[swatig]

Hi,

Just passed all four sections of CPA. About to give ethics exam this month. Does anyone knows how to join big4? Any tips would help.

AUD Passed
REG Passed
FAR Passed
BEC Passed

PETH (CA Ethics) 64,74

[Anonymous]

I would contact your old university or get in touch with anyone in your past (local) grapevine to get recruiter's e-mails.

[acamp]

For those who are out of school try attending some events, ie: CalCPA has occasional events, mingle and see if any of the people you talk to would be willing to get you in touch with “campus recruiting” (these are generally the people who are in charge of recruiting people without accounting experience).

I don't have any experience with this, but I just typed “Deloitte campus recruiting san francisco” in the LinkedIn search and several DT recruiters from my office popped up. Might try the same (change location and firm to your preference) and shoot some inmails titled “Accounting grad with CPA exam finished looking to join Deloitte” or something along those lines. Include in the body that you're no longer in school but feel you'd be a great candidate (list some short reasons why) and see where it goes. Might also apply under the campus recruiting section on the firm websites so you can mention it within the LinkedIn message. ie: Apply on-line, a week later send the LinkedIn email and mention that you understand how busy recruiters must be and how my apps they must receive and that you're trying to find another way to get noticed. This way, they see you've gone through the standard channel, and they'll have your full application on file if they want to check it out.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

For those who are out of school try attending some events, ie: CalCPA has occasional events, mingle and see if any of the people you talk to would be willing to get you in touch with “campus recruiting” (these are generally the people who are in charge of recruiting people without accounting experience).

I don't have any experience with this, but I just typed “Deloitte campus recruiting san francisco” in the LinkedIn search and several DT recruiters from my office popped up. Might try the same (change location and firm to your preference) and shoot some inmails titled “Accounting grad with CPA exam finished looking to join Deloitte” or something along those lines. Include in the body that you're no longer in school but feel you'd be a great candidate (list some short reasons why) and see where it goes. Might also apply under the campus recruiting section on the firm websites so you can mention it within the LinkedIn message. ie: Apply on-line, a week later send the LinkedIn email and mention that you understand how busy recruiters must be and how my apps they must receive and that you're trying to find another way to get noticed. This way, they see you've gone through the standard channel, and they'll have your full application on file if they want to check it out.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[ParanoidAndroid]

I went to a university where there is no recruiting from any large CPA firms, just small local firms. I've been contacting partners/recruiters via Linkedin. So far, I've been invited to an office visit with PwC with no set date though and also waiting for something from Deloitte..I just try to contact as many people as possible. Sometimes I just shoot partners a message and they forward my info to the HR guys…=]

CPA for life...

[ParanoidAndroid]

I went to a university where there is no recruiting from any large CPA firms, just small local firms. I've been contacting partners/recruiters via Linkedin. So far, I've been invited to an office visit with PwC with no set date though and also waiting for something from Deloitte..I just try to contact as many people as possible. Sometimes I just shoot partners a message and they forward my info to the HR guys…=]

CPA for life...

[kudawudashuda]

I am interested in working for one of the Big 4's and I'm ready to sell my soul to them. Any tips for someone in the Los Angeles area with no Accounting experience (other than doing VITA), and been out of college since beginning of 2013? I've passed 3/4 sections so yeah I believe it's time to job hunt.

I already tried submitting a resume on the company's website, but so far no luck. Thinking about going to Meet the Firms types of events at colleges…

I've had an interview with McGladrey before in my senior year in college, but ultimately I wasn't the right fit…also do you guys have any interview tips as to being optimistic / enthusiastic and or coming off as too serious?

REG = 58 (02-20-13), 75 (05-01-13)
AUD = 67 (05-29-13), 79 (08-29-13)
BEC = 83 (07-31-13)
FAR = 72 (10-29-13), 69 (02-27-14), 73 (04-16-14), 81(08-13-14)

Study Materials = Becker 2013 + Wiley Online Test Bank
(75%) On my Way to a CPA (minus the experience requirement)!

[kudawudashuda]

I am interested in working for one of the Big 4's and I'm ready to sell my soul to them. Any tips for someone in the Los Angeles area with no Accounting experience (other than doing VITA), and been out of college since beginning of 2013? I've passed 3/4 sections so yeah I believe it's time to job hunt.

I already tried submitting a resume on the company's website, but so far no luck. Thinking about going to Meet the Firms types of events at colleges…

I've had an interview with McGladrey before in my senior year in college, but ultimately I wasn't the right fit…also do you guys have any interview tips as to being optimistic / enthusiastic and or coming off as too serious?

REG = 58 (02-20-13), 75 (05-01-13)
AUD = 67 (05-29-13), 79 (08-29-13)
BEC = 83 (07-31-13)
FAR = 72 (10-29-13), 69 (02-27-14), 73 (04-16-14), 81(08-13-14)

Study Materials = Becker 2013 + Wiley Online Test Bank
(75%) On my Way to a CPA (minus the experience requirement)!

[Anonymous]

^ Doesn't your school have career fairs for alumni?

Optimism/enthusiasm is always good but in my opinion, you want to be as genuine as possible.

Interviewers come in different shapes and sizes. Some are serious right off the bat and some are looking for a genuine conversation with small talk and etc. Just find a way to connect with the interviewer and find a way to be outstanding amongst your fellow candidates.

Don't be afraid to list hobbies/interests on your resume- the interviewer will especially bring it up if he/she shares a common interest.

[Anonymous]

^ Doesn't your school have career fairs for alumni?

Optimism/enthusiasm is always good but in my opinion, you want to be as genuine as possible.

Interviewers come in different shapes and sizes. Some are serious right off the bat and some are looking for a genuine conversation with small talk and etc. Just find a way to connect with the interviewer and find a way to be outstanding amongst your fellow candidates.

Don't be afraid to list hobbies/interests on your resume- the interviewer will especially bring it up if he/she shares a common interest.

[acamp]

“Interests: Travel, sporting events, emerging science and technology and home-brewed espresso.” is what I listed on mine. I went with two broad topics that any interviewer could talk about and two niche/different interests that either the interview might relate to or bring up due to general interest, I mean, who the hell puts espresso as an interest?! I was definitely asked about that one a few times

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

“Interests: Travel, sporting events, emerging science and technology and home-brewed espresso.” is what I listed on mine. I went with two broad topics that any interviewer could talk about and two niche/different interests that either the interview might relate to or bring up due to general interest, I mean, who the hell puts espresso as an interest?! I was definitely asked about that one a few times

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[kudawudashuda]

@dksmoove

During my small talk with the recruiters at my Meet the Firms, it seemed like the associates and recruiters all liked me. When I got to my interview, I found out that the recruiter was not conducting the interview but instead a partner was. The partner seemed like a serious man, so during my interview I think I came off a bit too serious so there goes my luck.

I'll check to see if there are any alumni programs out there. THanks!

@acamp

Hmm sounds interesting, see the thing is all of my interests relate to stuff that they might consider childish such as videogames, music, rollercoasters, etc. So would I have to list something that is generic that everyone likes such as the color blue or sushi?

REG = 58 (02-20-13), 75 (05-01-13)
AUD = 67 (05-29-13), 79 (08-29-13)
BEC = 83 (07-31-13)
FAR = 72 (10-29-13), 69 (02-27-14), 73 (04-16-14), 81(08-13-14)

Study Materials = Becker 2013 + Wiley Online Test Bank
(75%) On my Way to a CPA (minus the experience requirement)!

[kudawudashuda]

@dksmoove

During my small talk with the recruiters at my Meet the Firms, it seemed like the associates and recruiters all liked me. When I got to my interview, I found out that the recruiter was not conducting the interview but instead a partner was. The partner seemed like a serious man, so during my interview I think I came off a bit too serious so there goes my luck.

I'll check to see if there are any alumni programs out there. THanks!

@acamp

Hmm sounds interesting, see the thing is all of my interests relate to stuff that they might consider childish such as videogames, music, rollercoasters, etc. So would I have to list something that is generic that everyone likes such as the color blue or sushi?

REG = 58 (02-20-13), 75 (05-01-13)
AUD = 67 (05-29-13), 79 (08-29-13)
BEC = 83 (07-31-13)
FAR = 72 (10-29-13), 69 (02-27-14), 73 (04-16-14), 81(08-13-14)

Study Materials = Becker 2013 + Wiley Online Test Bank
(75%) On my Way to a CPA (minus the experience requirement)!

[Anonymous]

^,

Yep it's usually not the recruiters that do the interviewing (although occasionally they will). Coming off as too serious may be okay, as long as they can see themselves delegating work to you and if they think you'll get the job done (on top of them liking you) then you're golden! But do keep in mind that they also look for people who are personable and communicable.

In terms of interests & hobbies, I listed freshwater fishing & specific TV shows that I enjoy (e.g. Dexter, Breaking Bad, Suits, etc.) and you wouldn't believe how many times those interests sparked conversations in my interviews.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

^,

Yep it's usually not the recruiters that do the interviewing (although occasionally they will). Coming off as too serious may be okay, as long as they can see themselves delegating work to you and if they think you'll get the job done (on top of them liking you) then you're golden! But do keep in mind that they also look for people who are personable and communicable.

In terms of interests & hobbies, I listed freshwater fishing & specific TV shows that I enjoy (e.g. Dexter, Breaking Bad, Suits, etc.) and you wouldn't believe how many times those interests sparked conversations in my interviews.

Good luck!

[Author]

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