[Jimmy Dugan]

So I was a career changer when I got my Masters in accounting, basically having no previous experience in pure accounting. I also got my degree online from a so-so school, definitely not a target institution. I tried to get a couple of interviews with Big 4 when I graduated and struck out. I did land an interview with a top 20 firm and they were great, but all but told me they are hiring 23 year olds from programs they have relationships with and I didn’t fit that profile. I was fine with that, the honesty was refreshing actually. I turned my attentoon to the private world and got a pretty good gig with a large company. I’ve been a division accounting manager for 2 years.
Now that I’m in the home stretch of finishing my CPA, I still have that itch to work in public audit. Does anyone out there have a similar profile to mine that got on in Big 4 or mid size public accounting?

[HeartsMimiCPA]

I was a bit of a late bloomer as far as my career goes. I did not study accounting in college and later took the courses for me to qualify for the CPA.

I have my license now and have worked a variety of accounting and audit jobs (regional public firm and internal audit). I recently changed jobs at the age of 33. I originally was looking to go big 4 and applied. I was contacted by all (eventually) for an interview and even got an offer from PWC. I chose different position. I think if you're a fit they're going to want you.

AUD - 65, 89!
REG - 70, 89!
FAR - 78!
BEC - 77!

Finally!
Experience 06/30/15
Ethics-Done

VA Licensed 09/15/15

[Jimmy Dugan]

That's good insight, thanks for the reply. I'm going to see where my head's at when I finish my CPA. I have a good job now but am not learning that much because I don't report to a finance/accounting person, and I know I'd learn a ton working in public.

[Biff Tannen]

There shouldn’t be a problem – if you can get an offer, I’d take it in a heartbeat. Big 4 looks good on your resume – your plan should be to stick it out until Senior then jump ship to a smaller firm.

The only problem is your start class will likely be made up of 23 year old college frat bros. It’s going it be hard to relate to these bros, but you should at least make an effort to stand out. If you’re a hard worker and don’t mind working long hours, then you’ll stand out as a hard worker, and will likely survive your first few years of big 4.

[Author]

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