31 too old for Big 4?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • October 1, 2017 at 8:17 pm #1641491
    ajwynn30
    Participant

    Hello all,

    I’m interested in joining one of the big 4 and heard that I may be considered too “old” since I just turnt 31. I have a undergrad in accounting and a MBA, but no actual audit or tax experience. I’m studying for the CPA now and plan to be finished by next March. Will I have a chance sense I’m older with no experience but considered a experienced hire? Sidebar- I’m accepted into a top 10 MACC program if that helps any.

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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  • October 1, 2017 at 11:05 pm #1641580
    M123
    Participant

    Not too old for Big-4. Experienced hire. The challenge is to find a role that you're qualified for which is at a rate of pay that makes sense to you. At 31 – you may be beyond staff level. There could be a lot of roles but will need to look at experienced hires or possibly MBA hires if a firm has those (many companies do).

    But the age is not a constraint. That would also be very illegal if it was.

    Go to any possible networking event you can – from Meet the Firms nights to even CPE offered by the big-4. Get the instructors' names, make 'em your buddies on LinkedIn then ask for advice. Someone in the right mood with the right need may see a spark. You can also roll the dice in the “black hole”.

    October 1, 2017 at 11:29 pm #1641584
    Fischer93
    Participant

    Too old? Not at all.

    I'm starting with a big 4 next week with one of my buddies who is the same age as you. He is well liked and has built strong social capital within the firm. If anything, it may make it easier for you to connect with management whom are likely to be closer to your age. Best of luck.

    October 2, 2017 at 1:53 am #1641611
    MarwanRefaat
    Participant

    i have the same concern, i recently passed all four sections of the CPA exam.
    i started to apply for jobs in big 4 and other companies, still did not get a single interview.
    i'm 26 and my only experience is working as an accountant in a veterinary clinic for 4 years.

    Is there still a hope?

    AUD - 71, 73, 87
    BEC - N/A
    FAR - 54, 73
    REG - N/A

    NINJA MCQ ROCKS!!!!

    October 2, 2017 at 8:58 am #1641644
    Lamis
    Participant

    @marwanrefaat r u from Egypt?

    October 2, 2017 at 11:31 am #1641710
    ajwynn30
    Participant

    Thank you all, I feel a lot better lol. I went to a meet the firm's event a couple weeks ago and made contacts so I'm hoping it all works out.

    October 2, 2017 at 4:55 pm #1642075
    MarwanRefaat
    Participant

    @lamis yes I’m

    AUD - 71, 73, 87
    BEC - N/A
    FAR - 54, 73
    REG - N/A

    NINJA MCQ ROCKS!!!!

    October 2, 2017 at 5:44 pm #1642145
    PNS2CLT
    Participant

    Whatever the reason why, Big 4 has a reputation for showing reluctance in hiring non-traditional graduates. I went to a large commuting university with a large non-traditional population, including myself. I did not apply for Big 4 but I attended a student meeting with several members of the AICPA board, including the then-chairman. Big 4's reluctance to hire non-traditional students was a hot topic, and the AICPA members acknowledged that it long been brought up as a problem and they were working to address it. Thus, there's some merit to the topic.

    That said, Hartford isn't Houston; each Big 4 office has its own partners, HR team & hiring policies. Give it your best shot!

    October 4, 2017 at 11:12 am #1643134
    ajwynn30
    Participant

    Are security clearances a hot commodity in the public accounting arena?

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