[Anonymous]

If anyone has any additional advice that would be appreciated. I emailed a small firm around here and expressed my interest. On their website it says they have openings in audit and tax. I pretty much said that I have been working 25-45 hours per week during school and don’t have the greatest GPA. 2.8 in accounting with 2 C’s in tax. I pretty much said that if my GPA is not adequate at this time that I would be happy to keep them updated on my academic progress and asked if they would be looking for any audit associates in the summer. They said there is a good chance of that, that he would pass the emails on to their recruitment committee, and to keep in touch and good luck with classes. I replied saying thank you and I would be in contact and good luck this coming busy season.

Other than the obvious follow through, does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you.

[Laura M.]

I am not trying to be rude, but I am curious as to why you pointed out your GPA to them? It is on your resume, I know that, but if you list your work and it lines up with your school time, they might understand your GPA and not make a big deal about it. Or schedule an interview to ask those types of questions….It seems like you told them you stink at accounting instead of pointing out the positive qualities?? Just my take…..

FAR - 82
AUD - 79 (lost credit), 75
BEC - 76
REG - 91

CPAexcel and Ninja Notes and Ninja MCQ

[Anonymous]

I pointed it out because I feel like its a question that is going to be asked anyway and if I can put myself in a position where I can report improvement, that is better than a GPA without that improvement being a part of the process. A 2.8 (82-83%) while working that much really isn't bad in my opinion. But nonetheless it is not up to public standards. I did point out positive qualities. I was honest. I feel like employers want people who know who they are.

[Anonymous]

For the record, my firm didn't even ask me my major GPA (it's worse than yours). It probably helped that I had a year of work experience outside of college and a good overall GPA. Bottom line: Don't offer it unless they ask!

[Laura M.]

I don't think your GPA is bad. I just thought you made it sound like “Hey, I know this isn't up to par and let me tell you why…” instead of letting them look at the whole picture and decide for themselves. I would just worry that answering questions that could be asked in an interview might end up not getting you an interview at all. I think it is right to be honest, obviously, but I wouldn't give them too much to make a big assumption about you before letting you come in and have them meet you and interview and ask the questions themselves.

FAR - 82
AUD - 79 (lost credit), 75
BEC - 76
REG - 91

CPAexcel and Ninja Notes and Ninja MCQ

[ruggercpa2b]

I never point out my GPA unless they ask. I work at a Big 4 and my undergrad GPA is 2.6. I don't have my GPA on my resume and when they do ask which they have, I always say that my GPA is 2.6 but that is mostly because I worked full time while I was in school full time.

I think you sell yourself short when you start pointing out the negatives. Have a good answer if they ask but why shoot yourself in the foot if you don't have to? I have always highlighted my work experience when I have applied to jobs. You should focus on highlighting your tax experience and why you think they should hire you for the position that you are applying for.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

AUD - 1/6/18
FAR - TBD
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Anonymous]

Well my overall GPA is lower than my major GPA. With my limited time I put more focus on what I am there for, to learn accounting. There were going to want to know at least one of those in my opinion. I would find it hard to believe a public accounting firm wouldn't ask GPA of some sort, either major or overall. I didn't just report on the negatives. I did mention positives as well.

[Anonymous]

Maybe I didn't word it the best but what would anyone suggest moving forward.

[mla1169]

Just remember sending a resume is the same as advertising. The time to be up front and honest is once your resume has gotten you in the door.

Brush up your LinkedIn and follow their page if they have one. Join any linkedin groups that might be relevant. They may look at your profile in the meantime. Research THEIR staff on LinkedIn looking for common interests so you can do some networking. If you haven't already have your school review your resume and make sure it's a knockout when you reach out to this firm again.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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