[Tcohle]

The last time I interviewed at a CPA firm was for an internship in college. I printed out 20 or 30 questions the big 4 usually ask just to cover my bases.

This is a staff accountant job a little outside the city of Philadelphia.

I have 123 educations credits, passed FAR, and have two years experience working at a construction company (accounting and financial administration)

What could I expect salary-wise?

Any tips for interviewing?

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[NoobAccountant]

well you are probably going to have to explain why you don't have 150 credit hours, and what your plan is to get to 150 credit hours. Other than that you will probably just get a bunch of normal type interview questions. They will probably try to go into your construction background and see what all you know.

Salary wise I have no idea! I would reccomend looking into Robert Half Salary Guide. I'm sure you are going in as entry level, so I would expect between 48-55k depending on the market.

REG- July 10
BEC - End July
AUD - End Aug
FAR - End October

[Tcohle]

I do have a plan for the 150…I wanted to finish all my exams then do online classes for the balance. I have a ton of accounting courses already passed so I don't think the classes would be difficult. I'm wondering if they'll reject me because I don't have 150…

Also for salary, I usually ask for 50K anywhere I go, but I don't know what they'll pay!

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[fuzyfro89]

Many firms require that you have 150 on or before your start date as the standard terms. If you are able to start full time before that, then you will be an exception, not the norm.

I'm not saying that you should not try. You absolutely should! If you succeed, you'll have a full extra year of experience sooner than you would otherwise. I'm just sharing what many firms require… since they don't want to hear “but, sir, I promise I really really do, I will absolutely finish the 150 and get my license”. Even if you are sincere…

Salary wise, it depends on the role. Full time staff accountants range from 50-55k most likely in the Philly area for the middle half. Maybe 1/4 will be higher/lower than that, but that's the range you can expect. Public CPA firms have more narrow ranges for junior staff, but industry can generally be wider (especially for the mid and smaller companies).

[Tcohle]

Ugh that's what I was afraid of. It was under “Desired Skills and Qualifications”, So I guess technically it's not “required”? So frustrating I can't get a job at an accounting firm until I have 150.

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[NoobAccountant]

You just have to look at it from there point of view, and they don't want to get rid of you. But if you never finish your credits, you will never be a CPA and they would have to likely get rid of you.

REG- July 10
BEC - End July
AUD - End Aug
FAR - End October

[Tcohle]

Well in that case why would I even go. It's a 1.5 hr drive

FAR- 5/11/15 76!!
AUD-10/31/15 63, 84!
REG-7/12/16 72
BEC-8/31/15 75!! Perfect Score!

Wiley CPAExcel Platinum
Ninja 10 pt combo for FAR/AUD/BEC

[Author]

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