[UnderwoodXI]

Hey Ninjas,

I kindly need some advices. As mentionned in the title, I passed all 4 parts of the CPA (expected licensing date: Jan 2017), I passed the CFA Level I in June 2016 and will take Level II in June 2017.
I also hold a B.Sc in Finance and I have been working for the last 6 months as a Fixed Income Financial Controller in an Investment Bank in Paris. Yet my contract is ending at the end of December so I really need to find a new job!
I applied to a billion of Financial Analyst positions, Assistant Portfolio Manager Positions and also Auditor Positions at Big 4s.
I COULD NOT land any interviews so I am really concerned!
Could you please help me out here and tell me what is wrong?

Thank you in advance Ninjas!

FAR 94
AUD 81
REG 88
BEC 85
Ethics 100

[Reverie]

Apply for work overseas.

[Missy]

You're going to need someone to review and critique your resume if you're not getting calls. Also your resume and cover letter should be customized to each position you apply for emphasizing key words and competencies from the job listing. It's competitive out there and most of the positions you're applying to probably have applicants with similar credentials.

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

[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

Move to Dallas, they can't find enough people with your credentials

[acamp]

I'd echo what mla said, you need a custom resume for each position–especially because the positions you listed are pretty different from each other. Obviously I don't know you're full background, but being a controller (assume accounting focused) may not be the preferred background for portfolio manager positions (CFA L1 doesn't change much). For Big4 audit, what level of positions are you applying for? Anything above entry level generally requires previous audit experience.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[junodobi]

You have a lot of spelling errors in your post. If the same is true for your resume/applications that could be your problem.

[Son]

UnderwoodXI, do you require sponsorship for a US work visa? If so, that might be the major reason why. More than two two thirds of all applicants for H1Bs don't get visas, and most employers don't like those chances.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[letsrun4it]

I think Son has it right.

BEC: 85
REG: 74, 78
AUD: 86
FAR: October?

[nyclife]

I'm not sure what your background is, other than temping for 6 months as a Controller in a specific group within a bank. Your experience is very specific compared to working as a staff accountant, who can work in a variety of industries. You should have a finance resume and an accounting resume. I have a feeling that you are setting your expectations too high especially if you want an APM position from a temp position. Unfortunately people don't view temp work very highly. My resume didn't mention that I passed the CPA exams. I felt that companies and recruiters didn't want to contact me on the assumption that I would get bored with the job. If you appear too smart, they will not think you will stick around. It's all a game but you have to play to be paid. I was able to continue to move up in pay etc quickly after I got that first accounting role. The temp role led to a permanent role elsewhere. Since you're on an accounting board, it's all about breaking into the accounting industry with a full time position and going from there. You should also look into any operations role if you need the money.

I know you are in Europe so the below may not apply to you. It does apply to the US.

Passing the CFA Level 1 is the equivalent of graduating with a Finance undergraduate degree. It's almost meaningless. There are plenty of people who have passed L1 and never moved past that point for all types of reasons. Passing CFA Level 2 means that you have the quantitative ability to analyze an investment and understand the metrics. It does not mean you know how to successfully make profitable investments but it does show you are on your way to completing all three exams. Passing CFA 3 will not land you an Assistant Portfolio Manager, Equity Research, etc. position. The CFA credential is usually a way to leverage your current FINANCE experience to move up. It will not guarantee you a position in the asset management industry. On the other hand, passing the CPA exam will land you an accounting job.

Most CPAs take the CFA exams to break out of accounting. I don't think it's the smartest way of making the transition because a person will still lack finance experience. Graduate finance school is the best option since companies will hire “career switchers.” Most accounting managers want to hire other accountants, not finance professionals, and vice versa.

B4 doesn't typically hire a finance graduate for an audit position.
 
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