[Anonymous]

Alright so here’s a little background info to my story.

I just graduated from college this past spring with a BS in Accounting. I graduated from a very highly respected university, but not with a stellar GPA (3.35). I never had any internship experience throughout my time at school, but I did some volunteer work as a tax preparer one semester (however, considering I’m looking to be an Audit Associate, it’s not much help).

Last fall, I applied to a couple firms through my school’s database and went on two interviews but both were dead ends. None of the Big 4 even extended me an interview. I then decided to hold off on looking for a job and complete the CPA exam instead. So far, I’ve passed FAR and BEC (with pretty decent scores, F88 B91) and am waiting on my AUD score now. I’m going to take REG next before the window closes and am praying to be completely done with all the tests by December so I can start applying to jobs.

I’m just nervous that even with the tests passed I will still be overlooked and am getting anxious. I have close friends who work for one of the Big 4 here in the city that I live and they said they would pass my resume through once I pass and I have a couple other contacts at other firms, but I’m just wondering if there’s anyone else in a similar position or once was. Any tips or advice is much appreciated right now because I’m starting to get discouraged from being an accountant!!

[needhelpnow]

Make connections…keep current company employees on radar…email them from time to time..ask to get lunch and talk about progress so far..pay for the lunch if they are doing you a favor by meeting you…update them with your scores..by the time they have an opening, they will have your connection in mind..

[randerso]

You need to get in on the college recruiting ASAP. Most large public accounting firms do their recruiting for entry-level through universities. If I were you, I would contact my alma matter and see what I can do to get access to their job boards (it's probably a $50 fee or so per semester).

Otherwise, try to get in at a smaller firm. You can always transfer laterally to a Big 4 later.

REG: (May 2014) - 80 ✔
AUD: (Nov 2014) - 93 ✔
FAR: (Oct 2014) - 71, (Jan 2015) - 88 ✔
BEC: (Feb 2015) - 89 ✔

CA PETH: 94 percent

[Author]

Replies