[krokofilen]

Any thoughts/experiences on earning a CPA and working in Europe?

In my case, I was asked to do either a CPA or an ACA (UK), on top of my current “small country” European CPA. I found out that only 2% of the U.S. CPA’s being licensed each year are based in Europe, and the fact that Big 4 seems to import lots and lots of Americans to major European cities, to serve either major subsidiaries of American clients or European companies listed on American stock exchanges. I work for a Big 4 since 8 years back and have recently begun working with American clients, so for me it seened to make sense to get a CPA not only for that reason but also to build a business case on something a little different from everyone elses.

Would be cool to hear others’ experiences, or why you think it would be good or less good to get a CPA when based in Europe.

Big 4 Audit Manager from Europe here to pass the CPA in the U.S. of A in 2014! Niiice!

AUD - 95 / Jul 15 / 130h over 4 weeks
FAR - 86 / Aug 14 / 240h over 4 weeks
(11 week break)

REG - 81 / Nov 14 / 200h over 4 weeks
BEC - 87 / Nov 17 / 30 h over 2.5 days

[samdiegoCPA]

Curious as well since I expressed interest in relocating to Europe next year after I get my CPA license…

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[Tux]

Yes, I'm also interested in this.

I don't know if many people in this forum would be familiar enough with the European market to give an educated answer. I'm interested to find out.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[krokofilen]

Where are you planning to go?

I can tell you for sure that Americans are needed on Big 4 in major cities in Europe right now. There are lots of American companies and lots of European auditors that either don't have the skills, or don't want to deal with the SOX audits and US GAAP issues. So it's a good perfect fit. A little more difficult if you are coming straight out of university i.e. have not already gained some Big 4 experience in the states, but still doable I think if you put some effort into it and go for the right cities.

Big 4 Audit Manager from Europe here to pass the CPA in the U.S. of A in 2014! Niiice!

AUD - 95 / Jul 15 / 130h over 4 weeks
FAR - 86 / Aug 14 / 240h over 4 weeks
(11 week break)

REG - 81 / Nov 14 / 200h over 4 weeks
BEC - 87 / Nov 17 / 30 h over 2.5 days

[Tux]

I'm interested in tax, not audit. So, I'd like to learn about tax opportunities.

Also I do not have Big 4 experience. This is a second career for me. I'm just starting out with just a couple of seasons of tax preparation experience.

I'd like to specialize in expatriate tax.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[VR]

I would love to work in Europe…, because I am from there…. My mom contently asks me to move closer to home, but I told her that nobody needs my CPA in Europe…or I am wrong???

Krokofilen where in Europe are you located and what should I do to move there???? Of cause, 1st I need to pass CPA, but after that….. I have 8 yrs. in industry, I am fluent in 3 languages (English and 2 others) and I know little bit of Polish (not fluent), but my biggest obstacle is my age…. I will be 40 next yr…… Do you think I have any change to work for Big 4 in Europe…or I am dreaming too much these days… Ha, ha, ha…

[krokofilen]

VR:

There are several cities that would work for you. You can easily work in English for any Big 4 in cities like London, Dublin, Brussels, Zurich, Amsterdam, Luxemburg. Since you speak Polish, Poland would be my first choice though. You need to be in a big city though, and it helps if you have experience of working with US clients and perhaps even SOX. Are you currently working for a Big 4? In that case, i.e. if you have audit experience, I don't think your age will be a problem at all. If you do not have any audit experience but wish to go into that industry, I would recommend working 3-4 years in the U.S. to get experience, and then transfer to one of the major cities in Europe (the ones I mentioned are the ones where English would be easiest as working language).

Big 4 Audit Manager from Europe here to pass the CPA in the U.S. of A in 2014! Niiice!

AUD - 95 / Jul 15 / 130h over 4 weeks
FAR - 86 / Aug 14 / 240h over 4 weeks
(11 week break)

REG - 81 / Nov 14 / 200h over 4 weeks
BEC - 87 / Nov 17 / 30 h over 2.5 days

[VR]

Unfortunately, Krokofilen I don't have any auditing experience. I would love to get it and I will try to explore some possibilities after I will pass all CPA exams. Do you know, does Big 4 look for people with specific languages and knowledge of the country or region?

Right now I am unemployed. My last position was as a senior accountant for auto parts wholesaler in Chicago.

Thanks for your response! I love to hear from people from Europe…where my heard and thoughts go so often…..

[krokofilen]

VR:

Sorry for not replying any earlier. I don't think Big 4 firms look for people with particular language skills, except for the languages spoken in the respective countries, but those they can recruit locally anyways so. However, it will be to your benefit having experience with U.S. companies AND speaking one of the European languages (in combination with English). You will need to be in a major city though, in order to fully leverage your U.S. background.

Big 4 Audit Manager from Europe here to pass the CPA in the U.S. of A in 2014! Niiice!

AUD - 95 / Jul 15 / 130h over 4 weeks
FAR - 86 / Aug 14 / 240h over 4 weeks
(11 week break)

REG - 81 / Nov 14 / 200h over 4 weeks
BEC - 87 / Nov 17 / 30 h over 2.5 days

[Author]

Replies