[Mimi1022]

I signed with a midsize firm during recruiting season, graduating with 150 credits. Went on chemo & my grades for sure reflect this – ie mostly C’s across the board. Under what circumstances would my firm withdraw the offer?

[LaComptable]

Hi Mimi1022,

I don't know what firm you went with, but I don't think it's likely they would rescind the offer on the basis of GPA alone. Was the offer contingent on having a certain GPA? Did you complete your degree?

When I entered public accounting about 5 years ago in a very tight job market, the firm I went with (not Big 4, but a well-respected regional firm) was much more concerned with my eligibility to sit for the CPA than my GPA. I'm not in public accounting anymore so I'm sure others can chime in with their stories; maybe things are radically different, but I doubt it. That you have your 150 hours and can sit for the CPA is probably their primary concern.

If your offer was contingent on the GPA, or on some other requirement that you've not met, it might be worthwhile to reach out to your contact at the firm, preferably in person or over a phone call rather than through email. I would set their expectations and definitely let them know the extenuating circumstances you were under and emphasize what you were able to accomplish. It is a big accomplishment to finish school, let alone to do it while sick and on chemotherapy. Bravo to you for sticking with it!

BEC - 88
AUD - 74, 87
REG - 77
FAR - 63, 82

CIA certified in 2013

[LaComptable]

Hi Mimi1022,

I don't know what firm you went with, but I don't think it's likely they would rescind the offer on the basis of GPA alone. Was the offer contingent on having a certain GPA? Did you complete your degree?

When I entered public accounting about 5 years ago in a very tight job market, the firm I went with (not Big 4, but a well-respected regional firm) was much more concerned with my eligibility to sit for the CPA than my GPA. I'm not in public accounting anymore so I'm sure others can chime in with their stories; maybe things are radically different, but I doubt it. That you have your 150 hours and can sit for the CPA is probably their primary concern.

If your offer was contingent on the GPA, or on some other requirement that you've not met, it might be worthwhile to reach out to your contact at the firm, preferably in person or over a phone call rather than through email. I would set their expectations and definitely let them know the extenuating circumstances you were under and emphasize what you were able to accomplish. It is a big accomplishment to finish school, let alone to do it while sick and on chemotherapy. Bravo to you for sticking with it!

BEC - 88
AUD - 74, 87
REG - 77
FAR - 63, 82

CIA certified in 2013

[Anonymous]

Have they asked for a final transcript once you have graduated? If they have, they may ask about why your grades dropped. My old Big 4 firm almost rescinded an offer due to a person's GPA dropping badly. The difference between them and your situation, is that the new hire didn't have a good reason for why their grades dropped. Being on chemo is a legitimate reason for grades to slump a bit. If your employer asks about why your GPA dropped, and you're willing to tell them it was because of chemo, I wouldn't think you'd have a problem.

[Anonymous]

Have they asked for a final transcript once you have graduated? If they have, they may ask about why your grades dropped. My old Big 4 firm almost rescinded an offer due to a person's GPA dropping badly. The difference between them and your situation, is that the new hire didn't have a good reason for why their grades dropped. Being on chemo is a legitimate reason for grades to slump a bit. If your employer asks about why your GPA dropped, and you're willing to tell them it was because of chemo, I wouldn't think you'd have a problem.

[Author]

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