[JMR2012]

I switched majors a few times and 10 years later finished with an overall GPA of about 2.6. My GPA in my major was about 3.4 (I finally found something that interested me). I’ve now passed one section of the CPA exam, do I have a shot at a big 4 or will my overall GPA weigh me down?

FAR- 92 (May 2012)
AUD- Late Aug
BEC-TBD
REG-TBD

(Using Kaplan, about $300 with free CAL CPA Membership)

[HFinn]

If you're applying electronically through their website or campus career center, your low overall GPA will probably be filtered out automatically. Your best shot is to try and convince the career center to include your resume or at least contact the firms, or try and network your way into an internview another way.

Went through the same issue myself, and it was deifnitely a mixture of hard work, persistence, and luck that got me in.

[Anonymous]

HFinn, did you finish all parts of your CPA before you applied/networked? I guess I am on a different level. Not only was my GPA very very low, my major was in the Arts. I do have some AP experience.

[HFinn]

I hadn't passed any parts of the exam, but then again I went through on campus recruiting. It might be a different story for someone who has already graduated…

Regardless, remember that networking is a long term thing, and you should already be engaged in that even if the exams aren't passed.

[JMR2012]

I graduated last year, any thoughts on where I should begin? Networking has never been my strongest suit. I work for a small insurance agency (about $15 million in commissions) and many of the partners and sales people have shown an interest in helping me by sending my resume to the business managers they work with…i.e. Moss Adams, BDO, and other local CPA firms. I've been hesitant to go that route. I don't know anyone working for a Big 4.

FAR- 92 (May 2012)
AUD- Late Aug
BEC-TBD
REG-TBD

(Using Kaplan, about $300 with free CAL CPA Membership)

[Anonymous]

short answer to your question is: yes. Since you just graduated go study like mad for GMAT and than MACC then big 4.

I have been through similar situation (as have many before me)

you can check it out from my post here: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/career-help-cpa-exam-first-than-maccmst

also if u do a quick search on a couple of website you will see the same answers to your question.

[Anonymous]

you either need to get great relevant experience or at least pass the exam otherwise they'll just filter you out. i think if you were able to gain experience (and plus the fact you are actively pursuing CPA licensure), that would help the most, gpa becomes irrelevant

what would also help is if you could get referrals from current big 4 employees, attend the career fairs and network with the recruiters, don't even bring up gpa unless they ask just show them you're motivated and have experience

[Whatdidyou]

It's def possible to do a MACC program and then get a big 4 offer. However it is unlikely for most. And i do think that your GPA will “weigh you down” – so even moreso for you.

“I graduated last year, any thoughts on where I should begin? Networking has never been my strongest suit. I work for a small insurance agency (about $15 million in commissions) and many of the partners and sales people have shown an interest in helping me by sending my resume to the business managers they work with…i.e. Moss Adams, BDO, and other local CPA firms. I've been hesitant to go that route. I don't know anyone working for a Big 4. “

That's awesome that your bosses & coworkers are trying to help. By turning them down it both, to me, appears to reaffirm that you are not good at networking and are decreasing your chances of getting a big4 gig one day. Moss Adams and BDO are huge firms; i think that MOss Adams may actually be the #1 firm by revenue in the northwest (and likely pay more than big 4 starting salaries too) .

Those are good places to start your career & with your references, more likely but very far from guaranteed offers. You can always trade up later. Networking rule: don't turn down people's offers of help. Go with it see where it takes you. Nothing may come of it but it something does, you may be pleased. IMO: right now, you are not in a very strong position of power, and focusing on only 4 firms could cost you. And turning down the advantage you do have over others (your references) is a bad idea.

If you are really set on big4, big 4 hire alot of experienced associates from firms such as Moss Adams & BDO.

Also, just because your boss & coworkers will refer you doesn't mean you will get an interview (which would be good practice) & an offer (which would be great for most people).

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[JMR2012]

Thank you for the advise. I had a professer who told me to pass any of the CPA exams before I applied for a position in public if I wanted to be taken seriously. So, I haven't necesseraly turned them down on their offer to help me, I just wanted to wait until I passed one section.

FAR- 92 (May 2012)
AUD- Late Aug
BEC-TBD
REG-TBD

(Using Kaplan, about $300 with free CAL CPA Membership)

[jelly]

Start working somewhere, doesn't matter how many parts you do or don't have passed, as long as you are studying to get them passed. Work is so difficult to find nowadays, that almost any kind of experience is a good place to start, b/c then you can always move up to bigger & better. And even if you haven't passed all the parts while you're working, at least you'll be racking up experience time for the license.

I'd be hesitant to pause and study for the GMAT simply b/c you could end up losing one of your passed sections. The GMAT is not easy and takes a good amount of study time to score well.

Definitely take advantage of those willing to refer you, especially your current colleagues, as it's the easiest way to get your foot in the interview door. The Big4 raid the mid-tiers pretty frequently.

Couldn't pass again!

[Author]

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