[wannabeCPA123]

I recently completed an accounting certificate at school the Big 4 heavily recruits from. It was an accelerated program that compressed each accounting class into 1 month (9 hour class every weekend).

I didn’t do too well in the program, and I received a 3.56. I did work full-time, and I’ve used that to explain my poor GPA, but I don’t think anyone is going to buy that.

My undergrad was pretty bad too. 3.499 overall (3.7 major). I worked part time and full time during college. Again . I know it’s just an excuse.

I’m also very old (30), and i’ve been working in retail for the last 5 years as a full-time manager.

I received on campus interviews invitations with a tier 2 firm, 2 big four firms and two regionals, so far, and I got rejected by GT ( I skipped out on their event to go to an Big 4 function). I think more rejections and invitations are on the way. A midsize regional already rejected me after a 2nd round interview for an internship.

What chance do I have with these firms? I feel I got the interviews only because I was out-going and networked with associates, and not because of my credentials. Do these firms give interviews just because they are polite? There is no way I can compete with younger kids with 3.7+ GPAs. Why would they invite me?

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[Anonymous]

3.5 is good enough for the Big 4. They might be suspect of an accelerated program but it won't be your GPA that makes them turn you away if they do at all. I wouldn't be surprised if you got a call back sometime between now and the beginning of the busy season. Sometimes they'll over-hire knowing they'll cut people after the busy season if things don't work out so I wouldn't stress over getting in so much as I would about keeping the gig once you get there…that's the tough part; walking the talk. There are tons of people that can study and do well, fewer who can apply what they've learned, and far fewer who can be technicians and salespeople. If you can sell and you understand accounting (as evidenced by a 3.5) you'll kick ass with the Big firms. Think about your classes, honestly, how many people did you encounter who you might mistake for salespeople…I'm guessing not many. So, don't sweat it.

[wannabeCPA123]

I took the offer with the BIG 4. I met 2 people that were in their earlier 30's. One was an associate who looked about 30. Then I interviewed with a 36 year 4th year senior. They were all in the Audit service line.

At the Offer party, I did feel a bit out of place because I was 8 -6 years older than most of the Associates, but there were clearly a few people in their late 20's and early 30's.

I see a lot of threads about older candidates pop up every so often. a 40 year old guy from my class got a job as Staff auditor at another Big 4. It's possible.

There were clearly people with better grades that got rejected though. Honestly, most of it seemed to come down to personality. The people with introverted or “weird” personalities did not get hired by the Big 4.

I do a lot of things besides work and School, and that really helped me. Plus, as a retail manager, I am Used to being respectful and having excellent people and customer service skills. That, I think, helped me more than anything.

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[Anonymous]

My boss worked for PWC years ago and he said that when he had to go to recruiting events or interview students, he said the older students that worked their way through school typically made better employees. So no worries there.

But 30 OLD? Dang I must be ready for a nursing home!

[Whatdidyou]

“I see a lot of threads about older candidates pop up every so often. a 40 year old guy from my class got a job as Staff auditor at another Big 4. It's possible.”

Totally agree. Actually I think 30 is about the perfect age- you have better communication skills and more confidence than you did at 23. It's just that older candidates see all the young new hires and freak out – but in reality it is a numbers game. More ‘young' people with great grades apply through schools than “older” students with great grades. Therefore, naturally, there will be more ‘young' hires.

Generally they give you interviews based on grades (NOT age). And then offers based on how well you interview (where ‘older' candidates have a leg up IMO).

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

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[Author]

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