Big 4/midsize firm possibilities with horrible transcripts!

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    Topic
  • #195908
    Mike2015
    Member

    Hello everyone, I need advice my overall GPA is 3.03 which is not horrible but it’s not great either. This 3.03 is a result of being young and very stupid, during the process of obtaining my associates degree at a community college and this GPA masks tremendous failures. I changed majors several times but was a biology major for the most part so the majority of my classes were science courses. I failed at least 7 classes and withdrew from multiple others (I cringe and my stomach ties in knots every time I think of the damage I have done to my transcripts) and I was in and out of college during this time for approximatley 7 years. I transferred to my current university with a 2.8 GPA and 126 attempted credits, I know it’s terrible!

    I’m glad that’s out of the way and since then things have changed ….

    I decided to pursue a bachelors in accounting nearly two years ago and have turned things around completely. I I have one course remaining to obtain my bachelors degree and will be graduating in December. The GPA at my current university is a 3.35 and I will likely have a 3.38 after my final class. I also have my CPA examination application ready to send out as soon as I receive my final transcripts and 100% committed to passing the 4 sections within 6-7 months. I have to add that I worked full time from the moment I graduated high school (I actually had two jobs during my senior year in high school) and maintained management positions (including insurance billing & coding) while obtaining my associates and bachelors. I have been working at a small forensic accounting firm for the past couple of months and although I love my current job I would like to move on sooner than later to a larger firm with higher pay and better opportunity. I would ultimately like to land an audit position at a public accounting firm pereferably a Big 4 or midsize firm but I’am unsure of how much my past will haunt me. I live in South Florida and also not a traditional student as I’am in my late 20’s. Needless to say I know this will not haunt me forever but I’a terrified of being asked for my transcripts. From what I have seen most mid-sized firms also ask for transcripts.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my story I would truly appreciate your feedback!

Viewing 12 replies - 1 through 12 (of 12 total)
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  • #686797
    roughcpalife
    Member

    Every firm will look at your GPA if you are looking to join the entry associate position. You should list your accounting GPA on the side next to your overall GPA. If it is better than your overall, you will help cover it. Don't hide your GPA on your resume because that sends alerts to recruiters. They will eventually find out and it will not benefit you. Own up to it now. If you can give a good impression when you first see them, have solid work experience, and explain your position, they may overlook it.

    #686798
    needcoffee
    Member

    Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think it is really necessary for you to put your GPA on your resume. Sounds like you have plenty of work experience, so I would emphasize that. GPA is more important when you don't have much else to show or talk about, as is the case with many new graduates.

    "It's choice not chance that determines your destiny".

    #686799
    UM1868
    Member

    That GPA will get you into big 4 in larger cities. Maybe not in an office with 40-70 people.

    Bec-76 (7/14)
    Aud-81 (8/14)
    Reg-82 (7/15)
    Far- 82 (10/15)

    Moral of the story, don't do your CPA while working in Big 4 Public Accounting.

    #686800
    fuzyfro89
    Participant

    Depends a lot on the school as well. East Southern Ohio University may be presumed to have less rigorous accounting/overall courses than one of the better ranked Accounting programs (U. Texas, Georgia, Bentley, Michigan, etc.). I don't know where your school fits in, so just keep that in mind. I started at a firm in the southeast, and the avg. GPA for new hires was quite a bit higher at the “lesser” schools to account for the fact that the program was overall more inflated than some of the stronger schools. They did this to try and “equalize” recruiting among schools.

    Anyway, your GPA wasn't great. Don't hide it, since entry level candidates almost always get asked for it and it's important at that level. Focus on how you will portray yourself and a quick version of your story… no excuses, but show that you learned and what you did to overcome. It shouldn't really be an issue, but wil require you to work on your selling and interview skills more than others with better GPAs.

    #686801
    Hammer
    Participant

    My first 3 semesters in college I had a 0.09 GPA…needless to say I didn't take school all that seriously when I was 18 years old. I ended up graduating with a 3.0.

    I just got an offer with a Big4, so, it's possible.

    FAR - 70, 81
    AUD - 83
    BEC - 77
    REG - 70, 78

    Licensed in Ohio.

    Now what the hell do I do?

    #686802
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    if GPA is weak work harder at networking. I know a lot of people who didnt meet the Big 4 GPA requirements but were able to network their way into interviews and eventual job offers. If that doesnt work, than your probably best off working at smaller firms and gaining experience for a few years before making the transition

    #686803
    Tncincy
    Participant

    Being worried about your gpa is normal and also guilt of not being serious about school initially, but what young person is totally focused and not fooling around…Before the site blow up with “what do you mean I was focused, young and Magna Summa Cum Laude” I'm not addressing that, I am saying it's ok. If the company ask you, tell them, if not go on to be a great accountant.

    My nephew was turned down by Tennessee and Kentucky to play basketball, not because he is not a good ball player but because he played around 2 1/2 years of high school. His gpa was terrible in the beginning but ended with 3.2 with a 24 ACT score. but they told him they were not sure if he is serious about the work he has to put in for college, so he's going to Junior College to see if college is for him.. ( Good choice, why waste money).

    So, sometimes its too late to get serious, but you did so I wouldn't worry about it any further. Don't put the gpa on the resume, let them ask you for it. Most importantly, past the cpa exam and the rest probably won't matter.

    It begins with a 75
    Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

    It begins with a 75
    Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

    #686804
    Mike2015
    Member

    Thank you to all of you that have responded, I know my GPA might get me through but I'm more concerned with my transcripts from my associates degree. I failed and withdrew from so many class that anyone who looks at it would probably assume I am incompetent lol. If you look at my community college transcripts compared my current university's transcripts you would think there was some kind of mix up. If I was to get judged from only my upper level business & accounting courses or just all of my courses for my bachelors degree at my current university I would not be so worried. Also the university I attend has a very strong accounting program, I don't know about the university as a whole, they are currently somewhere between #4-7 in the U.S and #1 in Florida for general accounting this is actually the reason why I chose to attend. Have any of you has a similar experience with embarrassing transcripts?

    #686805

    My transcripts were kind of embarrassing. I had a semester in which I had to withdraw every single class due to the university dropping them for financial reasons. My final GPA also ended at a 3.4 in accounting but only a 3.2 cumulative. Needless to say, I still wound up getting an offer from a B4 firm. I went to all of the recruiting events on campus and made some very solid connections with recruiters which is definitely the reason I got called for several interviews. I would advise you to definitely display your cumulative GPA and ACCT GPA on your resume. To my knowledge, not having your GPA on your resume is a red flag when being recruited for an entry-level position. Almost 100% of the firms you apply to will also request for your transcripts, official and unofficial. Definitely reach out to give an explanation as to why your transcripts are the way they are (I took this route and it worked for me). Be confident and proactive and I'm sure you will be able to find a position you desire, the market is really solid right now in regards to job opportunities for recent accounting graduates.

    FAR 8/8/15-86!
    AUD 8/26/15-87!
    BEC 10/3/15-90!
    REG 10/17/15-85!
    AND I AM DONE!

    Big 4 Audit

    Studying with Becker and Ninja MCQ

    #686806
    kmaahs
    Member

    I think you should take a step back and note that transcripts aren't looked at until they are considering you as a candidate, as in already talked with you. Don't worry about them so much.

    I would lead your resume with your work experience and then your credentials with the better of your accounting gpa or total gpa. if you are asked point blank to clarify gpa, do so then, otherwise you should put your best foot forward.

    Honestly you will likely need to get in front of a recruiter if your goal is big 4 or regional, as they typically recruit almost exclusively from schools and career fairs. Your resume at that point is only a tool to guide discussion. Focus on your experience and your cpa exam plans/successes, not your weak points. If it comes up, be ready to explain how you have grown since then.

    Fall is the big recruiting season so I'd look and see if firms you are interested in. Recruit at your school and plan to go see them when they are there. Good luck!

    C.P.A.

    #686807
    win2bet
    Participant

    a small CPA firm is probably your best bet

    ,

    REG 68,87
    BEC 85
    FAR 75
    AUD 64,64, 86!

    #686808
    sushi222
    Participant

    I graduated with a 3.01 and am now working at a Big 4. You just have to own up to it on the interview and not make excuses. If you interview well you should be fine.

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