[Anonymous]

I’ve seen some of you post about having a low gpa, I am in the same boat and hoping once I pass the cpa the low gpa will be overlooked.

I am currently working at a job that has nothing to do with accounting, but I would like to look for another job that will be related to accounting while I study for the cpa. In my situation with the gpa, what kind of job would you recommend for me to look for? Where should I start? Anyone with a low gpa, can you tell me what type of position you are working in? any advice or info would be great. Thanks

[Sandra]

I have NEVER had anyone ask for my GPA and I work in accounting. I started out as a low level type bookkeeper. Went on to do AR stuff for a while, then as the bookkeeper for a smaller company, then accounting manager to controller. Hopped around a little in controller positions and ended up the CFO at a large (but still private) company through sheer luck and good timing. I ended up going to work as the CFO for the parent company once that company sold. The only reason I got my current job is that I was able to prove myself ahead of time- otherwise I would have been considered completely under qualified because I didn't have any sort of graduate degree or my CPA.

my CPA/CMA/MBA is sort of bitter sweet for me. I have never felt that it would make me better at my job BUT no one will look at you without it. Especially if you want to work for a public company. A CPA is expected. Period- the end. Its been looming over my head for years so I'm glad I'm finally knocking it out.

If you are working on your CPA already no one will EVER care about your GPA. Even if you don't have your CPA its unlikely someone will care about the GPA. But you will find that as you try and work your way up not having a CPA is the biggest issue.

I think the only time anyone cares about GPA is firms recruiting people straight out of college. Because most of those people have ZERO work experience its the only measure they have.

[flynewbie]

Unfortunately, my school Macc program is kinda sucky that it requires us to maintain that minimum…

Otherwise, no degree is granted! But then again, is it worth Macc I kinda doubt it though!

[Anonymous]

Thank you for sharing your experience Sandra, the way you worked up to your position is very motivational, sorry to hear the CPA is in your way from further advancing. I haven't started studying yet, just finished bachelors and want to find an accounting related job before I start studying. I guess for now I will apply to every and any accounting related job just to start somewhere and not have an empty resume for the future, hope I get lucky and no one asks about GPA. I agree CPA definitely outweighs GPA, but in the beginning without having CPA yet and without any accounting related work experience, I thought the only thing they have to judge me by is the GPA.

Anyway, good luck with the start of your cpa journey 🙂

[Anonymous]

motivating *

[titine]

I have been looking for an accounting job since the beginning of this year too but so far no luck. From my own experience, if your financial situation is not that bad, just continue working at your current job and study for the CPA so you can pass as soon as possible. Once you start studying, most likely you will be stressful at the amount of material, adding the stress from looking for job, it may be not a good idea. I want to find another job too since my current job is not related to accounting and they pay very very cheap, but now I wish I just started studying right after graduation, took exams and who knows if I could pass 1 or 2 sections by now. As for GPA, since mine is only 3.0, I didn't put it on my resume and only few times I was asked about it, especially when the company knows my school. Other than that, they usually ask me about the experience and my coursework. Whatever your decision is, good luck!

[Author]

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