[Meg267]

There are only two better known accounting firms within 3+ hours of where I live. I applied for an open audit associate position about 2 weeks ago. I haven’t heard anything yet. The position had been open for 2 months when I applied. The position has now been removed from the website. But now there is an audit intern position available. Should I apply for that as well?

The audit associate position required bachelor’s degree, working towards CPA, and 1 year of public experience. I have 3 bachelor degrees, am working towards CPA, and I have 4 years of private experience, no public.

The audit intern position requires working towards bachelor’s degree and CPA.

I want to get into public. I’d rather not be just an intern, but…I guess I’ll do what I have to do to get my foot in the door. Should I wait it out for a while and see if something becomes of the audit associate position, or should I just go ahead and apply for the intern position as well? Is that too desperate?

[Meg267]

My husband thinks I shouldn't apply for the intern position and just wait and see if I hear back about the audit associate position. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised the intern position is requiring a CPA. You have a few years of experience already, albeit not in public, but you would probably be qualified for the associate position. (I'm not actually sure since I don't work in public myself, so I apologize to anyone if I'm not assuming correctly). Can you apply for two positions for the same company? I know some companies won't let you apply for more than one position on their website. If you can, I don't see why you shouldn't apply for everything you can, just as a backup?

[Anonymous]

In most practices, intern positions are reserved for students still in school or recently graduated. I would just email them your resume and let them know you are interested in an opportunity with their firm. That way you'll get a direct response and they'll let you know what they are looking for and if they are even looking. Plus it could be a great way to build rapport by showing your interest and an opportunity to ask the right questions to show your interest.

If I were you I would:

1. Get in touch with recruiters
2. Send your resume to the large mid-market/B4 firms and apply to experienced hire positions (they'll contact you if they want to learn more about your background and match you up with possible opportunities, if any)

Either way, it would be best to get in touch with a recruiter in my opinion.

[Meg267]

The intern position is working towards a bachelor’s degree and working towards a CPA as well. It looks like I can apply for both positions on the website. If I apply for the intern position, I don’t want them to think they should give me that position over the associate position, since it looks like I’m willing to take it. Do you think I can pass off four years of private experience enough to qualify for the one year of public required for the position? How long does it take for public firms to hire?

Also, I’m going out of the country for a week later in the month. I will be without internet and telephone. Should I reach out and let them know? Or if they do reach out while I’m gone, just return their call when I get back? I just don’t want to miss out on an opportunity, as there isn’t much around here. I can’t move, as my husband is rooted here due to his occupation/school right now.

[MaLoTu]

Do you have a cpa society/club near you? Do any of the local colleges/universities have meet the firm's events that you can attend?

It is very rarely successful to apply online to a firm. I applied for many positions through the online portals (at least 10) and only one yielded an actual interview. You have to get your resume in the hands of a recruiter or someone at the company.

Similar to what brickell mentioned, you need to send out an email to a partner or manager and explain why you want to be in public accounting and how your background will help you be successful. I am not a proponent of sending off a resume unprompted. I prefer to ask for a brief phone call to talk about the firm and their culture. However, it is easier to do this with recruiters than partners since partners are pretty busy with other stuff. I have invited people to coffee with good results.

Landing a job in public accounting is a lot of foot work if you are not coming from a traditional background (fresh from a university that is recruited by firms). Get out there and try to network. You are going to need someone to advocate for you.

[FormerCPA14]

I actually strongly disagree with this. I would 100% cold call the Partner. If anything it shows hustle and the fact that you really do want the job.

Much like an online portal is useless, emails are getting there. People at their level get 100 emails a day, but maybe only 5 voicemails. It makes a difference.

I would call and follow up with an email.

The intern position isn't really worth your time, would wait on the audit associate position.

[diesel05]

I would use LinkedIn to your advantage here. Follow the firm on LinkedIn then search for employees of the firm. 9/10 times HR or recruiters will be on LinkedIn due to the nature of their job. Send them a connection request then follow up with a respectful inquiry once they accept it.

[Author]

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