[Anonymous]

Hello all,

so this is my first post and it’s job related. I hope someone can help me find some answers. So I am currently working in nonpublic accounting at a great company. I enjoy accounting and actively preparing for the CPA exam. I am worried that by the time I am done taking the exams, I won’t be able to pursue auditing jobs?

It seems like most firms, especially the big ones, only recruit kids straight out of college for their audit staff or are looking for senior positions. That leaves me in the middle, where no one would want to train me because of my previous work experiences (or salary) and cannot get the more senior positions…

Any one have any knowledge of this? Is it still possible to pursue audit career after having been in a related field (accounting) for a while? What are some pathways I can take?

[Anonymous]

A person I work with did what you are wanting to do. She graduated from college, went with a corporation versus a firm, got her CPA and then got hired on at a Big 4.

[See Pee A]

It is possible, but not easy. The most difficult part is demonstrating to the Big 4 firm WHY you want to join Big 4 after having been in industry. That will be your biggest hurdle. The next biggest challenge will be to simply get noticed. Big 4 hire heavily straight off campus, so getting in contact and making the right impressions on the right people will be more of a task. Notice that neither of these two has anything to do with you or your qualifications, because those are not nearly as challenging to go through.

I'm guessing you have been in your role for 1-3 years, so be prepared to come in as a staff. Auditing is much different than anything you do from the company's (nonprofit's) perspective, so your experience may not entitle you to come in at a much higher level. For obvious reasons, the jump from industry to public is much more rare than a jump from public to industry or public to (other) public, so this path will be a little new but far from untrodden. Find a way to address those two issues, and you shouldn't have a problem. From now forward is probably a good time since lots of people tend to leave after Q1.

I work within a Big 4 in audit, so if you have any other questions about stuff please don't hesitate to ask, though I am admittedly a noob on this topic specifically. Good luck!

BEC 86 (08/30/11)
FAR 84 (10/13/11)
REG 88 (11/08/11)
AUD 86 (11/29/11)

Exam prep - Becker self-study

[jelly]

Yes, there are the recruiting/hiring hurdles to jump through. But yes, it is possible to go from industry to public. You'll probably be able to bring some industry expertise to the audit table that seasoned auditors and managers don't know about, and there are likely partners who would like someone who is familiar with the industry, jargon and practices. In explaining your jump, there's nothing wrong with noting that you're interested in learning about more and other industries, which is what public accounting is about – a mix of clients in different industries.

Couldn't pass again!

[Lisa_Jane]

Don't worry about it! Just pass your CPA exams and you can get hired by the Big 4. They have a high turnover rate and everyone knows the work schedule is brutal and the pay is not the greatest. I have a friend who worked for a tiny accounting firm, got her CPA, and joined a Big 4 as a senior. She stayed for a few years and then moved on. She has had a great career, and so will you.

FAR Passed 5/28/14
AUD Passed 1/22/13
BEC Passed 7/12/13
REG Passed 5/9/14
Virginia CPA license issued July 2014

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice guys.

That is a lot more reassuring to hear your optimistic words. I had seen all these job postings for “senior, manager” auditing positions…and the only entry level positions were mostly for student recruitment. I started to think I would be overlooked and it would be impossible for me to get into public accounting if I stayed in nonpublic accounting for too long especially if firms can easily hire a recent graduate with 0 experience and wouldn't want an old dog (not an old dog yet though). Hopefully it will work out

[Anonymous]

@Clement I am sort of in a similiar situation and was wondering about getting recruited to work for a public accounting firm since I have years of experience in nonpublic accounting. I read posts on here how some recent college graduates can't get hired by the Big 4 so it is a little disheartening for someone so isn't a recent college graduate. I will be looking for either smaller public accounting firms and I also thought looking into Government Auditing jobs. I would like to go into Auditing but from some of the horror stories I've heard about it may be better that I don't. Wish you the best.

[NYCPA34]

I'm currently working for a Big 4 firm, and we are hurting for people. If you have your CPA, then it really shouldn't be too big of a problem. If you don't, I still don't see it to be a big hurdle. You may not come in at the level you want, but chances are you can get a job, especially with your industry experience. I would reach out to the HR department for my information.

FAR - 07/08/11 - 86 (Becker Fast Pass)
REG - 07/27/11 - 91 (Becker Fast Pass & Ninja Notes)
AUD - 08/13/11 - 93 (Becker Fast Pass)
BEC - 08/31/11 - 90 (Becker Fast Pass)

[Anonymous]

what are some resources to find smaller accounting firms (anything not the Big 4) that are hiring? I have checked craigslist and monster. There didn't seem like much posting for auditing positions from CPA firms. Big companies look for internal auditors and senior auditors, but i dont see my beginning level positions. ANy advice?

[Anonymous]

Never underestimate the power of a well written resume and cover letter. As for cover letters, my husband (a small business owner (professional, though not accounting)) said he ALWAYS looks at the cover letter and ALMOST NEVER looks at the resume.

With the help of my advisor I've revamped both my resume and cover letter. I'm now “eligible” for three federal gov't positions I recently applied for and have two “civilian” interviews tomorrow. I've had a couple of interviews so far but I need to work on my in-person interview skills – however at least the cover letter and resume are getting me in the door!

For one interview tomorrow they wanted a couple of years of public accounting and audit experience – both of which I don't have and I told them that…but I also let them know what I could do and that I'm very willing to learn tax and audit. That was enough for them to call me for an in-person interview.

I just received my CPA license and have about 5-6 years of accounting experience…and I'm pulling tons of transferable skills from previous positions. Those transferable skills are powerful but again the presentation (in the form of a great cover letter and resume) are the key to getting a response.

[Author]

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