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vicky
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Posted: 28 Jul 2009 at 18:19 \| IP Logged

Once you pass the CPA exam, the school does not matter that much. I took classes from community colleges both online and in person and still do not have a BS in accounting at the end. Knocking out the CPA exam on my first try with 2-3 weeks in between sections got their attention more than the school name. Since I did not have a fancy school on my resume, it was even more important for me to pass the exam. I did not even consider looking for a job before that. Once I started looking, I got one in two weeks.

Samie
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Posted: 29 Jul 2009 at 00:03 \| IP Logged

vicky wrote:

Did you by any chance land a job in one of the following ?

Big 4, regional accounting firm, multinational, Fortune 500

vicky
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Posted: 29 Jul 2009 at 22:45 \| IP Logged

Samie wrote:

Did you by any chance land a job in one of the following ?

Big 4, regional accounting firm, multinational, Fortune 500

No, because it would pay too little for too many hours. I have already worked for Fortune 500 companies and multinationals all over the world and it does not have my interest any more. I may consider a smaller accounting firm in the future if I don't start my own company instead. I would never consider Big 4 regardless of what they pay based on my previous professional experience with them. I chose to have a very cozy senior auditor position in the government.

Tifferbugz
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Posted: 30 Jul 2009 at 23:43 \| IP Logged

I have not even finished the CPA exam and my bachelor's is in business administration, which I finished on-line. These factors have not impeded my ability to get good jobs with great companies. I have worked for several Fortune 500 companies and have settled into a good accounting position at a company in the top 20. Once you get out into the workplace there are many factors that companies look at, the least of which is what school you went to. However, I have never applied for a job at a large accounting firm because I am not really interested in that type of work.

That being said, the school you went to may help you right out of college. That is particularly the case with the Big 4 and larger CPA firms. It is extremely difficult to get into the Big 4 if your school is not at least AACSB accredited. However, with good drive and practiced interview skills, you can get a position almost anywhere.

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HillbillyLawyer
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Posted: 31 Jul 2009 at 13:18 \| IP Logged

I was in the recruiting pack seeking a job last fall. I got the firm impression that the firms have a strong preference that you have an accounting degree. I got this perception from websites as well as in person discussions with recruiters. My law degree, MBA (3.8), 33 hours of ACCT (4.0), and being eligible to sit for the exam did not get me very far :)

I'm sure it would have made a little difference had I already passed the exam--but I think the preference remains. This is just my personal experience.

Best wishes!

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