[Madhav]

Hello I recently completed my CPA exam and currently looking for job. Since i do not have experience as working in Accounting, what skills should i learn in my downtime to be attractive for employers. My info. is I recently worked as Data Entry for two employers and they use some of maghub software. I also volunteered for local non profit agency in 2016 as tax preparer. I have decent knowledge of Excel and also completed quick book training online last year. Any help to be a front runner? Thanks.

[CPAin2018 -_-]

If you've passed all of the exams, there are plenty of public accounting firms that would give you an opportunity. If you're not dead-set on big 4, there are tons of firms out there willing to give you a shot, especially if you can be willing to move.

[Madhav]

@CPAin2018 thank you for your suggestion.

[junodobi]

Also, you should consider joining a state CPA society. When I was looking for my first accounting job (before I even had my AA) I met two CPA's at a networking event who helped me get my first job. I now work as a CPA in their firm, and I am pretty sure had they only looked at my resume they wouldn't even have called me for an interview.

[runincpa]

Work on people's skills. I am way better at accounting than one of my good buddies, but he got multiple offers from some mid size firms while I did not. He's just way better at networking and people's skills, and that was what they were looking for in the interviews.

[Madhav]

@runjudd, true that i need to improve my people skills as well. I have done couple of interview over the phone and it is not helping as I am ESL student. Sometime i am not able to say it what i really wanted due to ESL and on top off that i do not possess really good experience. As you suggested, i am actively building my network in liinkedin as well as apply jobs using craiglist, indeed, linkedin, good searching accounting firms etc. I desperately needs to be more skilled at interviewing as well more smiling person.

[Author]

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