[Anonymous]

I know this isn’t directly CPA related but I know many of you work in Big 4 firms. As part of terms of my employment, I’ve been asked to submit both official and unofficial transcripts. My question is what is the rationale for this and also to what extent are the unofficial scrutinized in comparison to the official transcripts? I had some credits on my unofficial from studying abroad that did not carry over towards my degree on my official transcripts. Basically, does HR generally compare to make sure that your GPA is what it was on your unofficial & resume or is each class on your transcripts scrutinized one by one? Sorry it’s just making me a bit worried as this request is last minute ( 10 days before my start date with the firm).

Thank you!

[Da Bears]

When I interviewed first time at big4, they asked for unofficial. About a month prior to my start date they again asked for unofficial. Never asked for official. Are you international or have something odd ball about your schooling?

FAR- 8/14/12 91
AUD- 10/16/12 88
BEC- 11/07/12 92
REG- 01/05/13 86
NIU CPA Review

[Anonymous]

I'm not international or anything like that, I interned while I was a junior and deferred my offer to finish a graduate program. I've been asked for unofficial transcripts basically ever since I accepted my offer with the firm, on a semester by semester basis- I guess to monitor my grades. Nothing really unusual, I maintained a 3.3-3.4 GPA which was the same as when I first applied. I was never asked for official up until now that I am starting. Should I just begin my sending my Master's transcript? It worries me that others like you were never asked to submit officials.

[musicamor]

Is asking for transcripts a new practice? I was never asked for transcripts while working in public accounting (was not big 4); or for any job for that matter. I do not understand what importance furnishing transcripts holds on one's ability to be gainfully employed.

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[Anonymous]

Yeah I suppose that asking for transcripts is fairly common, but seeing as this is my first job I have no clue how standard it is to be asked for Official & Unofficial transcripts but it's a hell of a headache for sure as I now have to contact both my undergrad and graduate schools to furnish transcripts to be sent over with no real explanation as to why.

[nimmle02]

I was asked to give official transcripts. I think it has something to do with the CPA now and requiring 150 credits. Most firms now want to see that you have them when you start full-time. Firms also have requirements to pass your CPA in order to make Senior Associate or Manager.

REG - 5/21/2012 - 85
FAR - 7/24/2012 - 86
BEC - 8/27/2012 - 85
AUD - 10/5/2012 - 72....rematch 1/3/13 (waiting)

[Anonymous]

I had to give official transcript for my first job in public accounting (not big 4). I can see why they ask for official now, due to the fact that it is relatively easy to change your unofficial transcript. Since you are printing/emailing some document that you can edit. If you know some basic computer skills, you can basically change your grades and GPA, I guess some people got caught doing this and hence why stricter rules of official transcript(since its nearly impossible to hack into your college system lol).

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am glad I'm not the only one who has been requested to send in official transcripts. As aforementioned, several credits from my Study Abroad program listed on my unofficial were not accepted towards my bachelor's degree because I chose to take other business electives senior year and my university wouldn't accept elective credit for both instances. I met the 150 requirement by finishing my Masters. Should I write an e-mail to explain this? Is it even an issue? My GPA is the same on unofficial and it is on official.

[Sandra]

ITs very strange that your official and unofficial transcripts would be different; the only difference in mine has always just been that unofficial came from me (meaning I could have altered them) and official comes from the school. If there is a difference I would be prepared to explain why.

[Sandra]

ITs very strange that your official and unofficial transcripts would be different; the only difference in mine has always just been that unofficial came from me (meaning I could have altered them) and official comes from the school. If there is a difference I would be prepared to explain why.

[Anonymous]

I'm not exactly sure about the difference but the Study Abroad classes were elective “Pass/Fails” that have no effect on GPA so I'm hoping it's not a big deal but will write an e-mail to bring up the point anyway.

[nimmle02]

There's no need to fret. I wouldn't worry about it. Just send what they ask for. If they have questions then deal with it then.

REG - 5/21/2012 - 85
FAR - 7/24/2012 - 86
BEC - 8/27/2012 - 85
AUD - 10/5/2012 - 72....rematch 1/3/13 (waiting)

[Whatdidyou]

“My GPA is the same on unofficial and it is on official.”

Then WHY are you stressing?! You are paranoid, you're completely fine BigGirl; no need to worry.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for the reassurance, I'm not really sure why I'm so stressed I guess last minute pre-work jitters but I was just concerned about the difference in credit hours between the two transcripts but it seems that I should have nothing to worry about since I got my masters. Once again- thank you for easing a worried mind since I'm sure the check is just to verify degrees, graduation, and confirm GPA.

[Author]

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