prefer a candidate with a master's degree.

REG - 97
BEC - 82
FAR - 86
AUD - 96 ... DONE!

[Author]

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