I have been working as a
bookkeeper for 4.5 years in both public and private accounting. I'm
young, ambitious and confident in my accounting (not just bookkeeping)
knowledge. I have recently completed the CPA exam. I graduated 2.5 years
ago.I would like to become an auditor, especially for a Big
Four. I have had difficulty finding an entry level auditor/staff
accountant job. I am living in the Bay Area, CA. What would be
your advise for finding an auditor job? Should I go back to school for
Masters just so that I can get an internship? How difficult is it to
get audit experience when somebody is no longer in school?
You'd want to seriously reconsider trying to jump into audit in your mid to late 20s. The audit culture, especially at the staff associate level, is usually not conducive to people at that age. Not trying to age discriminate here, but do you really want to be taking orders from 24-25 year olds? The relaxed environment that you worked at in the past will be nothing like the audit hours and lack of flexibility at that level, especially during busy season. This is probably why many recruiters are unfortunately not following up with you.
My advice, if you really want to be an auditor, is to apply to small regional firms. If you already have your CPA, there is no point getting a masters, save that $$$. If that doesn't work, befriend somebody who works for an audit firm, and get them to send your resume to the recruiters. This could help.
You'd want to seriously reconsider trying to jump into audit in your mid to late 20s. The audit culture, especially at the staff associate level, is usually not conducive to people at that age. Not trying to age discriminate here, but do you really want to be taking orders from 24-25 year olds? The relaxed environment that you worked at in the past will be nothing like the audit hours and lack of flexibility at that level, especially during busy season. This is probably why many recruiters are unfortunately not following up with you.
My advice, if you really want to be an auditor, is to apply to small regional firms. If you already have your CPA, there is no point getting a masters, save that $$$. If that doesn't work, befriend somebody who works for an audit firm, and get them to send your resume to the recruiters. This could help.
Comments
Thanks for keep posting Notfordisplay, you are really kind taking time to answer to reader´s questions.
Regards from Spain.
M
I really appreciate the time that you took to answer my question. Thanks a bunch!
NP
What?! Are you suggesting paretns are paying big 4 recruiters to hire their kids? Very very unlikely.
"My college student is a mediocre accountant and capable, but unable to beat out other interview candidates on merit alone."
A mediocre student is always going to have trouble, even if the economy was good.
I'm not sure what you were trying to say at the end of your post - but the point is jobs are competitive period.
Lynn @ OnCore Book Keeping