[s13irdie2]

I goofed off during my undergraduate studies and ended up with an accounting GPA of 2.7 (cum: 3.0). I already passed all four sections of the CPA, and I currently have two years in industry experience. Finding a job in public has been close to impossible. I’ve been sending out my resumes left and right with no luck. I plan to get my MACC at Cal State Fullerton (not a top school but decent). My question is will recruiters care about my low undergraduate GPA if I get a 3.3 or above in my Masters program?

[Anonymous]

Do you list your GPA on your resume? If so, I would consider removing it. List your experience first, since you have experience, and leave your degree to a simple line at the bottom – “Bachelors of Accounting, School of Hard Knocks, May 2010” or whatever it is. With experience, and having passed the CPA, the details of your degree shouldn't matter as much, and it sounds like they may be hurting you.

However, to answer your question, your most recent education will be of far more interest than your prior education. So, a good GPA with a Master's, and CPA exams passed, should matter much more than the undergrad GPA! Some employers might have a strict “We only hire with undergrad GPAs above 3.0 in accounting”, but I expect that is very rare!

[s13irdie2]

I don't have my GPA listed in my resume, but I heard many accounting firms won't even look at resumes without the GPA there. My goal is to get into a Big4 or a Large National firm. My options pretty much at this point are to either:

1. MACC –> high GPA (even though recruiters might look at my low undergrad GPA)—> network my butt off –> hopefully land an offer

or

2. Keep trying to land a job in a smaller firm –> work for two years –> move to a larger firm after experience.

What option would be best to fit my goal of getting into a large firm?

Thanks for the response!

[Mayo]

Lot of factors in play. Can you answer these questions?

-Do you have a sense of how hard it would be to go to a smaller CPA firm from your industry job?

-Can you get outstanding grades at your Macc? (3.6+)

-How will you be paying for your Macc? Loans? Scholarships? Savings?

-Honestly, how are your communication and soft skills? Do you consider yourself good at networking, socializing, etc.?

-Is the school you mentioned recruited by the Big 4? Heavily, moderately, or lightly?

-Do you still need more credits to have a reporting CPA certification? (sorry if this doesn't make sense. My knowledge of CA CPA rules is limited)

-Does the school you mentioned have a five year program or strictly a Bachelor and then Master's program?

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

OP, also, what is the story behind the low GPA? It's ok if it was simply a case of being immature, but it'd be helpful to know.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

Replies