[Anonymous]

I got an offer with a small regional public accounting firm, but am now worried there is a chance my offer could be revoked eventually. One of the partners said that he would not write up an offer letter until he had my answer of acceptance. He did ask what my GPA was during the interview, but I told him it had been two years since I graduated and that “I think it was a 3.3 overall.” There was clear hesitation because I hadn’t looked at my transcripts in several years. I know that my grades are weak. I looked at my offer letter and GPA/transcripts is not listed explicitly anywhere. However, after doing some research, it seems like no matter where you go – transcript check is included in the background check. I have never lied about my GPA, but never got a chance to fully confirm what it is.

I am wondering if I should email the partner to confirm if transcripts will be checked or if they are included in the documents that I will need to provide within the first 3 days of employment. I think it’s the right thing to do to clear the air about my grades (again not good) before wasting anyone’s time. They did emphasize that they are not like your typical accounting firm and that personality is a big factor, which is the main reason they hired me. I was given an accounting test to which the partner says that I did well (who knows though).

The other part of me feels that if GPA/transcripts mattered so much, this would have been checked before offering me employment. But, it seems pretty common to see offers revoked after a firm doest transcript checks.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I just don’t feel like I can enjoy the offer considering what could happen eventually.

Thank you in advance!

[Julia]

How off were u? Do u know? Can u get Ur transcript and find out?

[Anonymous]

I think if your GPA is at least 3.0 or better it will not matter if you were off. Regardless, I wouldn't email the partner to find out if they are going to request your GPA since that would put up a red flag. If he didn't have any intention on checking into your GPA, your email would be a sure fire way to make him pay attention to your GPA. You got an interview without them knowing your GPA and normally once you have experience your GPA doesn't matter anymore. Don't worry about things that haven't happened because they may not ever occur and you have spent time worrying for no reason.

I wish you the best.

[John G]

“once you have experience your GPA doesn't matter anymore.”

Is this true? I haven't changed jobs a lot but my undergrad GPA was not stellar … but I went back to school after I got my bachelors to take the 30 hours of accounting credits so that I could take the exam – I got a 4.0 in those and it raised my GPA a bit. I have 13 years of experience now, but I am still worried that my GPA is not exactly stellar (~3.2). It's a bit of an area of self-consciousness for me. Plus, if a potential employer asks to see my transcripts, I have to show them my non-accounting undergrad transcript (university a) plus my accounting hours after getting my bachelors (university b). I feel like that wouldn't impress the interviewer much. Luckily, nobody has asked for this…but I am always afraid it might when I look to move up the ladder.

[RyonT]

@JohnG It is true. I've never even had an employer ask for transcripts. Employers worry more about real life experience than anything you did in college. A degree really only gets your foot in the door of your chosen profession. After that, your work experience is definitely what matters most.

[Anonymous]

Don't do anything. My employer asked for my transcripts which showed 2 semesters I withdrew from and my overall 3.3 GPA with an accounting GPA of like 3.0. Even if they do ask for your transcripts, your GPA is fine

[Adam]

As long as they liked you I dont think your GPA really matters..if they offer you the job it is more to verify that you have finished school.

That said if they do care about your GPA and make a stink about it, you are probably better off, as any good CPA knows that college is a joke and you learn accounting in public…not in school

[Author]

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