[WNMCowboy25]

So 5 years ago I was arrested and convicted of misdemeanor retail theft. It was extremely poor judgment on my part, because I didn’t even steal anything. My friend’s boyfriend was the one who got caught and I was with him. Guilty by association…

Fast forward to now and I have an interview with a Big 4 accounting firm. Dream interview right? But now I’m wondering if I make it past all the rounds and they do a background check (which they will), what are the chances they’ll revoke their offer when they find out I have a misdemeanor? My record has been clean since and I’ve even done two internships.

By the way, I applied for sealing of this conviction a couple weeks ago. It should take 3 months to approve and 3 additional months to clear out of the systems.

The job is set for next fall.

[Anonymous]

Did you disclose the theft on the application for employment? If they already know about it and still interviewed you, then you are probably ok. But if they dont know about it and find out during a background check after an offer has been made, then there is a chance they will revoke the offer. I've known people whose offers got revoked because the firm ran a credit check and found out they had a low credit score. I think the idea is that things like that show poor judgement and since judgement is such an important part of the profession, sometimes they take those things very seriously.

Try not to worry yourself about it, just concentrate on the interview and making it to the point where you get an offer first. Dont let yourself get too distracted with “what if” scenarios, and remind yourself that even if this doesnt work out there will be other opportunities. Not to be mean, but you might not even get an offer so worrying about an offer getting revoked is kind of pointless. Im not trying to be discouraging, just want to point out that worrying about something that might not even happen doesnt help anything and its totally out of your control anyway.

[WNMCowboy25]

There was no application. This was on campus recruiting. So far I've been doing just fine with giving things my best shot and things have managed to work themselves out. Wow credit check and then revoke? Ouch… My credit score is a 783 though, so maybe… That'll impress them? Lol

[Herbieherb]

if its still on there ya they can revoke it.

NEW YORK- DONE

[tbstew]

To answer your question, there IS a chance they could, once discovered. But here's my advice:

I know it's MUCH easier said than done, but I'd really try not to worry about it. A big interview is nerve-racking enough by itself. Adding the distraction and anxiety of something that's now completely out of your control is unproductive, and will only hurt your chances further.

All you can do is prepare for each step and nail each one. Focus on what you CAN DO–that's the best practice in almost any situation.

Good luck!

AUD - 79
BEC - 88
REG - 87
FAR - 86 - Woot, all done!
Ethics - 100

[Author]

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