[bobvarg9]

Hi guys

I’m new here and I could really use your advice. For the last few years I was abroad, working and studying in Asia, I have a three year accounting degree and I came back to the US and I’m really interested in the CPA but I’m just lost on the whole process, not to mention the difficulties in finding a stable job. Any advice for a newbie like me? I’m currently applying to jobs on indeed.com, monster.com, getting help from recruiters….but it doesn’t seem to help much. I believe the problem is lack of experience in the U.S. (only worked for four years in an audit firm in Asia) and I don’t have a strong network of contacts. If you were in my shoes what would you guys do.

Thank you in advance!

[aaronmo]

Plug away…someone will pick you up. These audit jobs are tough to get because the big 4 really seems to focus on career fairs and internships. I'd be open to a non-audit job. It's tax season…maybe do some basic tax prep stuff (the HR Blocks are always training/hiring, though they're dirty as heck). That will make you appealing to other tax firms down the road and it's something I wish I'd done.

[aaronmo]

As far as CPA requirements, they vary somewhat by state…so the first step is to check the state requirements to sit the exam and plan accordingly. Once you've determined that you're eligible, you go through the NASBA process…which is sending them transcripts and letting them evaluate your eligibility. Then…take a prep course and take the exams.

[bobvarg9]

Hi Aaron

Thanks for the info, I've already contacted my university for my transcripts…but I know how they operate so that will take weeks which means I have to put the application on hold. That's disappointing, I was kind of hoping to get into the big four. Would my lack of experience with U.S. tax laws be a problem? The truth is I haven't even filed a tax return in the U.S. Hmm what did you mean by dirty

[aaronmo]

They are meat machines that pay poorly. They also have a scam where they charge you to “train you”, and then expect you to sign a non-compete. It's really outrageous, and I strongly doubt it would survive legal challenge. If there are any attorneys here – this has class action written all over it.

I don't think lack of experience will hurt, I think it's lack of access to recruiters. They're hiring interns that they give roles to through career stuff and deals with schools/profs.

[bobvarg9]

Anyone else, any advice would be useful.

[Author]

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