[Pray4theCPA]

I have an interview at a smaller CPA firm for an audit position and they asked me to bring my transcripts.

My grades in school were a roller coaster ride and my last semester i was sure I was going to go to more of the finance side (double major) I did not do well in auditing (just enough for a passing grade to graduate) and have a sub 3.0 accounting GPa since my mindset was I had a great finance GPa and good cumulative either way.

Should I cancel the interview since I have no shot? I would need to use pto time from my current employment as well.

Really need help and appreciate the feedback.

FAR - 83
BEC - 81
AUD - 74,93
REG - 75

Becker Self Study & Becker Final Review

[rp 12]

To be honest. Have a best response on why your GPA isn't 3.5 above (pretty much industry standard for entry level). Have a good explanation on why your GPA has been 3.0… You have to convince HR, manager, and/or partner (interviewers) that you will be commited to what you do, and take this seriously. I started my Public Accounting carrer w/ EY, and for a fact I know that recruiters in International, and/or National firms do ask about GPA (cummulative, and accounting). For big4 it was definetely above 3.5 to be considered even.

Don't cancel your interview. On paper you could be a good fit. Just need to show them in an interview that you are serious about what you want to do… Take this as a teaser/preview of other interview you could have down the road. Sucks taking a PTO. If I was you, I would go for this interview. Hope this helps!

"Success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up, with goals so strong that obstacles, failure, and loss act only as motivation"

AUD: 68, 62, 77✔ (expires 10/31/16)
FAR: 53, 48, XX (retake 6/16)
REG:
BEC: 53

[lisap]

I say go to the interview. Sell them on what you can do for them and not to focus on your transcripts. I wouldn't mention the transcripts unless they ask questions directly about them- and then try to get through the subject as quickly as possible and bring the conversation back to your skills. Even if you don't think you have a shot, going to the interview is good practice for when the right interview comes up. It's a good learning experience.

[Missy]

Why would you cancel an interview because of a sub par GPA? People DO get hired with sub 3.0 GPAs, But you'd better have soft skills that are exceptional.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

3.5 + is NOT industry standard. Besides you have a good finance and cumulative GPA. ID EXPLAIN IT AS, you were young, focused on finance classes and also focusing on outside school stuff (ie college job). Stay confident and don't make apologies. Besides looking at your transcript may just be a formality that HR does where they agree the GPA on your resume to what is listed to make sure you were not lying.

[Pray4theCPA]

Okay thanks for the advice. I definitely know I have the skills. After graduation I didn't have the units so had an internship in tax / auditing.. Also I was heavily involved in activities at school. Beta alpha psi / college athlete (higher level).

FAR - 83
BEC - 81
AUD - 74,93
REG - 75

Becker Self Study & Becker Final Review

[Anonymous]

3.5+ is only “standard” for firms that receive a ton of applicants for every opening. They have to have some “fair” criteria by which to narrow down the field for interviews, and GPA is one of those criteria. A smaller firm that really needs help is going to consider your resume more holistically because they cannot afford to be wrong about a hire as easily as a Big 4 firm can.

Just don't lie about your GPA, don't pretend you don't remember what your GPA is (seriously, unless you've been out of school for a long time, you cannot sell this), and don't make excuses if they ask you why it's not as high as they'd like to see. Own it, and move the conversation to your experience, skills, and work ethic.

[ibCPAsoon]

I'd say go for it anyway. It will at a minimum give you more experience and a better feel for how the question is mentioned / not mentioned.

BEC - PASS JULY 2014
FAR - PASS DEC 2014
AUD - PASS FEB 2015
REG - PASS MAY 2015

[Author]

Replies