Advise for someone who has a sub 3.0 undergrad GPA. Does anyone have insights thoughts of getting into public accounting, ideally Big 4? Person partied a bit too much but has been out working for three years and matured a bit. Do you think the years will outweigh GPA? Should they go get a masters with a better GPA? Or should they start with a smaller firm that may be able to more easily look past GPA?EY PwC KPMG Deloitte BDO Grant Thornton RSM
No one cares about GPA once you have a few years experience
I had a 2.96 GPA and was able to work my way to Manager at a top 20 firm. It took me 7 years after graduating to get here and I had a chance to go Big 4 as a senior but opted not to—it wouldn’t have been a good fit for me due to personal reasons.
I’d recommend getting experience at a smaller firm for a couple years. Ride out this little downturn in the economy while you get key experience in preparing workpapers and applying/learning relevant GAAP and audit standards.
By the time you’re on the doorstep for senior at the small firm, you should have the experience/expertise to transfer to a Big 4 as an experienced staff that won’t get stuck doing cash confirms all year long.
Caveat Emptor, however.
The PA game is changing and quickly for that matter. Most firms are thinning out their departments (at the margins), so there may be less availability for you to be properly trained. To me that’s the most important part of starting in PA—getting enough training for you to feel confident you’re being put in a position to succeed.
I have honestly never been asked for my transcript to be hired for any job out of college. The only thing I needed it for was my CPA exam application. If they have work experience I think they will be fine.
I had a sub-3.0 GPA too and found that smaller firms were more open initially. After a few years of solid experience, I was able to move up and GPA mattered a lot less. A master’s can help if you crush it GPA-wise, but real-world experience and networking often carry more weight over time, especially outside campus recruiting.
Had a 3.1 because I partied my face off. 3 years at a mid sized firm erased it.
Had a sub 2.5 but went to grad school and got a 3.5 and went through recruiting then. 🤷♂️
Not sure they actually confirm depending on when you apply but obviously you’re representing what it was and that it’s accurate. Does it doubt? 😆 Just saying…
Grad school could help, but not the best method IMO. I’d network with as many partners, managing directors, directors, and sr managers at the firm, in the group, and in the office you want to be in. Ask about their career and then when the time is right ask for their advice on how to join their group. They will likely tell you to send them your resume.
Your GPA won’t matter but are you based in the third world? Partners would be more likely to consider you.
Don’t disclose GPA unless mandatory. There’s no reason it should be asked for after some work experience has already been completed
Start at a smaller firm for a year and GPA will hardly matter anymore.
I’ve never even looked at a GPA on a resume. Couldn’t care less.
I had below a 3.0 and I got in at a big 4 right away. Work a busy season internship if you can, good way to get an opportunity.