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Cali85
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Joined: 06 Aug 2011
Location: United States
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| Posted: 10 Nov 2011 at 16:19 | IP Logged
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That 3.1 is for my undergrad coursework which got me a B.A. in economics. I wasn't an accounting major which is why I'm taking accounting classes now through an extension program. I won't be ready to sit for the CPA until fall 2013. I'm currently taking Intermediate Financial Accounting.
I didn't work during undergrad. Its a low GPA, but at least by the time I finish my accounting classes at the extension program I'll have approximately a 3.7 in those classes. I agree that a 3.1 accounting GPA would be low, but that's not the case.
As we all know, one of the requirements to be an auditor, at least with Deloitte, is, word for word:
"Must meet minimum requirements to sit for CPA exam before beginning full-time employment "
__________________
BA '10 from top 25 undergrad school.
Currently a staff accountant @ a small software company.
Currently in school PT getting CPA units.
Goal--FT audit position at Big 4 in Fall'13.
Mid 20's
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cyberwolf
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| Posted: 10 Nov 2011 at 16:58 | IP Logged
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you said you got a 3.1 in your undergrad. in this job
environment, that's low. you are competing against other
candidates with just as much charisma and just interviews
just as well as you who have better gpa's and worked while
they did it. in all honesty, you don't seem to have the
appropriate motivation to do what you need to do to set
yourself apart from the crowd and you don't really seem
like you want to hear that either. it your life man. i wish
you luck :)
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Cali85
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| Posted: 10 Nov 2011 at 18:25 | IP Logged
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Yea, we'll see. The recruiting process is a strange and unpredictable animal. Any advice Cyberwolf? I'm considering doing audit in smaller firms as well, not just big 4.
"Shoot for the moon, and if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars."
__________________
BA '10 from top 25 undergrad school.
Currently a staff accountant @ a small software company.
Currently in school PT getting CPA units.
Goal--FT audit position at Big 4 in Fall'13.
Mid 20's
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Jorge Stevenson
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| Posted: 11 Nov 2011 at 12:27 | IP Logged
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Cali,
The people in this thread have a very inflated view of
what it means to work for the Big 4. I've been working
at a Big 4 in a major US city for the past year, and let
me tell you - you've definitely got a shot.
I can tell you with certainty that there is almost 0
interaction with CEOs and CFOs of multibillion dollar
companies during your first 2 or 3 years at the Big 4.
Whoever is telling you this must be reading it on some
Big 4 propaganda website. CEOs have better things to do
than talk to auditors - auditors deal in the past, CEOs
are trying to make the company more competitive in the
future. Managers and Senior Managers might have some
limited interaction with the CFO of a multibillion dollar
company, but it would be more along the lines of asking
them pre-scripted questions and filling out forms. As a
staff, the only CFO I ever interacted with was the CFO of
a $27M company with 1 fulltime employee in their
accounting department...and I only met with CFO for about
an hour 1 afternoon to discuss issues related to his
prior role within the company. Trust me, this C-Suite BS
is straight up propaganda.
Being honest, I think the Extension Program route is a
little risky. For people with low undergrad GPAs or non-
accounting majors, a MACC program near a big city is
usually the safest bet. However, it comes at a cost - 1
year and about $25-40k. But you would definitely get a
look at on-campus recruiting from all the Big 4. Just
make sure you research your MACC program thoroughly
before attending to make sure the recruiting is good.
The Extension Program lacks an alumni base eager to
recruit into the big firms. But, if you're confident you
can get interviews some other way, then go for it. Once
you're at the interview they don't care about GPA or any
of that, in my experience.
The Big 4 are looking for somebody like you. Network to
get interviews (or go to a MACC program), and then just
show them you have a great personality. That's all it is
- meeting people. You can do it.
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jiejenn
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Joined: 18 Dec 2009
Location: United States
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Posts: 337
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| Posted: 11 Nov 2011 at 14:19 | IP Logged
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Depending on the department though. Audit and Tax are out of questions to be honest. Advisory or Analyst might be your best options.
Honestly, I was like you before, wanting to get into Big4 desperately, but after hanging around in the industry for couple years (I am in my mid 20s as well), I want my work/life balance, and I want a good career also a company that will take care of me well; I went into private sectors. Muhaha
__________________
Far: 04/01/2011 {75)
Aud: 04/15/2011 (77)
Bec: 04/25/2011 (75)
Reg: 05/13/2011 (59) ah
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Topic: My Shot...Entry Level Big 4 Audit?
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