[songhee7]

Hi all,

It’s always good to stop by here and chat with people.

I’m a licensed CPA (CA) and have been working for a small size public accounting firm for about a year and a half, mainly doing audit.

I decided to move to a bigger firm (size of top 100) and have been applying for audit staff positions since Oct last year. I had 3 initial phone interviews so far. One with PwC and the other two with Crowe Horwath (two different recruiters). The interview questions were very typical, just going through my experiences and expectations. I haven’t heard back from the recruiters since the 1st interview. I emailed them, but of course no replies.

I know that big firms prefer even 3-5 years of experience for staff positions unless you have experience with big 4 or national firms.

Is it not right time for me to apply for one of those big firms yet or is it something else like my age or educational back ground? I didn’t go to school in the states and I’m a lot older than average candidates for staff position. I have 8 years of industry experience, which could have been a big plus if I worked for a reputable big corporation.

Should I patiently wait and apply later? Or should I look for positions at mid size companies rather than big 4 or national firms?

I should appreciate the fact that I actually have a job at this moment but I’m not happy with my current employer and have a strong desire to work with more professional people in a more professional environment. So please write any advice for me. Thanks!

[mla1169]

I think its a combination of the two. Its definately worth it to get out there and apply, but with the expecation that it might not be the right time. I am older too and have been casually applying for controller/accounting manager jobs for over a year. I haven't had an offer yet but I am perfectly content to stay where I am until the perfect job comes around. Good luck!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

When I read the topic, I thought it was a V-day topic for the singles…

[SIMSLAYER]

CPA-Convertible- That's funny!!! Expectations a notch lower for each passing birthday. Such is life…

FAR- 81
AUD- 93
BEC- 79
REG-

[Anonymous]

Why bother with the BIG 4 when there are so many other companies out there?

[songhee7]

LOL

you are so funny, CPA-Convertible.

[songhee7]

Hi 75,

I'm open to many other companies besides big 4. Actually I prefer a size of firm between mid-large.

My experience with this small accounting firm has been pretty disappointing in terms of quality controls, professionalism, resources, etc. So I would like to start over before it is too late.

[Author]

Replies