[Ralphie Dos Nachos]

Hey guys, I just passed my last exam and was wondering how good of a chance I would have at getting an offer at one of the Big 4’s/GT,RSM,BDO?? I’m 25 with 3 years experience in financial reporting preparing financial statements, etc. but I think I would go the tax route if I did apply for a top firm.

[Biff Tannen]

Big 4 typically has recruiters who specialize in students who are enrolled at a university and recruiters who specialize in experienced hires. It sound like you have some experience, so I would think the experienced hire route would be more suited for you. Passing the CPA exams is definitely a big bonus. I would try reaching out to big 4 recruiters in your network. I would also maybe consider waiting until all this coronavirus crap passes through. The big firms are hurting right now. Layoffs are already happening

[vbmer]

Yes you can, even with cold applications. The CPA is an absolute minimum expectation to work in most jobs in audit/tax, so it's only ticking a box. The details of your experience and your skill set are going to play the biggest role in whether you can get one or not, at least as far as factors you can control. However, as mentioned above, you can definitely start looking now, but I wouldn't expect anything to move forward for at least 4-5 months.

[thunderlips]

yes but now is not a good time given the environment. there are lots of downsizing and hiring freezes until this virus thing is figured out

[AGI]

Yes and no. It solely depends on your local state /city's current supply and demand.

In NY there's plenty of CPA and CPA candidates, so the demand is low. I interviewed at Big 4 twice with 5 years or experience through recruiter and wasn't accepted.

Jumping from financial reporting to tax is a tricky part, because your experience doesn't give you more score. You are on the same level as “no experience”. In addition, public experience and your ability to sell (not to work) is heavily graded.

If you make it in, your interview mentor (randomly assigned) during orientation will also be a part of your win or lose game. I wasn't so lucky, so good luck.

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Peach368]

I would think you have a pretty good chance. You have experience, CPA licensure and are young.

[jd]

Its possible. Like mentioned above, big name accounting firms like to get students straight out of college. Which I partially don't understand. Personally I believe they are taking a risk on 22-23 year olds who may not pass. I had an interview after passing at a top accounting firm, and they had a “we don't hire staff that already passed” attitude.

[Author]

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