[Ralphie Dos Nachos]

Hey guys,

Fortunately I found out I passed my audit re-take today which means I have 2 exams done. Hopefully I’ll pass BEC in September as well. I’m hoping to get a chance to work at a big4 firm preferably starting in the fall of 2020. I’m 24, graduated with a bachelors in accounting in 2017 and have been in industry for first 2 years of my career. I had a low gpa so I knew I needed to prove myself first by passing the CPA exam before a big 4 firm would even look at my resume. Question is, Should I look to apply this fall with 2 or 3 exams done for a 2020 start? or should i wait til next years recruiting season and hopefully land a spot for fall of 2020 then?

[Recked]

I think probably the sooner the better, but I'm not a Big4 expert.
Someone else might chime in with more experience.

[vbmer]

Having 2 sections passed is better than nothing, but you have to keep in mind that a CPA is basically the minimum qualification at the Big 4. As an experienced hire, your GPA is not really relevant either, as they care about what you've been doing at your job, not what you did in school x years ago. I would focus more on making sure you make the most of your current job, build up some professional achievements (perhaps a promotion, too), and apply for any Big 4 position that fits your background. Even BDO/GT are pretty good and will guarantee you a look by the Big 4 later after a couple years if you really want the brand name.

What service line/practice are you interested in? Audit? Tax? I think those will be tough to get as an experienced hire from industry unless you work in internal audit or for the IRS or a state tax board. Accounting Advisory is probably a better fit for most industry accountants. Or strategy/operations consulting in the sector you're working in now.

[Ralphie Dos Nachos]

@Vbmer I'm a financial reporting associate so I help prepare the financial statements and work on the 10Q, 10K documents quarterly/annually. I'm definitely more interested in auditing and thankfully that ties in with financial reporting. I wouldn't expect an “Experienced” hire because of my 2 years in industry as I know they don't convert over. I'm hoping for a staff 1 position as an audit associate.

[duck]

You can start to apply auditor staff 1 or 2 with 2020 start and try to get all done before 2020. Try LinkedIn, good luck!

[cantpassagain1]

This is a good question honestly. First, I would say draw a greater distinction in the number of passed exams – I'd say your best shot is to just wait till you've got them all out of the way. The thing is, passing the exam is kind of assumed at the B4 (and any large size firm for that matter). With that said, applying to the B4 with your license in hand and 2-3 years experience for level 1 associate position is solid and they would be stupid not to hire you.

I would absolutely agree with what was said previously – polish up your LinkedIn! Its hard to land at a B4 if it's not through campus recruiting, but definitely not impossible. Ive had B4 recruiters reach out to be via LinkedIn when I was at the same experience level as you.

[Puppykoala]

Best way and I frankly think the only way, if you are not through campus recruit channel, is through connection. Reach out to recruiters/managers on Linkedin or other platform and tell them your goals and experience. My personal experiences and experiences from friends have shown that applying online is just a waste of time.

[Justin]

I agree with Puppykoala, online applications are sorted automatically and you run the risk of getting your resume thrown away without consideration. They filter for certain buzzwords and requirements. Best bet is meeting someone from the firm who can vouch for you or finding a networking event where you could meet firm recruiters. I'm starting at Big 4 next week and after the process can tell you that they don't really care about your GPA, once you make contact they make their decision based on how you present yourself. The partner I interviewed with told me that a perfect GPA is less valuable than prior experience and personality. Especially if you are trying for audit associate which requires client contact. Coming from a 27 year old, who worked in other industries for 10 years and only just came into the accounting sphere.

[Warrior]

@Justin, +100 to your words. Exactly the same happened to me. 30 years old, 10 years in industry, GPA on a lower side. However, I was able to get an offer because of my personality. The most difficult part was to get an interview scheduled.

[Ralphie Dos Nachos]

@justin. fortunately my cousin works at a big 4 firm, hes high up in tax and i have a few other people i know at other big 4s that said theyd forward my resume.

[Puppykoala]

27 years old with 10 years of industry experience?? y'all nuts 🙂

[Author]

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