[Henrigu]

Hello:

I am a CPA and have passed CISA. I have a Masters in accounting from outside US and more than 20 years of varied experience in accounting – payroll, AP/AR, managing external auditors, SEC reporting, tax etc. As I started my career in accounting outside of US, my initial public accounting experience was there. And I have a strong aptitude for computers and software.

Now, I am trying to find a new position in audit or accounting and I am hitting a roadblock as everyone is looking for some ‘big 4’ experience on my resume which I don’t have.

I tried approaching the ‘big 4’ with no luck probably due to my out of country accounting degree or age.

So wanted to check if you guys have had any experience with such a situation and what was your way out or had any advice for me. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I could use some help as well. I am trying to get into public accounting and having a hard time. I went back to school for a Masters degree in Accounting and have graduated. I got my NTS and took FAR last week. I don't have as much experience as yourself, but I am having a difficult time getting my foot in the door.

I have gotten my foot in the door some places but then tend not to survive past the first interview.

I am not expecting to be hired by the Big 4, but the smaller firms are hard to crack as well. My experience in as a Risk Manager so I have used professional skepticism and I have analytical skills.

[Missy]

Have you applied to jobs and actually been told lack of big 4 is the problem or are you seeing ads that say big 4 required? If it's the latter apply anyway. They only put that in the ad to discourage completely unqualified candidates which you are not. The first accounting job I had said a bachelor's in accounting was a minimum requirement and I hadn't even started college yet and was still the best candidate.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Henrigu]

The title should have read ‘ Career advice request.'

@Missy – Yes, I have applied to jobs where in my experience and skills matched the job requirements perfectly but I was told by the recruiter (who had been very excited and optimistic initially) that they heard back from their hiring manager that they preferred ‘Big 4' experience.

@ems215 – I think with your Masters from US you should land the position. You just need to keep the faith and keep trying. Try searching for sites which provide interview help and get a professional to build your resume. An interview coach could also help. These are expensive but believe me, worth their cost.

[Anonymous]

Henrigu,

I think I am suffering from age discrimination. I have more than 10 years of work experience in risk mgmt.

I spoke with a partner who went to my new alma mater and applied to positions at his firm. Literally, the next day, I was told that I was no longer in consideration.

I am trying to keep the faith or at least find a contract position in risk mgmt.

[Pete]

No, age discrimination definitely comes into play, but your primary issue is your lack of public accounting experience. I'm in the exact same boat as you and a lot of forum members.

You almost have to get into public accounting while you're in school.

Once you graduate, the only real way you can get in is through networking with the right person at the firm. Unfortunately, most entry level positions are filled with interns/campus recruiting from the prior year. Now you're basically stuck waiting until growth occurs from an entry level person leaving the firm at a certain time period (before tax season-which is relatively rare) or a sudden increase in growth, which is also rare.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Author]

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