[OnTheWayToCPA2015]

Does anyone know if the Big 4’s request college transcripts if you are an experience hire? I just had a recruiter contact me through linkedin for an opening. I would love to work at one of the Big 4 but my transcripts are terrible. I was a biology major and also very busy being an idiot when I was at a community college (took me 6 years on and off of going to school, several dropped classes, and several failed classes). In order to be old and wise you must first be young and stupid?

I transferred with an associates of a 2.7 GPA but I changed my major to accounting got my bachelors in 2 years and finished at that university with a 3.3 (while working full time) my overall ended in 3.0. I would love to work at the firm but I am terrified of being asked for my transcripts. I started working in the industry over a year ago while I was finishing college and graduated in December so it’s only been a couple of months, but still an experience hire.

Specifically for the Big 4 do they request transcripts for experience hires? Should I be worried?

[Son]

OnTheWayToCPA2015, given you don't have much experience to speak of, I'd be surprised if they didn't request your transcripts. But, 3.0 is not the end of the world depending on the school you went to, you might want to check job postings for this firm in your area and see what GPA they are looking for. Another option is to contact career offices at your school and ask the same question – usually Big4s have mandatory minimums which differ by school.

Best of luck!

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[Nessie]

After an initial interview, I have filled out 3 out of the Big 4’s online application and all called it “making a profile.” All three asked to upload transcipts. Only one company asked for references’ information. From what I recall, filling out the profile didn’t seem unique to campus hires. I had a horrible undergraduate GPA, like 2.something, but 3.9 for graduate school. I only had to produce the undergrad transcript recently for visa purposes after being hired.

I’m pretty sure you will be asked for transcripts unless you are being hired at a pretty high level. I worked for many years (10+) between the degrees and they still wanted my undergrad transcripts. But, they didnt really care about them. My undergrad was in Arts and Sciences. I think you have a good reason for a lower GPA. Did you do anything extra curricular you could add in?

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Anonymous]

They will most like ask for them but not necessarily pay close attention to them or exclude you for having a low GPA. Remember grades are only ONE part of the process- your personality and people skills are what ultimately make the decision.

[OnTheWayToCPA2015]

Thank you for your responses I really appreciate it! I did not have any extracurriculars as I was taking 12-15 credits and working full time and during my last year I was already working in public accounting.

[Anonymous]

I work at PwC in assurance. The transcripts are mainly used to verify that you graduated, and with enough credits to sit for CPA Exam.

[Author]

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