[CoolAccountingGuy]

I was a campus hire and have signed my contract with Deloitte. The contract says I will be given the job upon successful completion of a background check. I currently have a felony on my record from 5 years ago were I made fake ID’s for somebody and they used them across state lines which caused it to become a federal matter thus elevating the crime to a felony conviction.

Despite that I have been allowed to sit for the CPA, just took AUD, and I have passed my CISA certification exam. I have turned my life around and gotten two degrees in Accounting and MIS post these charges.

I have also served in the military and received an honorable discharge.

I am scared that despite having turned my life around this will be seen as an immediate cause for removal of my offer.

Please any advice, success stories, or personal experiences will do so much to alleviate my stress, this opportunity I’ve had is worth the world to me.

[Anonymous]

It’d be in your best interest to be honest and disclose your felony conviction to your recruiter before the talent acquisition/background team finds out and you having to explain about it later unless it’s expunged.

Tell them your story how you turned your life around. I doubt your conviction will automatically terminate your offer, but it’s better to tell them early on rather than their third-party background check company finds out.

[ultrarunner]

@CoolAccountingGuy, I understand your concern. It all depends on the companies, but in my case, the agency checked seven years of employment history, the colleges that I attended, and credit report. The criminal record was one of the items, but it had the option to disclose or explain the situation. It also mentioned somewhere that having the criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify. I'd suggest that you be honest and fully disclose whatever necessary. All the best.

CPA/ MST/ Roger CPA Review

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[Tim]

Was that your only criminal conviction? Have you looked into possibly getting it expunged from your record? Usually they will do something like that if you don't have a big history and have so many years of good behavior. Worth looking into anyway. I'm kind of surprised expungement wasn't part of your original deal with the prosecutor but obviously I don't know all the details.

FAR - 97 (10/12/17)
BEC - 95 (01/15/18)
AUD - 88 (04/06/18)
REG - 89 (11/16/18)

[Anonymous]

I'd make sure to disclose that. I had a misdemeanor that got flagged at KPMG and caused a huge delay in my hiring. It was for a failure to provide proof of insurance when I was driving my buddy's car at 18 years old (I couldn't find it in his car). Had no idea it would have caused such an issue.

[CoolAccountingGuy]

That was the only criminal conviction on my record, haven't even gotten a speeding ticket since. It sadly cannot be sealed or expunged. Its been a little over 8 years since I committed the actual act, but 5 years since I was charged for it, I'm not sure what bearing that has on me disclosing it, but it sounds like I should be honest and hope for the best.

Thanks everyone, this has given me some peace of mind

[Author]

Replies