[Steven K.]

I have an interview with one of the Big 4 coming up on Tuesday and although I am going to mention studying for the CPA during some breaks I had in my employment, I really don’t want to tell them I already took it 3 times and failed (mainly because I didn’t take it seriously enough at that point). Would it be a bad idea to lie about something like this? Basically, what are the chances they’ll actually check my exam scores via my SSN?

My scores weren’t dreadful (65 x 2 (REG/FAR) and 72 (REG)), but if I tell them I failed 3 times already that might raise a red flag. How should I go about this?

Also, once you’re interviewing with the partners, how likely is it that you won’t actually get an offer? Would I basically need to mess up royally to not get the job at this point? I’m pretty confident right now, but as always, when you meet with people you’ve never spoken before things can go a little weird sometimes

Finally, what are some good questions I can ask the partner/directors that would impress them? I wrote down a few but maybe there is an obvious one out there I’m leaving out…

Appreciate the help

[foreseeableCPA]

I've only had one interviewer ask me what my exam score was. I think it is rare that they would ask. I would never lie in an interview, but what you can say is that you are diligently studying for the exams. You don't have to mention that you took an exam before. Also, from my experience, there is a lot of competition out there. Even if you get an interview with a partner it doesnt mean much. They genuinely have to like you as a person. Just be yourself and stay energetic during the whole interview.

CPA - Class of 2013
CIA - Class of 2016

[Minimorty]

Employers should be able to check your exam scores, when you took the exams, how many times you took the exams, etc. This is all relevant information to a person who is hiring.

In your specific situation, I would just spin it however you can spin it without lying. Have you passed any of the exams yet? If so, just mention that you passed X and are taking Y next. If you havent passed any, just say you plan to sit for all four in the next 6 months. I wouldnt lie.

[MICHI2D2G]

Hello,

I would not lie. Honesty is always the best option. It's not the type of thing they are going to check (if they even can) but if your answer sounds fishy that's worse. In addition, if they ask you for your CPA plans etc, just tell them of your future plans and estimated dates.

[Anonymous]

I've never made a secret about my scores. I can't change them. They are what they are. If you were in their position would you rather hire someone who was honest and had a few failing scores or someone who lied? I'd rather have someone who told the truth and explained why they failed. Dishonesty is NEVER an option. I'm sure some people are going to have a stroke over this or wonder what I've been smoking, but I agree with Mini. Employers should be allowed to see your scores. Some ask for your college transcripts. There really isn't much difference between the two. It's an honesty test, pure and simple. Man up tell them you failed 3 times, but that you didn't take it seriously and you have a new respect for the exam and the profession. Good Luck!

[LSNYC]

While I agree with everyone about not lying. I also think if they don't ask about your exact scores you don't need to tell them. If they ask be honest. However if they just ask are you currently studying, when are you sitting for next section, ect answer those direct questions and just leave out the scores. I know that is a lie by omission, however would you give your transcript if they didn't ask for it, no, so if they don't ask just don't mention the scores.

Good luck on the interview!

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[mmcgrad1]

I agree 100% with what Mini said.

NIU CPA Review Correspondence is awesome!

I passed all four sections on the first attempt

[jelly]

If asked how far along you are, reply that you are working on getting it finished. If you ever said or posted in your resume that you passed X# of parts, you may be asked to submit your current score report as proof.

Employers want to hear where your positive progress is on it. It's used to attract and upsell to clients.

Couldn't pass again!

[Whatdidyou]

Yeah.. I agree. I wouldn't even bring the subject up honestly, and if they flat out ask you, be honest and tell the truth.

And YES, lying would be a terrible idea!

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[Steven K.]

Thanks guys, advice taken

The problem is I have a pretty chunky gap in my resume right after college because I simply couldn't find a job anywhere. I volunteered after that and have worked since, but I'm almost 100% sure one of the three people I will be interviewing with will bring up the gap. I guess I will just say that I was studying for my exams and if they want me to go into further detail I will tell them. I didn't pass any parts yet, but I'm actually retaking FAR the day after the interview (crazy, I know). I feel much more confident this time around since I actually went through all the material pretty thoroughly

I got referred for the position by the way, so hopefully they will be a little bit more lenient when it comes to certain things. I don't expect it to be cake though in any way

[Steven K.]

By the way, the only reason I was not going to tell the truth was because I didn't think there was any way that they would be able to check. But now since you guys said there is a chance I definitely won't. I know it's wrong either way, but in my opinion the CPA is a more personal thing than my GPA for instance. I don't think you should have to talk about all the details if you don't want to. Of course if you passed some parts you would obviously mention that, but if you failed a few times I really don't think that's something you should have to divulge to them.

[Minimorty]

I'm not sure why you feel that your CPA exam results are any more personal than your results in school. Also, the fact that you feel something is personal has little to do with whether or not you should be required to divulge the information. I would imagine that being convicted of a crime would be information that you would feel would be pretty personal too, but you would have to divulge it to your potential employer, right? Just sayin'.

[Anonymous]

I don't think a gap in employment is a deal breaker in this economy. There have been a lot of people out of work for several years. If they ask if you were studying for the exam during that time, tell them you were actually more concerned with finding a job. Like Mini said, spin it but don't lie about it. The volunteer work looks good on a resume. I wouldn't worry about the gap. Eventually, most of us have gaps.

[jenuno01]

Agreed. Honesty is the best policy. BUT, let's say someone does lie and an employer suspects of it, or just wants to verify the scores, do they have a way of doing so? Like contact the AICPA or something?

Edit: Obviously, they could ask for your score report.. but I'm wondering, can they verify what your previous non-passing scores are?

Class of 2012

[Anonymous]

@jenuno01 – Good question. I don't know if they could or not. I didn't keep all of mine that were below 75 and I don't think there is a way to reprint them from the NASBA site. I would think this would only be an issue if you weren't licensed. If you had a license then they probably wouldn't be concerned about your scores. I know the state boards have all of your scores. I guess they could ask them.

[jenuno01]

@Kricket, hmm…true, but I wonder if they're considered confidential? I would guess it wouldn't be easy to call the Board and ask about someone's scores, this would follow the whole premise of “a 75 is just as good as a 99”, so why would they disclose your scores to a 3rd party? If I have time next week, I'll call my Board and see what they say.

Class of 2012

[Author]

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