[Elaine]

Hello!

I want to give you cliff notes about myself before asking questions.

– graduated in Economics last June from a 4-year university w/ a below 3.0 GPA

– started an accounting certificate program at a university near home

– want to start Becker review in July and start with FAR in August

– no experience

– been going to career forums, and had a good connection with recruiters from E&Y and KPMG

– been looking for temporary jobs to get any experience

– applied to be a financial assistant for a production accountant in for an entertainment network in Beverly Hills, and she wants to talk with me tomorrow

I clicked very well with the E&Y recruiter and she said such things like:

“Your GPA is the only thing that makes it tough, but it’s great that you are taking these classes and studying for CPA exams… Send me an email and I will find a way to get you in.”

“I could see you working in the office.”

“Of course I remember you! I urge you to keep in touch with me . . . “

…So I am planning to follow up with my exam plan like she said. Also, the KPMG audit associate said he forwarded my email to a recruiter and wanted me to update him with my exam process. He is taking them right now too. So I was wondering… does this mean I have a good change of getting a Big 4 job next year? Should I have much hope up? It really is motivating me to study hard and pass those tests! And I could tell they both liked me.

Also, should I take any accounting experience until I go under recruiting process with Big 4 in September? I’m not a campus recruit, so it’s not like I will be hired for an internship, where you earn that basic experience. I am going for a full-time position, so I think I need some accounting experience. I’ve been looking for a temporary, part-time or an internship. Should I take the financial assistant position if offered? It’s part-time.

Please provide some insight or comments! I will be forever grateful! And for those who are on the same boat as mine, let’s keep in touch and row together? 🙂

[Minimorty]

Yes, definitely accept the position and start getting some experience. The experience helps, being employed helps, the money helps. It all helps.

I hope you mean you get your Becker materials July 1 and are taking FAR on August 31. You'll need a solid couple of months to study, especially if you are working. Dont underestimate the amount of material and how much time you are really going to need to put into this to be successful.

Given your GPA, lack of experience, and lack of credentials, is there any reason you expect to jump into a Big 4 position? You have to remember how many qualified candidates are looking for the exact same position you are trying to get. I know this is hard, but you may want to lower your expectations until you gain some experience.

If you have more questions, fire away. Btw – I'm less than an hour south of you (assuming you are in the LA area).

[Elaine]

Also, there will be a mid-tier firm fair next week.

I talked briefly with an associate from Rothstein Kass when they came a few weeks ago, and he wanted me to come talk more at their booth… I definitely plan to go and talk to different mid-tier's, but I was wondering: with my experience and situation, should I choose Big 4 or Mid-tier? (Not that I have offers or anything….)

[jenuno01]

@Elaine, I agree with Mini…you might want to lower your expectations at least until you get more experience and pass your CPA test. If you have an Econ degree, I can't imagine you are too familiar with GAAP or IFRS. Employers now-a-days are getting very technical even while interviewing…When I interviewed for my current position (Internal Auditor) I was asked a lot of technical Accounting questions in my interview…just a heads up! This profession requires a lot of dedication. Good luck!

Class of 2012

[Elaine]

I know a person who's worked at 2 of Big 4's and he said it was 60% resume and 40% presentation… I thought I presented myself well at the career forums, and I do think the recruiters liked me. I know I have lots of competitors, and that's what makes me work harder to pass the CPA exams; if I pass them, won't there be a big boost on my credentials? I emailed the E&Y recruiter about my plan to start and she said that sounded awesome. I'm going to apply for an associate position in audit/assurance… do you guys really think I should lower my expectations?

[Elaine]

I know a person who's worked at 2 of Big 4's and he said it was 60% resume and 40% presentation… I thought I presented myself well at the career forums, and I do think the recruiters liked me. I know I have lots of competitors, and that's what makes me work harder to pass the CPA exams; if I pass them, won't there be a big boost on my credentials? I emailed the E&Y recruiter about my plan to start and she said that sounded awesome. I'm going to apply for an associate position in audit/assurance… do you guys really think I should lower my expectations?

[Elaine]

@ Minimorty, yes that is what I meant by taking a review in July and the FAR exam in August. I'm taking intermediate accounting classes right now, so I hope that helps a lot. Where are you in socal? I'm 30-40 minutes south from UCLA.

[Author]

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