[Outsider626]

Hey everyone. I’m 29 years old. Started college late at 23. Recently graduated with double degree (150 credits) in Accounting/Business Management with decent 3.5 GPA. During college years I worked as legal assistant/paralegal so that I could afford to pay for college. Was not something that i enjoyed. During the last 2 tax seasons I worked as volunteer and prepared individual tax returns for people with low income. Enjoyed it a lot. Didn’t felt like a job. Now i’m thinking of tackling CPA exam before i start looking for a full time job in public accounting. I don’t think i will be able to pass the CPA exam if i will be working 40+ hours a week. What worries me is that i’m not sure that i will be able to find entry level position job in public accounting even if i pass the exam. I don’t have any experience in public accounting. Can CPA open doors to other fields (banking)? Time is ticking and i’m not sure what I should do.

[MaLoTu]

Did you go to a college that has recruiting by the B4? If your alma mater has a meet the firms I strongly suggest that you attend.
You can absolutely grab an entry level job in public. Do remember that if you start the recruiting process this late summer/fall that you will likely not start work until August/September 2020.

I did not have an accounting background when I graduated with my MBA and MSA. I went to all the meet the firms I could in my area and networked a lot. I was already 30 when I started public accounting. I loved it. It was a great career choice that definitely paid dividends.

[Warrior]

@MaLOTu It is so great!
I was in the same position as author. But I went to all meetings with Big4 and those the resume looks nice I did not get any engagements. It feels descoraging, but I keep trying since I have one more semester before graduation.

[MaLoTu]

@IreneZ – apply and meet with all firms big and small. I ended up at a smaller firm with public clients and I got great experience.

[Ne’O]

“Can CPA open doors to other fields (banking)? Time is ticking and i'm not sure what I should do.”

Yes–.
As ex-hedge fund manager of 15 years and 8 years of PM before that, I would hire a CPA over an MBA. A lot of slower money such as a pension fund or some of the other entities is going to want a CPA over an MBA. The CPA alone won't do it for you, as it is a personality test where several attributes sought would include non academic things like an athletic or gaming mind.

Warning to you in that a CPA takes a lot more work than it did >= 15 years ago. A lot more.
15 years ago people would want an MBA or CFA over a CPA. My personal opinion is that this has shifted much.
It would have been easier to bang out an MBA. I could have nearly done it in my sleep. The CPA required a lot more time and drilling.

Newbie CPA Candidate

[74phoenix]

@Outsider626 – Congratulations on the 150 credits! I recommend that you go for the CPA. I am almost done with the CPA and I work at a big 4 40+++ hours a week. It has taken me almost 2-3 years to pass all 4 parts, so it is NOT an easy process. The norm is about 18 months to pass all 4 parts, I believe. An MBA in an accounting firm or elsewhere in the finance/accounting world is predictable and won't give you any leg up over competition. A CPA will be well respected and at the top of many recruiters and firms lists. CPAs do not have trouble finding jobs 🙂

Graduated 05/2016.
NY CPA Candidate.
Public accounting.
FAR COMING UP 07/07/2016 !! GOD HELP ME.

[Outsider626]

@MaLoTu I did go to a college that was recruited by the big 4. Unfortunately I couldn't attend day time events hosted by the big 4 on campus because I had to work so that I could afford to pay for college. I know it was a big mistake. Even though I submitted my resume through college job postings I still did not get any interviews. On the other hand most of the people who attended those networking events got an interview and internship with Big 4. I'm going to take your advice and start attending all the job fairs and networking events around my area. I just want entry level job in public accounting. Doesn't matter to me if it's a small, medium or Big 4 firm.

[Outsider626]

@NeO Thank you. I will tackle CPA exam hard.

[Outsider626]

@74phoenix Thanks. I will go for it. I guess it's a final big step that I have to take.

[1rightanswer]

@OP, I had the same thought process as you: pass the CPA and then look for work. The difference is you came from college and I came from another industry. It took me from Oct 31 to March 10, 2019 to pass all sections, it was good to pass but I don't think it has helped me on my job search; I'm still searching. To employers experience > CPA > degree/education, get any experience (public/private) you can, it is more important even than the test.

[Author]

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