[Mrgonz]

Hello, greater A71 community.

I’ve been lurking around for a bit, but never registered – so here I am.

I am Gonzalo, a New York native relocated to California (and looking to get licensed there) currently living in South America.

I am wrapping up my last few classes, and hoping to take (AND PASS) the CPA exam this year. I am kicking off the official studying cycle tomorrow, with the assistance of the Yaeger and Ninja clans.

I’m down in South America for work – I manage the AR/AP department for a US public company. All in all, I have five years of experience in the accounting and banking sector. My work experience requirement is checked off, but not the attest portion – so my CPA license will be a general one.

I am looking into applying at the Big 4 – it seems like a pretty strong right of passage (of course, depending on what one wants to do in the future). My idea is to keep my current job until then, take a few months off to focus only on the exam, then apply for the job after (hopefully) getting licensed.

Considering I have no public accounting experience, should I apply as a recent graduate or as an experienced professional? Any insight from anyone in the business?

Thanks, and happy New Year!

– Gonz