[Wolfchicken]

Hey guys, had an interview with PwC today. I was interested in the Denver office, but they are already full. The recruiter suggested looking into San Jose. I was wondering if anyone had any input on the area – what is it like living there, weather, cost of living, etc. It seems like the cost of living is really high so it might not be worth moving to even though the starting salary is good. Also, if anyone works for PwC in San Jose, could you give me some input on the firm, what it’s like working there, etc. Thanks in advance.

BEC - PASS
FAR - PASS
Audit - PASS
REG - PASS

[Anonymous]

@wolfchicken – that's interesting. I'm currently in the process of completing a transition plan within my big 4 firm to move to San Jose in our Financial Accounting and Reporting Services group. I'm going through a lot of the same doubts you are. I currently live in a VERY low cost of living space (upgraded everything in a 1 bedroom in a rich neighborhood for $900/mo). A decent studio not in the ghetto in SJ seems to run about $1,500…let me know if you find out any good info (although perhaps ppl will just respond to your thread :P). I'll tell you that if you are interested in the technology industry, silicon valley is where it's at. If you're not, then you will likely be very unhappy. Weather is fantastic as well!

[Anonymous]

@wolfchicken – that's interesting. I'm currently in the process of completing a transition plan within my big 4 firm to move to San Jose in our Financial Accounting and Reporting Services group. I'm going through a lot of the same doubts you are. I currently live in a VERY low cost of living space (upgraded everything in a 1 bedroom in a rich neighborhood for $900/mo). A decent studio not in the ghetto in SJ seems to run about $1,500…let me know if you find out any good info (although perhaps ppl will just respond to your thread :P). I'll tell you that if you are interested in the technology industry, silicon valley is where it's at. If you're not, then you will likely be very unhappy. Weather is fantastic as well!

[StephAV]

My dad and step-mom lived in San Jose when I was growing up. It is expensive, but the high tech industry seems to be a good specialty… Good pay, good benefits, etc once you do your time in public accounting. My step-mom worked at KPMG many years ago and went that route and has had some great opportunities over the years. You might look at the areas of Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon for a little more housing bang for your buck? You'll have a commute though… I personally really like those areas they are more suburban.

FAR - 7/13 - 72, 11/13- 74, 2/14- 82!!! Best score ever (for me)!!!
BEC - 1/14 - 75!!! Perfect score! First Pass! YAY!!!
AUD - 8/14 - 80!!!
REG - 5/14 - 72, 10/14 - 66, 1/15 - 78 - DONE FOREVER!!!
I did 5 of the UNA and CPAExcel classes to earn units.

[StephAV]

My dad and step-mom lived in San Jose when I was growing up. It is expensive, but the high tech industry seems to be a good specialty… Good pay, good benefits, etc once you do your time in public accounting. My step-mom worked at KPMG many years ago and went that route and has had some great opportunities over the years. You might look at the areas of Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon for a little more housing bang for your buck? You'll have a commute though… I personally really like those areas they are more suburban.

FAR - 7/13 - 72, 11/13- 74, 2/14- 82!!! Best score ever (for me)!!!
BEC - 1/14 - 75!!! Perfect score! First Pass! YAY!!!
AUD - 8/14 - 80!!!
REG - 5/14 - 72, 10/14 - 66, 1/15 - 78 - DONE FOREVER!!!
I did 5 of the UNA and CPAExcel classes to earn units.

[Kenada]

Hiya, I live in the San Jose Area and the living cost is High so you have to be prepared for that.

I think that for me is main down side. Otherwise, I love it out here compared to Houston. There is more things to do out here and the weather is great. I like to be able to do things out doors. If you drive up 3 hours north you get to snowboard… drive 3 hours south and you are at the beach… Can't beat that huh 🙂

From San Jose you can take the train and travel up to San Fran so if you like the “city” night life its not far away.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Kenada]

Hiya, I live in the San Jose Area and the living cost is High so you have to be prepared for that.

I think that for me is main down side. Otherwise, I love it out here compared to Houston. There is more things to do out here and the weather is great. I like to be able to do things out doors. If you drive up 3 hours north you get to snowboard… drive 3 hours south and you are at the beach… Can't beat that huh 🙂

From San Jose you can take the train and travel up to San Fran so if you like the “city” night life its not far away.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[wannabeCPA123]

the PwC building is located in the cheapest area to live in (downtown/eastside). The area looks very rundown, but it is very safe.

No matter where you live in san jose. The commute to the PwC office is a breeze. PwC has the most prominent building.

San Jose weather is unparalleled. It is never too hot or too cold.

with 53k you can definitely make a comfortable living with a roommate. By yourself will tough. The valley is hot right now as far as jobs, so exit plans are easy to materialize.

EY has all the famous clients in the area though for audit.

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[wannabeCPA123]

the PwC building is located in the cheapest area to live in (downtown/eastside). The area looks very rundown, but it is very safe.

No matter where you live in san jose. The commute to the PwC office is a breeze. PwC has the most prominent building.

San Jose weather is unparalleled. It is never too hot or too cold.

with 53k you can definitely make a comfortable living with a roommate. By yourself will tough. The valley is hot right now as far as jobs, so exit plans are easy to materialize.

EY has all the famous clients in the area though for audit.

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[Anonymous]

I live around SJ as well and agree with everything that @insiyah24 says.

And you don't need to drive as far as 3 hours to hit a beach. You can head over to Santa Cruz but those wont compare with So Cal Beaches

And like @wannabecpa123 said, with a roommate would be most ideal as the one bedrooms in a decent neighborhood can run you a pricey amount.

But the PWC building is awesome and can be seen from the 87 freeway and is arguably the best building in downtown SJ.

[Anonymous]

I live around SJ as well and agree with everything that @insiyah24 says.

And you don't need to drive as far as 3 hours to hit a beach. You can head over to Santa Cruz but those wont compare with So Cal Beaches

And like @wannabecpa123 said, with a roommate would be most ideal as the one bedrooms in a decent neighborhood can run you a pricey amount.

But the PWC building is awesome and can be seen from the 87 freeway and is arguably the best building in downtown SJ.

[onmywhey]

I went through recruiting with PwC and somehow it was mentioned that San Jose was the market most in need of recruits. The good is that job opportunities are plentiful and you can jump ship if needed easily, the bad, the hours might suck.

San Jose is suburban like and heavily focused on tech clients.

[onmywhey]

I went through recruiting with PwC and somehow it was mentioned that San Jose was the market most in need of recruits. The good is that job opportunities are plentiful and you can jump ship if needed easily, the bad, the hours might suck.

San Jose is suburban like and heavily focused on tech clients.

[onmywhey]

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[onmywhey]

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