[joyceysong]

I has been working at a private company (manufacture) to handle bookkeeping overall about four years. I passed all four sessions of U.S. CPA exams last year and plan a career move. I speak English and Japanese besides my native language. I graduated from an American university with master of science in accounting degree.

I tried big four and some other accounting firms last year, but failed for two reasons, I guess. First, I am not very young anymore. Most managers are younger than me. I think the entry level staff accountant position is more for young adults. Second, I am not very sociable. I had interviews with one of big four. I put a lot of effort on my interview preparation. I feel my interviews were good. But I did not talk much during dinner parties. I guess they do not like me.

Considering my background, could you please give me some advices what can be my next career move?

Thanks a lot!

[Jdn9201]

Congrats on passing the exams! I'm not in public accounting, but thought I'd give you some advice anyways. You mention you graduated from college in the US? If I were you, I'd try to network at my college. Try joining their alumni, business, or accounting club/association. If you still know any of your former professors, maybe you could send one an email? Networking will help you to get more interviews, which will help you find the right opportunity for you. As far as everything else, play to your strengths. I've actually seen job openings in both public and private that list being fluent in Japanese as a qualification. Don't worry about age – again, it can be a strength. You will likely be more mature and your boss won't have to worry about you coming in hung over on Mondays. 🙂 As far as being quiet, you will have to warm up to people some to network so that you can talk about yourself and make relationships with people. I also think it's important to project enthusiasm and ask questions in interviews. Beyond that though, be yourself. Remember that it's a two way street – yes, you want to be a good fit for them but you also want them to be a good fit for you. I sympathize because I'm talkative, but I'm also an introvert. I'm not very good with small talk and I don't play games or kiss up to people. I'm nice but I don't care if someone's a VP or janitor – they each deserve the same amount of respect. Have a good resume, be prepared to ask questions, and paint yourself in the most positive light, but at the end of the day, they either like you or they don't. Good luck with your search!

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[Anonymous]

Can you leverage your knowledge of Japanese with a company that has some asian connections?

Also you may consider trying a more regional size firm if you want to get into public accounting. You may also try your local Asian Chamber of Commerce for networking. I'm saying these things to leverage your knowledge of the language and your background.

[Author]

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