Anyone already in Public Accting Firms, plz help me out here!

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Anyone already in Public Accting Firms, plz help me out here!

32 posts from 14 voices

Started 5 months ago by CPA_Rookie
Latest reply from NJTProadwarrior

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CPA_Rookie

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Hello to all those who already have a job within Public Accounting CPA Firms, I just get a few questions regarding the entry-level job. Hopefully it won't take too much of ur time.

Does passing all 4 CPA exams actually help u finding a job in Public Accounting CPA Firms? I know nothing is guaranteed, but will it give u a competitive edge over those who doesn't have it?

I am a Canadian and a recent university accting graduate. I wanna work in New York City, and I don't mind a entry-level CPA job in a small public accounting firm, so will it really help me finding a CPA job if I passed all 4 CPA exams?

Do employers expect candidates to have some audit/tax experience for entry-level positions?

Also, I need a firm to sponsor me for a TN-1 work visa, I heard canadians are a lot easier to get sponsors?

If possible, plz give me some professional advices from those experienced CPAs.

Much appreciated!

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)
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Posted 5 months ago #
Acct

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@CPA_Rookie
Lol...I thought you wrote: Anyone already in Public Accting Firms, plz GET me out of here!

I don't know the answers to all your questions, but from the many people in different positions who have given me advice, passing the CPA exams gives you a competitive edge against those who have not passed them. It definitely helps.

....Passed....
FAR - April '11
AUD - May '11
REG - July '11
BEC - November '11

Posted 5 months ago #
Minimorty

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@CPA_Rookie - There is no need to create multiple threads on the same topic. This one works just fine.

Yes, passing the Exam gives you a competitive edge over those who havent.

In most entry-level positions, experience is not required.

Work visas are expensive, so this will put you at a disadvantage over a U.S. applicant. You'll have to show your employer why you are a better fit than the U.S. person also applying for the job.

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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@Minimorty: so sorry for the multiple-threads. Cuz I thought my topic was better suited for the careers section, so I tried to re-post it there, but it kept on disappearing, so I was like this was soooo weird. Promise I won't do it again, I thought it was my internet problems or something lol

I did some research on visas, Canadian TN-1 visa is a lot faster (maybe cheaper) than other foreigner's HB-1 visa, so I guess it might be better off. But I am willing to accept a lower salary rate to overcome the high visa cost, do u think that will help when I say that employers?

Also, how much does a work visa cost? Is there a website that shows it?

Thx u so much for the reply, really helped =)

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
Minimorty

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No problem at all. I moved it to the Accounting Careers Forum. I'm not even sure if it matters what forum it goes in to. When I login to the site, I just see a list of topics. It seems like all the different forums are grouped into one list anyway.

I do not know much about the visas, but I guess it makes sense that Canadian visas might be cheaper and quicker. The U.S. probably has some sort of deal with the Canadian government. I had a buddy from Germany and our company sponsored him. I know it was thousands of dollars.

In terms of negotiating, I would not tell your employers that you are willing to accept a lower salary. See if they'll sponsor you first at the normal salary. If it is a dealbreaker for them, then maybe make some concessions.

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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omg that expensive? Was ur buddy from Germany applying for a senior level position? Maybe the cost of visa also depends on ur job levels? Like entry-level positions maybe lower?

oh man, that really discourages me.

ok, so maybe I should go to a city like New York City, where there are more foreigners than locals? Cuz that is what my aunt told me, she lives in NYC for over 20 yrs. Maybe NYC has more firms sponsoring foreigners than any other cities?

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
jamesjohnson11

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I'll throw in my two cents here. Any semi large accounting firm will pretty much expect you to have work experience in audit/tax or some business position in an office. If you don't have experience you'd better have a damn good reason or excuse. I think the only way it doesn't matter too much about your work experience is if you have kick ass grades and held some type of position in a bunch of clubs.

Does the CPA exam help you get a job? Absolutely. I have two parts passed and it helped me get a job very quickly with the smaller firms. The larger firms don't really care and they expect you to have it done so they aren't impressed.

I can't really tell you anything about the visas because I don't know. But I do that when I interned in the city for a top 6 cpa firm, one of the girls was here from ireland.

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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@jamesjohnson11: I am pretty much headed for small or mid-size CPA firms, of cuz the bigger the better. But small CPA firms would satisfy me. R u from new york city btw?

Thx a lot for ur comment =)

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
Minimorty

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@CPA_Rookie - Is English your second language (French your first?).

Try to look at it from the employers standpoint. Why would the employer higher you (visa issues/expensive) or someone with equal qualifications from the U.S.? You have to give the employers that reason. Maybe its because you've passed your four exams (when you do). Maybe its because you graduated magna cum laude from a top notch school. Maybe its because you know the bosses daughter. You hyave to look for some angle that will set you apart from Joe Blow who is just like any other applicant out there.

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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@Minimorty: English is my first language, sorry I was just typing really fast and talking to my friends over MSN at the same time. When I looked at the forum again for new replies, I realized some of my sentences didn't flow, so I re-edited them.

But hey, thx a lot for ur tips. We get to think outside the box, right? =)

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
bullandre

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It's going to be very difficult to find an accounting firm willing to sponsor you for an TN visa but that visa would be your best shot at working here in the US. I'm sure the TN visa is relatively easier to get than the H1-B but you never know when it comes to US immigration.

The funny thing is that I live in NY and I was checking this out as well because I want to work in Montreal or Toronto in the future. I know it's probably rare for a US citizen to probably want to relocate further up north but I just want to experience because I love those cities.

All the best!

Passed on the 1st try

BEC 87|FAR 86| AUD 88| REG 81

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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@bullandre: thx u for ur reply.

I did some detail research on TN-1 Visa for Canadians, the company doesn't even have to pay anything to hire a Canadian. All they need to do is to provide an employment letter, and the Canadian candidate would have to pay only $56 at US border to get the TN work visa!

http://www.tnvisaexpert.com/faq/question/tn-visa-application-tn1-visa-fees/

Can u believe it? Thx to the NAFTA agreement, this would apply to u as well if u want to come to Toronto or Montreal. Just have to find a job and get an employment letter. The work visa is so cheap u could actually pay for it urself at the US & Canada border.

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
valueofnothing

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a girl in my start class is getting sponsored for her HB right now... but i feel like it's definitely rare and on a case-by-case basis.

REG - 81
BEC - 88
AUD - 85
FAR - 81

Posted 5 months ago #
misanthrope87

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Yes it would. A lot of people in my firm don't have previous experience but they passed their tests.

B 87
A 90
R 86
F

Posted 5 months ago #
jomarie

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So where are you from in Canada? Did you ever apply for your CA? Or just went straight for the CPA? Reason why I'm wondering is I live in Canada, but I'm a US Citizen. I wish I would have known about the visa a lot soon. I may not be where I am today.

Since 2008....
AUD - 39, 48, 56, 65, 68, 73, 76!!! (Finally passed in Oct 2011!!!)
REG - 75 (Lost Credit) 72, 68, 73, 75 (Passed again in Aug 2011)
FAR - 65, 68, 75 (Lost Credit) 68, 73, 73 - Rematch scheduled on May 29, 2012
BEC - 65, 68, 71, 72, 72, 71, 76 (Lost Credit)- 70 (Are you kidding me?????) - July 17th, 2012 -> Rematch!!

I WILL BECOME A CPA IN 2012!!!

Posted 5 months ago #
rknight21

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Passing the CPA will definitely give you a competitive edge.

I work at a big4 member firm. One of the girls in our training was Canadian...I have volunteered for OCR and the question of sponsorship was asked way more than I would have expected. The recruiters answer every time, is that it is rare a company sponsors someone because it is expensive. It is possible because they have done it before but it is rare. Can run into the 30 grand... A guy at my firm is hoping they will sponsor him when his work visa expires and I am hoping they do. It would be sad to see him go. I believe firms are more will to do this when the employee fronts the cost.

As entry-level no experience is required but. Just have the right attitude. P.S always talk about your excel skills on your resume... Having good excel skill is better than any popular accounting software.

Why move to NYC? Like Bullandre my goal is to move to the greater toronto area within the next 5 years. My dad is a citizen there. I try to go every year. I might even go next week. I love it there... It is like a chill version of NYC.

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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Hi guys, thank you all so much for all ur replies, it really helps and encourages me =)

@jomarie: I am currently living in Toronto, I went straight for CPA without doing CA first. The CA institute asked me to do the exams, but I decided not to since u would have to get into a specific CA training office (not just any CA public accting firms) for the experience, which was extremely diffcult right now due to the economy. Second, I really wanna move out of Canada, so I figured why not come to the States for something new, and CPA is better recognized internationally than CA as well.

@rknight21: Toronto is a great city! But as for me, I have lived in this city for over 20 yrs now. Also, I really want to get out of my parent's house and live by myself. The reason why I want to come to NYC is becuz my aunt & uncle lives there, also they told me NYC has way more foreigners than local citizens, so sponsorships happen quite often in that city.

But hey, here is a great news for both of us. If u come to Toronto as a US citizen, all u need to do is to find a job and get an employment letter. Get out of Canada and re-enter it again at the border to get the TN visa for only $56. That's it, no corp sponsorship involved at all as far as I am concerned.

Btw, what is OCR where u worked at, maybe I could start searching from there.

If there's additional info that anyone wants to share with us, it would be extremely kind and plz feel free to drop a comment.

Thanks =)

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
IWantThisOver

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@CPA_Rookie: Is the pay comparable for a USA CPA in Canada vs the U.S.? Any special perks associated with going up north?

Posted 5 months ago #
jelly

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From my superficial research, the US company provides an employment letter for inspection at the border. It sounds like the larger US companies hire law firms to not only draft this letter, but to deal with laws and regulations from 2 countries related to labor, immigration and international income taxes. The US company needs to show that the US company is legitimate, and has the infrastructure and resources to comply and handle the risks associated with these issues. The US company needs to show it is sincerely hiring someone for employment for the described position, that a domestic candidate could not be found, and that the candidate is not trying to seek self-employment. Hence, the "thousands of dollars" that other posters have described are likely related to the legal and administrative expertise and services related to making sure that when a US company hires an international candidate, it happens as seamlessly as possible.

Couldn't pass again!

Posted 5 months ago #
HustlinHustlin

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Having your CPA DEFINITELY helps you to have a competitive edge. It not only proves that you are/were hardworking enough to study for these rigorous damn things but it builds their firm. The more CPA's you have working for you, the more appealing your work is to clients, as you have professionals doing the work.

I work for a very small firm and it is a requirement ( though some of the people who have been here longer than I have STILL not met it). I also had experience at an even smaller firm which I think really helped them to overlook that I had not taken any of the exams yet.

B Before NTS expires on 8/25
A 69
R May 23rd
F 56

Becker and Ninja Notes
Now incorporating Wiley Test Bank

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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Once again, thank you all for the valuable comments. Much appreciated =)

@IWantThisOver: This really depends on ur job titles, but I would assume US has a higher pay rate than in Canada on average. Especially for entry-level positions, I would say the salaries are better in the States, it might also depends on ur location as well.

@Jelly: Thx u very much for ur info there, I really put some thoughts into it. So I did some research online, and I was able to find a website that talks about the employment letter fees, requirements etc.

http://internationalcenter.umich.edu/immig/hiring.html

If u have the time, can u plz take a look for me at the pdf section of "Fee schedule for Employment-Based Visas"? Under that document, it seems that I can't find the legal fees and other fees requirement for the TN-1 visa. Hence, does that mean it would be cost much less to issue an employment letter for Canadians then?

http://internationalcenter.umich.edu/immig/forms/empvisafees.pdf

I would love to assume Canada and US might have some international tax, and immigration agreements or something lol.

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
jomarie

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CPA Rookie - we should be waving at each other across the lake. I live in St. Catharines!!! LOL!!! Small world!!!

Since 2008....
AUD - 39, 48, 56, 65, 68, 73, 76!!! (Finally passed in Oct 2011!!!)
REG - 75 (Lost Credit) 72, 68, 73, 75 (Passed again in Aug 2011)
FAR - 65, 68, 75 (Lost Credit) 68, 73, 73 - Rematch scheduled on May 29, 2012
BEC - 65, 68, 71, 72, 72, 71, 76 (Lost Credit)- 70 (Are you kidding me?????) - July 17th, 2012 -> Rematch!!

I WILL BECOME A CPA IN 2012!!!

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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@jomarie: lol it is always good to know someone here is actually living in Canada! =)

Btw, if possible, may I ask u what visa u r currently having in Canada?

Thx =)

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
jomarie

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I currently have a permanent residence card. Currently, I work for a CPA firm in the States (just outside of Buffalo). My husband is Canadian, originally from Burlington. Since I'm from Buffalo, we decided to move somewhere inbetween.

Since 2008....
AUD - 39, 48, 56, 65, 68, 73, 76!!! (Finally passed in Oct 2011!!!)
REG - 75 (Lost Credit) 72, 68, 73, 75 (Passed again in Aug 2011)
FAR - 65, 68, 75 (Lost Credit) 68, 73, 73 - Rematch scheduled on May 29, 2012
BEC - 65, 68, 71, 72, 72, 71, 76 (Lost Credit)- 70 (Are you kidding me?????) - July 17th, 2012 -> Rematch!!

I WILL BECOME A CPA IN 2012!!!

Posted 5 months ago #
NJTProadwarrior

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Does passing all 4 CPA exams actually help u finding a job in Public Accounting CPA Firms? I know nothing is guaranteed, but will it give u a competitive edge over those who doesn't have it?

Do employers expect candidates to have some audit/tax experience for entry-level positions?
Also, I need a firm to sponsor me for a TN-1 work visa, I heard canadians are a lot easier to get sponsors?

----

I'm in the New York City area. I have been out of school for about four years and passed the CPA exam almost two years ago. I have applied to few dozen firms (small to large) and have not received a single call from ANY of them. From my observation, they only want to recruit out of the schools. So, in my experience, no.

Also, I have received a few calls for internal audit related positions, but nothing came out of it.

Thankfully, I have been employed for the most part, though my hours recently got cut. I work in the technology field and the only calls and interviews I have received are for technology jobs (but my experience is in a somewhat specialized field so its somewhat slim pickings). I did interview for a finance position a few months ago.

I would focus your search in GTA (Greater Toronto Area). I considered temporarily relocating there (as I have friends) and have seen jobs that I would apply if I were there. However, I understand that getting sponsorship as a United States citizen for an entry-level position would be difficult as well.

Best of luck!

AUD: 79 - BEC: 74, 74, 76 - REG: 80 - FAR: 81 = DONE!
THANK YOU JEFF!!!!!!
Support NJ's ONLY Bear Orphange - http://www.woodlandswildlife.org

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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@jomarie: Thank u for sharing ur story! im assuming that u would have to across the border to get to work everyday? It must be long way drive especially when the traffic is bad.

@NJTProadwarrior: Thank u for giving me those tips in advance. But oh man, this is a terrible news u have for me there pal, lol! But o well, I guess I will give it a shot when I go to NYC next spring.

In Toronto, CPAs are overwhelmed by CAs, and the accounting job markets are divided by 3 designations: CA, CMA, CGA. So it is competitive when an employer is seeking an accounting professional with one of the desired designations, but u have the other two.

Sorry if u don't mind me asking, if u were an accounting student, how did u end up in the technology field? Was ur university degree not in accounting?

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
jelly

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I don't see any other employer fees in those umich links. It might cost the employer less than the other visa types - or nothing at all - but it still costs the US company time and effort to carefully prepare your employment letter, so that it follows specific guidelines, wording and will past muster at the border, i.e. management consultant titles are heavily scrutinized it seems. This preparation effort may require legal services, which costs the company money, especially if the US company is not well-versed in this area.

On the IRS website - http://www.irs.gov - the US tax enforcement agency - you can type in international tax treaties, and get tax treaties from A to Z:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/international/article/0,,id=96739,00.html

Some of these may lead to the US Treasury Department website on international tax treaties, which is usually related to US federal income taxes (not state or local income taxes or Social Security taxes):
http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/tax-policy/treaties/Pages/default.aspx

And on the US Social Security website, there are international agreements on Social Security:
http://www.ssa.gov/international/agreements_overview.html

Depending on which state and/or county you end up in, there are also provisions for non-immigrant individuals.

Couldn't pass again!

Posted 5 months ago #
jomarie

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@CPA Rookie - The times I drive over the traffic is not to bad. Plus I have the NEXUS pass which makes it a lot quicker. If the bridges are really bad then I'll just cross the Whirlpool Bridge that dedicated to NEXUS users only.

Since 2008....
AUD - 39, 48, 56, 65, 68, 73, 76!!! (Finally passed in Oct 2011!!!)
REG - 75 (Lost Credit) 72, 68, 73, 75 (Passed again in Aug 2011)
FAR - 65, 68, 75 (Lost Credit) 68, 73, 73 - Rematch scheduled on May 29, 2012
BEC - 65, 68, 71, 72, 72, 71, 76 (Lost Credit)- 70 (Are you kidding me?????) - July 17th, 2012 -> Rematch!!

I WILL BECOME A CPA IN 2012!!!

Posted 5 months ago #
NJTProadwarrior

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"Sorry if u don't mind me asking, if u were an accounting student, how did u end up in the technology field? Was ur university degree not in accounting?"

Hey, no problem OP, I did study accounting and was on the CPA track. However, while in school I was working as a temp (mainly part time) for my company (Fortune 500 company), then soon after graduation I took an opportunity to go full time, as I've always had an interest in technology.

This year my hours got cut and my pay got cut.The job search has been absolutely awful, approximately 30 CPA firms and ZERO response (other than automated e-mails) even with a 3.3 GPA, CPA exams passed etc, well-written customized cover letters/resumes etc.,.

At this point, I'm seriously considering joining law enforcement, NJSP and NYPD are hiring next year, and I have an interest in law enforcement too :)

Good Luck and Happy Holidays :D

AUD: 79 - BEC: 74, 74, 76 - REG: 80 - FAR: 81 = DONE!
THANK YOU JEFF!!!!!!
Support NJ's ONLY Bear Orphange - http://www.woodlandswildlife.org

Posted 5 months ago #
cpa_equals_freedom

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coming from a guy working with no CPA yet for a Big 4....entry level doesn't really matter tooo much, but it definitely helps your resume.....i mean now im struggling to pass mine and i need it to get to manager in 1-2 years...so i think it can only help your cause having it so I would be proud of it during interviews...

i was a college new hire 5 years ago...but i did go straight to a Big 4...as for local tax acct, they mightt expect you to know a little more straight off the bat, but i really think if its for entry level, your degree + some form of tax experience at all, even classes + great grades can help get u in if you try and try

best of luck!

AUD 78*
BEC 68, 70, 72
REG 58, not quitting!!
FAR

* = lost credit sighhh

Posted 5 months ago #
CPA_Rookie

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Thx u all very much for sharing all those info.

I have been thinking, do u think it is a good idea to volunteer at a small local CPA firm, like for a month or two? Do CPA firms ever accept volunteers at all?

Also, do transcripts/grades matter anymore if u passed CPA already. I mean, usually employers would want to hire good accounting students who are capable of passing the CPA exams, but once u done that, grades probably won't help u as much for the job anymore?

BEC: 86 (2/19/2011)
REG: 79 (4/23/2011)
AUD: 62, 89 (8/31/2011)
FAR: 70, 76 (1/07/2012)

Posted 5 months ago #
NJTProadwarrior

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This whole concept of "volunteering" for a for-profit CPA firm (however large or however small) or any for-profit entity is in my opinion foolish.

Volunteering, should in my opinion, be for societal good, such as the Food Bank, United Way, Greater Newark Cares and religious or community groups. Gaining experience from those efforts such as serving as a volunteer assistant treasurer for a not-for-profit veteran's transitional housing community organization and applying it to full-time experience is perfectly acceptable, in my opinion.

Additionally, I believe New York State law requires that the experience component for CPA licensing be part-time or full-time compensated.

As for GPA, its been discussed here before and its emphasis depends largely on the hiring manager and organization. IMO, If you have above 3.5 GPA, I would be inclined to include it in your resume.

AUD: 79 - BEC: 74, 74, 76 - REG: 80 - FAR: 81 = DONE!
THANK YOU JEFF!!!!!!
Support NJ's ONLY Bear Orphange - http://www.woodlandswildlife.org

Posted 4 months ago #

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